Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: One Area Where Each Starter Must Improve

By Jerry Stephens

Dec 26, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) attempts a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. The Hornets won 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) attempts a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. The Hornets won 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

SG: Nicolas Batum – Scoring

Shooting Percentages: 40.3% FG/ 33% 3P/ 84.2% FT

Season Stats: 37 GP, 37 GS, 15.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 34.5 MPG

Nic Batum has stepped up his game as of late but his scoring is still not good enough just yet. His 15.2 points per game are the sixth worst in the NBA among secondary scoring options. Only the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Brooklyn Nets, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Philadelphia 76ers have a worse second scorer on their teams.

After receiving a huge five-year, $120 million deal this offseason, he was expected to be a star-level player for the Hornets this year. While he has done a great job of playing his typical all-around game with defending, rebounding, and assists, his scoring needs to be better. Batum isn’t necessarily known for his scoring ability but if he being paid like a top shooting guard, then he will need to produce like one.

Upping his scoring just by one or two points per game could be huge for Charlotte. Kemba will always be their first scoring option but having a reliable secondary option is necessary for a contending team. Nic doesn’t have to be a 20+ PPG scorer but the closer he gets to that mark, the better the Hornets will be.

The team relying too much on Walker has been a concerning issue this season and more players need to step up to take some of the weight off of his shoulders. Batum is the one who can do just that. He has the height, length, and shooting touch to up his scoring and help Kemba and the team out.

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