If Not Greg Monroe, Who Should the Charlotte Hornets Target?

The Charlotte Hornets were previously linked to Greg Monroe but which other players could they make a trade for this season?

After being linked to Milwaukee Bucks‘ big man, Greg Monroe, this summer, the Charlotte Hornets have indicated that they have no interest in making a deal for him. The rumored deal included a package with Jeremy Lamb and Spencer Hawes. With the Queen City team now out of the running for Monroe, who else could they trade for this season?

I find that to be a good thing. That being said the preseason thus far has screamed loudly that the Hornets need help. In what form should this help take? Should they wait till draft night?

Should they wait even longer and sign a free agent? Should they take advantage of what seems to be Rich Cho’s super power, and make a trade. In this article I would like to take a look at few possible targets, and why the Hornets should target them.

Rudy Gay

I know Rudy has never been one of the more popular players in the NBA, but I have long held him to be one of the more under-rated players in the NBA. Last year he averaged 17 points and just under seven rebounds and two assists. However, the quality that would almost assuredly make him a success with the Hornets is his versatility. At six foot eight he can play everything from two guard to power forward.

We all know how much Coach Clifford values versatile players. He would be great as the Hornets number two scorer allowing Nick to do what he does best focus on moving the ball. The acquirement method that I would suggest for Rudy would be waiting till the summer, and signing as a free agent. Gay has already said that he wants to leave the Sacramento Kings and will opt-out of his contract after the season. While I really like Rudy, (and had hoped for his selection over Adam Morrison) I don’t recommend giving up an asset for him.

Gorgon Hayward

Gordon is a player that has shown interest in Charlotte before. During his restricted free agency he signed an offer sheet with the Hornets which the Utah Jazz soon matched. The scoring, leadership, and three point shooting that this young man provides is definitely worth a second attempt.

Gordon by all accounts is a great young man, and good team mate. He led his team last season with 19 points per game. I would offer MKG and the Frank the Tank to put Mr. Haywood in purple and Teal.

Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph is my next player. He would provide the low post scoring that we lost when we lost Big Al. He also would solve a much needed rebounding problem. The veteran power forward has always been a twenty and ten threat ever since he joined the NBA. This is something that the Hornets have had short supply of the last few years. Randolph joining the Hornets makes them a lock for the playoffs. He has recently lost his starting spot with the Memphis Grizzlies and may want to be on a new team.

Nerlens Noel

My last candidate for a Charlotte Hornets uniform is Nerlens Noel. You might say in this case that I saved the best for last. Well, you would be absolutely right. This young man is loaded with potential. So much in fact that the defensive potential of Noel in the paint and MKG on the wings has me drooling. This killer Kentucky combo would give opposing offenses fits. The Philadelphia 76ers‘ big man is part of front court that is log jammed with a number of talented, young bigs. One of Noel, Joel Embiid, or Jahlil Okafor will probably be moved this season.

Next: Is the Championship Reconnect at an End?

Finally, while we do not know what moves the office of the Charlotte Hornets are contemplating we know that they are often having discussions. One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a fan is speculating what your team is going to do next.

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