Backup point guard targets for the Charlotte Hornets

The backup point guard spot is arguably the Charlotte Hornets’ biggest need this summer. Here are a few free agent options for the team to pursue:

The Charlotte Hornets struggled the most last year when Kemba Walker was on the bench. This was largely due to the subpar play of Ramon Sessions and the loss of Jeremy Lin to the Brooklyn Nets in free agency. After GM Rich Cho said it was likely the team would address its backup point guard role, the Hornets could potentially target these four free agent point guards.

Darren Collison

If Collison is willing to accept a backup role, the Hornets him in free agency this off-season. Collison started 64 games this year with the Kings, and averaged 13 points and 4.5 assists. With a eFG% of 52.7%, Collison would far outpace the Hornets backup options this year, who both had an eFG% below 50%.

Ty Lawson

The Hornets would do well to target the Kings other point guard option in Ty Lawson as he scored and assisted more than Ramon Sessions. The speedy point guard would be a good fit in Steve Clifford’s system as a penetrator off the pick and roll. Lawson would have to improve on his turnovers though, to be the best option of the Hornets.

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Patty Mills

After a big postseason, the electric three-point sniper may have priced himself out of the Hornets market, but if he could be signed for a mid-level exception, the Hornets would do well to target Mills. Mills scored 9.5 points a game in just over 20 minutes per game, but his calling card is his excellent shooting. Mills could space the floor very well for a bench lineup that desperately needs shooting.

Milos Teodosic

Convincing the CSKA Moscow Point Guard to come to the States may be difficult, but if the Hornets could sign him, he’d be an excellent addition. The 30-year-old averaged 16 points and 7 assists per game in his Euroleague play. If willing to come over, the Hornets could have a steal on their hands.

The team could also choose to address their backup point guard situation in other ways like through the draft or with a trade. Although, if those options don’t materialize, going after free agents is their best bet. It’s worth noting that Chris Broussard said that the Hornets “can’t get anyone with that name recognition” with their MLE this summer.

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While it may be difficult to sign these players since the Hornets are close to the cap, these four options would drastically improve the production the Hornets receive when Kemba Walker steps off the court. Rich Cho and the rest of the Charlotte organization should look closely to improve the backup point guard slot.