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Charlotte Hornets: Grading Mitch Kupchak’s moves as GM

By Noah Elmore

Charlotte Hornets Mitch Kupchak (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Mitch Kupchak (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 17: Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts a free throw against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 17, 2015 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 17: Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts a free throw against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 17, 2015 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Bismack Biyombo Trade

Mitch Kupchak’s latest move reunites Kemba Walker with his fellow 2011 draftee Bismack Biyombo. Biyombo was traded by the Orlando Magic, who acquired Timofey Mozgov and Jerian Grant from the Chicago Bulls. Chicago dealt Grant and picked up Julyan Stone, saving them some cash.

Bringing in Biyombo is a sneakily great move for Charlotte. They dealt Mozgov’s monstrous $17 million dollar deal for a similar one, but Biyombo is at least able to contribute. Last season, he averaged 5.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 18.2 minutes per game.

An undersized rim protector, Biz will be a situational piece in the center rotation behind Cody Zeller. Likely, he will split minutes with Willy Hernangomez. Hopefully, some of his defensive instincts rub off onto the impressionable Spanish big man.

Grade: A

Simply put, Mitch Kupchak flipped someone who would’ve spent the season glued to the bench for someone that can at least play. No matter how you look at that, it’s a big win.

Next: What LeBron moving West means for the Hornets

Between the Dwight Howard deal, James Borrego’s hiring, and the drafting of Bridges and Graham, Mitch Kupchak’s tenure looks like it’s off to a good start. Clearly, he has a vision for the future of this franchise. Watching him execute it is a thing of beauty. Before long, Mitch may be the architect behind Charlotte’s playoff team.

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