Charlotte Hornets significantly improved their bench this offseason
Even though they only had limited resources, the Charlotte Hornets still found a way to improve their second unit this summer.
Rich Cho had his work cut out for him this offseason but the Charlotte Hornets‘ general manager did the seemingly impossible by making a number of moves that look to have upgraded the team’s bench. The second unit looks strong on paper and we could see an effective bench like they had two years ago with “Bench Force One.”
Although Charlotte’s bench wasn’t abysmal last season, there was a clear drop-off in production when the starters exited the game. The Hornets ranked 13th in bench points per game (36.6), 25th in rebounds (13.9), and 18th in assists (7.5). Their poor bench play was a big reason why they missed the playoffs last year.
In order for the Hornets to not only return to the postseason this year but also become true competitors in the Eastern Conference, they will need a bench that they can rely on. Even though we haven’t seen their new and improved bench play together, it’s safe to say that they will at least match last season’s production if not easily surpass it.
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Charlotte’s bench was comprised of Ramon Sessions, Marco Belinelli, Jeremy Lamb, Frank Kaminsky and Miles Plumlee last year. After making some moves this summer, Rich Cho managed to turn the Hornets’ bench into Michael Carter-Williams, Malik Monk, Lamb, Kaminsky and Cody Zeller. The Hornets also added more wing depth with second-round pick Dwayne Bacon.
Looking at the backup point guard spot which was arguably the team’s biggest question mark this offseason, they were able to replace Sessions with MCW. While that move may not look like a significant one, it just shows how poor Ramon was last year. Hopefully, a change of scenery for the former Rookie of the Year will help him have a bounce back season with Charlotte. The Low-risk, high-reward move is the perfect gamble as they signed Carter-Williams to a short-term contract worth only $2.7 million.
For once, a gift fell to the Hornets as Monk was still on the board when they selected at 11th overall. While there is a case to be made for Malik starting, the more likely scenario is that Steve Clifford will bring him off of the bench to start his rookie season. The Kentucky product gives Charlotte a uber athletic scorer off the bench who can play both on and off the ball. He will take over the sixth man role and give the team a true main scoring option off the bench after not having a consistent one last year.
As for Lamb and Kaminsky, both of them were decent bench players last season. Jeremy was less consistent but the Hornets are banking on him to bounce back in a less prominent role this year. Frank will attempt to take another step forward.
With the addition of Dwight Howard to Charlotte’s starting lineup, the team now has one, if not, the best backup center in the league with Cody Zeller. The 24-year old made great strides for the Hornets as a starter last year and now he will look to have the same impact off of the bench. The trade for Howard made both the starting five and the second unit better.
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I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the Charlotte Hornets have one of the best bench units in the Eastern Conference for next season. Ultimately, we have to wait and see how effective the new additions are but the team’s bench will look remarkably different from last year’s.