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Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: Low-Risk, High-Reward options in free agency

By Jerry Stephens

Dec 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) defends during the first Half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) defends during the first Half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) attempts to dunk the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Golden 1 Center. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Sacramento Kings 99-85. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) attempts to dunk the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Golden 1 Center. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Sacramento Kings 99-85. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben McLemore

McLemore was arguably the top prospect coming out of college in 2013. He slipped to the Kings at No. 7 but his time in Sacramento hasn’t gone as planned. In four seasons, he’s only averaged double-digits once and that was his sophomore season.

The Kings recently chose not to extend a qualifying offer to Ben which means that he will be an unrestricted free agent rather than being restricted this summer. The 24-year old still has a long career ahead of him but he needs a chance to turn things around. Charlotte can give him that opportunity.

They need wing depth and McLemore could come at a reasonable cost. After only averaging 8.1 points per game this past season, it will be interesting to see what the market is like for him. He could possibly cost the Hornets their MLE but there’s a slight chance that he comes cheaper than that.

The 6’5 shooting guard is athletic and he shot close to 40% from the three-point line. He’s exactly the type of player Charlotte needs off the bench. pair him with Malik Monk and the two could be a lethal pairing.