Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets’ Four Biggest Concerns Entering the Offseason

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) argues a call in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) argues a call in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Mar 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) is congratulated after he made a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) is congratulated after he made a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Ballin on a Budget

The key pieces are there for Charlotte.

They have the formula for a winning team but they are still a few players away from truly becoming a perennial playoff franchise. The Hornets need to get better, the problem with that is that they don’t have a lot of cap space. With six players earning at least $12 million next season, their options will be limited in free agency. (Spotrac.com)

With the salary cap being set at $101 million for next year, Charlotte doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room. They have almost no money to spend but they still need to get better. One of the only ways the Hornets will be able to sign a quality player will be with their mid-level exception. Aside from that, they have nine players with guaranteed contracts so the roster you see now will likely be what you’ll get at the start of next season barring any trades.

This means that Rich Cho will need to find diamonds in the rough. The Hornets need to sign difference makers on cheap contracts like they did with Jeremy Lin two years ago. Although that is unlikely and extremely difficult, there will be players like that in free agency. They need to find veteran guys who are coming off of down seasons and looking to rebuild their reputation. Charlotte tried to do this with Ramon Sessions and Roy Hibbert but neither of those panned out.

Cho has his work cut out for him. He already admitted that they will be looking for a backup point guard and an interior defender this offseason. Mainly, the Hornets need to improve their bench. Time and time again the second unit would let the starters down this past season.

Home/Hornets News