Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: Five ball-handling guards to target in free agency

By Walker Harris

Charlotte Hornets James Borrego Mitch Kupchack (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets James Borrego Mitch Kupchack (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 30: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes up for a lay up against the Charlotte Hornets at the FedEx Forum on October 30, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 104-99. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 30: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes up for a lay up against the Charlotte Hornets at the FedEx Forum on October 30, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 104-99. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Potential Mid-Level Exception Targets

Tyreke Evans (6’6, age 28), Memphis Grizzlies (2017-18 stats: 30.9 MPG, 19.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 5.2 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 45.2% FG%, 39.9 3p% (career high), 2.3 TOV/g, 3.96 RPM)

Tyreke Evans is coming off a career season, and the Hornets have just been linked as a possible destination by his brother. As you can see, Evans’ numbers were fantastic across the board. While he is a natural SG, he can also run the point, averaging five assists a game to just two turnovers. Even better, he just had the best three-point shooting season of his career, draining 2.2 three’s per game at an outstanding 40% clip.

Evans fits what the Hornets need and then some. Staggering his minutes with Kemba’s (similar to how Houston staggered Harden and CP3’s minutes) guarantees an elite ball handling playmaker being on the floor at all times.

The potential starting lineup would be Kemba, Evans, Batum, Marvin, and Zeller. Staggering minutes would mean the second unit would be Monk, Evans, Lamb, Kaminsky and Hernangomez. Evans can compensate for Monk’s lack of size and take on the tougher defensive assignment, which would be invaluable to the Hornets with Monk projecting to have a larger role next season.

Those are playoff caliber lineups.

So far, Evans has free agency meetings with the Hornets, Lakers, Thunder, and Warriors. Of these teams, the Hornets can offer him the most money with their full MLE. However, Evans could be enticed to chase a ring and opt to sign with a contender, so there is going to be some competition. Evans’ brother also noted that they wouldn’t turn down a meeting with the Grizzlies, who could offer Evans as much as they want as they own his bird rights.

Signing Evans, the third best SG by RPM last season, is by far the best case scenario for the Hornets, and signing him should be the team’s priority. Ultimately his decision will come down to what’s most important to him: his role and salary, or winning championships. If role and salary are more important, it’s a very real possibility that he chooses the Hornets.