The Charlotte Hornets will need to find a way to cope with the loss of Nicolas Batum as he will be out for an extended period of time.
As the Charlotte Hornets‘ second-highest paid player, there were high expectations surrounding the France international. Nicolas Batum signed a $120 million dollar deal over five years in the 2016 offseason. A contract a free-agent ace pitcher would sign during the MLB offseason.
Ironically enough, Batum suffered an injury on Wednesday that end pitchers careers. The Hornets highest-paid player tore a ligament (UCL) in his elbow, the same that requires the all-famous Tommy John surgery to repair the injury. Except Batum will only miss, what is being reported, 6-8 weeks.
Charlotte dodged a bullet, as it was expected Batum would miss the entire season with the elbow injury. Batum, who averaged 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game last season, is the Hornets top two-way player. The Frenchman plays every role for Charlotte — the secondary playmaker, plus defender, rebounder, and floor spacer. The Hornets will certainly miss Batum’s presence, but Charlotte should withstand his absence.
Something he noted on Twitter.
It’s my left arm guys! Everybody knows I’m not using my left hand (that’s what the scooting report says).We have a deep roster we’ll be fine
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) October 5, 2017
GM Rich Cho did a good job of reloading the Hornets’ roster during this offseason, in case an injury of this magnitude happened. Last season, this injury would’ve doomed the Hornets. Now, Charlotte has more depth on the wing.
Trade Marco Belinelli and replace him with Malik Monk and Dwayne Bacon. Sure, they’re two rookies, but Monk and Bacon can both ball. Monk, who slipped to the 11th pick in the draft, is instant offense. While he is not quite the playmaker that Batum is, Monk can replace his scoring production.
After struggling in his preseason debut, Monk poured in a team-high 19 points in a comeback effort to defeat the Detroit Pistons. Through two games, the rookie is averaging 12 points per game. Known as a shooter coming out of Kentucky, Monk is living up to that reputation.
Known as a shooter coming out of Kentucky, Monk is living up to that reputation. Four of his five made shots against Detroit came from three. It will take time for Monk to become a better shot creator, he did showcase his potential.
https://twitter.com/hornets/status/915005983843246080
Given Batum’s injury, this could be Monk’s best opportunity to make a name for himself in a stacked Rookie of the Year race.
As for the other rookie, Bacon is another nice offensive player. Gifted with plenty of athleticism but too streaky of a shooter, Bacon was selected in the second round by the Hornets. If Yin is Monk’s shooting ability, then Yang is Bacon’s slashing ability. Bacon offense comes in the lane or on pull-ups. Bacon needs the ball in his hand to make an impact, so right now he’s best suited coming off the bench. That doesn’t take away from his talent though.
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The Florida State product averaged 23.9 points per 40 minutes on an highly-ranked Seminole team. Bacon played well in the Summer League too averaging 15.4 points per game on 42 percent shooting.
The two rookies can swing games with their offense but could find themselves on the bench with their lack of defensive ability. Especially on a Steve Clifford team.
This is where ol’ Jeremy Lamb comes in.
Lamb, 25, seems like a 10-year vet at this point. One of the main pieces in the OKC-Houston megadeal, that seems forever ago, Lamb has struggled to blossom. A lack of consistency has haunted Lamb in his career. He has the talent, but can he piece it all together?
Through two preseason games, Lamb looks like he’s improved, scoring 17 and 18 points in both contests. Shooting, creating his shot or getting to the free throw line, it doesn’t matter, Lamb is getting buckets. In addition, he can be a primary ball-handler which he has done for Charlotte through the preseason. Check that off the how to replace Nic Batum checklist.
On defense, Lamb has the size and length to guard multiple positions. He can be a solid defender when he’s engaged. But that is what got him on the bench, behind Belinelli last year. Lamb wasn’t dedicated and Coach Clifford punished him for it. Now, the Hornets need Lamb to step up on both sides of the ball while Batum is out, as it seems that Lamb will be inserted into the starting lineup.
With three options to turn to, Charlotte doesn’t have to hit the panic button just yet. The Hornets could add another veteran if they are uncomfortable playing two rookies. Monta Ellis, Rodney Stuckey and DeAndre Liggins are all free agents the Hornets can look towards.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the Hornets shouldn’t panic is playing the Eastern Conference. The East lost multiple All-Stars and playoff teams (Hawks, Pacers) from last year got worse. Say the Hornets were in the West, the season would be in question.
The first 20 games (games that Batum will likely miss) will be a tough start to a season. The Hornets open against Detroit and Atlanta, two winnable games. But later go on a five-game stretch where they play San Antonio, Minnesota and Boston on the road and Cleveland at home, four difficult games. Should Charlotte end up being .500 or a couple games over during Batum’s absence, then Charlotte did well.
Next: Analyzing the Hornets best situational lineups
For Batum, bon rétablissement. For the Hornets, let the roster play its course in the weak Eastern Conference.