Swarm and Sting
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Offseason issues for the Charlotte Hornets to address

By Giovanni Spillman

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets talks to his team during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets talks to his team during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With a new general manager at the helm, will the Charlotte Hornets be able to get a win in free agency this offseason?

While the Charlotte Hornets were eliminated from playoff contention this season, it does not mean they are eliminated from competing in free agency. Free agency is almost like the NBA regular season as teams must battle each other to secure the signature of a player.

It is time for the Hornets become aggressive in free agency this offseason and aggressive while searching for their new general manager. It is important to note that Charlotte will look to hire their new GM before the end of the regular season. The new GM’s history may tell us a bit about what they plan to do with the Queen City team.

Let’s take a closer look at the Charlotte Hornets’ next possible GM while also looking at the players to review this summer and their possible starting lineup for next season:

More from Swarm and Sting

Possible General Manager Replacement

Mitch Kupchak

Players to Address

Cut or trade Cody Zeller

  • Since the acquisition of Willy Hernangomez, the young center from Spain has been on fire for the Hornets. His offensive and defensive abilities have proven to be more of an asset to the Hornets than Zeller. Plus, it helps that his contract is a lot cheaper.
  • If Charlotte decides to get rid of Zeller, they would be saving $13.5 Million in cap space for next season. Zeller has a huge contract and has not performed as well as he is being paid for. Hernangomez seems like a better option going forward than Cody.

Trade Nicolas Batum or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

  • Both of these players have had an up-and-down season. Both have been inconsistent and have struggled mightily on the offensive end for the Hornets.
  • Batum has been inconsistent all season and should not be at the shooting guard spot. If Batum was to stay on the team, he should be moved to the small forward position, where he thrived in the 2015-2016 season. His passing, and court vision makes him an asset on offense, but he is not much help at the two spot.
  • On the other hand, Kidd-Gilchrist is a liability on offense. His perimeter offensive inconsistency limits to what the Hornets can do on offense. Other teams know that he struggles to shoot and this causes opponents to hang around the paint more often, causing more double teams and fewer chances to score near the basket.
  • If the Hornets decide to move on from one of these players, it will save cap-space for free agency. If they do not, a better option would be to have Kidd-Gilchrist coming off the bench, to provide exceptional defense for the second unit and to allow Batum to be the starter at the three spot.
  • It may also be important to note that rookie Dwayne Bacon has shown much potential this season and that it could be possible to see if he is given a bigger role with the Hornets.

A Better Possible 2018-2019 Starting Five

Starting Lineup:

Point guard- Kemba Walker

Shooting guard- Jeremy Lamb

Small forward- Nicolas Batum

Power forward- Frank Kaminsky

Center- Dwight Howard

Bench

6- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist / Dwayne Bacon

7- Malik Monk

8- Marvin Williams

9- WIlly Hernangomez

10- Treveon Graham

  • This would be a current lineup for the Hornets based on offensive efficiency. It’s unclear how the roster will look next season with the NBA draft happening in two months. The team could look completely different, but this would be a good option for now.
  • Lamb has earned a starting spot this season. Jeremy has been a consistent scorer for the Hornets. He has averaged 15.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in the eight-teen games that he started. It is important to note that the Hornets could use Lamb as trade bait in the off-season but the better option would be to keep him.
  • Kaminsky has also earned the right to be a starter. As the season concludes for Charlotte, Kaminsky has turned into another type of player. If he slightly improves this offseason and continues to stay very aggressive. He could possibly beat out Marvin Williams for the starting spot.

Next: Ranking the Hornets last eight first-round picks

There are a variety of options that Charlotte could go with this off-season but it is essential that they review the important options that could better the franchise. With a new general manager coming in, it is unknown how much noise the Hornets will make in free agency this year. A lot of it will depend on if they can create some cap space.

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