Charlotte Hornets to Target Rim Protector and Backup Point Guard This Summer
With the need to get better this offseason, the Charlotte Hornets’ top priorities appear to be adding rim protection and a quality backup point guard.
During his exit interview, general manager Rich Cho made it clear that the Charlotte Hornets would be looking for both a rim protector and a backup point guard this summer. Whether those concerns are addressed internally, through the draft or in free agency remains to be seen. With little salary cap flexibility, it may be difficult to get players that can fill these roles.
When asked about improvements for next season, Cho said, “We need to work on our defense, also look for a rim protector as well.” (Twitter/@Hornets) He also added that “The back-up point guard is something we’ll definitely look to address in the offseason as well.” (Twitter/@Hornets) These two roles were arguably the biggest problems for the Hornets this past year.
After the Roy Hibbert experiment as the team’s rim protector failed, the front office is now looking for another player to fill that spot. To me, this speaks to how little they believe in Miles Plumlee and/or Cody Zeller as legit interior defenders. Although neither are known for that, Steve Clifford and Charlotte clearly prioritizes a rim protector and they will be searching for one this offseason.
More from Swarm and Sting
- Hornets: Where does Brandon Miller’s ceiling rank among other rookies?
- Charlotte Hornets grade out mostly average in position-by-position ranking
- Hornets News: P.J. Washington makes bold statement on Brandon Miller
- Grade the mock trade: Hornets snag Tyler Herro, flip Gordon Hayward
- Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery?
The Hornets ranked 17th in the NBA in blocks per game this past season with 4.8 per game. Despite that, opponents shot 43.5% in the paint which was the ninth-worst mark in the league. (NBA.com)
As for the backup point guard role, Ramon Sessions‘ second stint with the team didn’t pan out. His team option for next season will likely be declined. It is unclear if the Hornets will bring back Brian Roberts but even if they do, he will not be their main backup. Briante Weber is an interesting option as he is on a team-friendly deal and he showed glimpses of potential near the end of the year.
The backup point guard spot was shaky, at best, all season long. It went from Sessions to Roberts to Weber and back and forth between Brian and Briante til the end of the year.
Charlotte’s been searching for a quality backup point guard since Jeremy Lin left last summer. They need someone who can play behind Kemba Walker and take on some of the scoring load like Lin did last season. Their cap situation will complicate things for them this offseason.
The Hornets won’t have a lot of wiggle room during free agency so a major move will probably come in the form of a trade. Expect Charlotte to go after players who have been good in the past and are coming off of a down season. They’ve been able to buy low on players like that in recent years like Lin, Sessions and Hibbert while trading for lower-end guys like Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb.
Next: Kemba Wants Blake Griffin in Free Agency
Rich Cho and Steve Clifford are likely playing for their jobs next season so this is a vital summer for both of them. They need to go after players that will help the team win games to get back into the playoffs. They can’t afford to miss like they did with Sessions and Hibbert.