Swarm and Sting
Fansided

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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CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 10: Yogi Ferrell #11 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 10: Yogi Ferrell #11 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Yogi Ferrell (6’0, age 25), Dallas Mavericks (2017-18 stats 27.8 MPG, 10.2 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1 SPG, 37.3 3p%, 1 TOV/g, 1.09 RPM)

Yogi Ferrell has been a solid starter and sixth man for the Mavs these past two seasons. Despite his size, he defends well and proved his versatility in Dallas by playing both guard positions.

Although he didn’t have as good of a season as his breakout season last year (in which he turned a 10-day contract into a two-year deal), he still shot well from three and played above average defense (1.21 DRPM, 9th among all PGs), even when playing as an undersized SG.

With the drafting of Luka Doncic, the Mavs now have a crowded backcourt. Dennis Smith Jr. will likely play more minutes in his sophomore season, reliable backup JJ Barea and starting SG/SF Wesley Matthews will both still be rotation pieces, and now Doncic will probably eat up a large chunk of minutes at SG as well. As a result, Ferrell’s role and significance to the Mavs has markedly decreased.

He’s still valuable to the Mavs and is a restricted free agent, but with the Mavs showing interest in re-signing fellow free agent guard Seth Curry per ESPN’s Tim McMahon, it’s unclear if Ferrell is in the Mavs long-term plans. My suspicion would be that the Mavs choose to keep the sharpshooting Curry over Ferrell, making him an intriguing option for the Hornets.

He’s young, would fit new coach James Borrego’s fast-paced game plan well, and is an insurance policy for the Hornets if Kemba is traded or if he leaves during free agency next offseason. Oh, by the way, he dropped seven three’s on the Hornets last season.