Charlotte Hornets: Should Frank Kaminsky start over Marvin Williams this season?

With Marvin Williams‘ regression, Frank Kaminsky could be close to securing the starting power forward spot for the Charlotte Hornets.

When the Charlotte Hornets drafted Frank Kaminsky ninth overall in 2015, the plan was always for him to eventually take over as the starting power forward. Now entering his third season, that goal looks more realistic than ever.

Even though many have labeled the Wisconsin product a bust, he has been anything but for Charlotte. During his sophomore season, he was actually the team’s third leading scorer at 11.7 points per game behind Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum. If Kaminsky continues to improve his game, there’s a good chance that the big man could be the starting four for Steve Clifford’s side.

While Marvin Williams has been a consistent contributor for the Hornets over the past few years, he isn’t getting any younger and his numbers are starting to regress. Frank is arguably a better offensive player than his veteran teammate but Marvin’s defensive and experience keep him ahead of Kaminsky in the rotation.

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If the 24-year old can improve on the defensive end of the floor, he will have an even stronger case to start. Although Williams had a strong finish to last season, his numbers were down across the board. If this trend continues, it may spell the beginning of the end for Marvin’s time as the starting power forward.

When comparing their numbers, Marvin has the slight edge in shooting percentages and rebounds but Frank’s scoring ability and underrated playmaking skills could make him a better fit in the starting lineup.

With that being said, Steve Clifford’s rotation is about balance and that could keep Kaminsky from starting. Williams is solid on both sides of the ball and while his offense might not be as good as Frank’s, his defense allows the Hornets’ to switch and rotate better than they would with Kaminsky.

Also, by bringing Frank in off of the bench, it allows him to play with more freedom. If he were to start, he would have to take a back seat to Kemba, Nic Batum and probably Dwight Howard. With the second unit, he is always the first or second scoring option.

Kaminsky’s game has grown a lot in two years and at only 24, he will continue to develop. The defensive end is where he will need the most work but he is close to being at the same level as Marvin Williams.

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I wouldn’t mind seeing Steve Clifford experiment a bit with the starting lineup and trying Frank Kaminsky out alongside Kemba-Batum-MKG-Howard. He would help space the floor for a limited outside shooting lineup with MKG and Dwight. Although, I fully expect Clifford to not differ from the norm and continue to start Marvin Williams even if he does struggle.