Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: Why Tony Parker is worth the risk

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 21: Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Charlotte Hornets tries to stop Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 21, 2016 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 21: Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Charlotte Hornets tries to stop Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 21, 2016 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Tony Parker could prove to be a good low-risk, high-reward move for the Charlotte Hornets this season as they take a gamble on the 36-year old.

When the Charlotte Hornets first signed Tony Parker, many fans were puzzled by the move to sign an aging backup point guard rather than pick up a younger option like Shabazz Napier. Although, now that the full terms of TP’s deal have been released, it is looking more and more like a good move by the Queen City team to acquire him.

It was originally reported that Charlotte signed Parker to a two-year, $10 million deal. It was later revealed that the second year of his contract is unguaranteed which is a major win for the Hornets. That means that if Tony doesn’t play well during his first season with the team, they can waive him without any repercussions.

His experience alone makes him a great pickup for Charlotte. Parker will be able to provide veteran leadership and championship experience to a team that desperately needs it. He can help mold rookie Devonte’ Graham as the second-round pick could be the Hornets’ backup point guard of the future. Tony should also be able to help Kemba Walker with the locker room and his experience is valuable come playoff time.

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With the second year of his deal being unguaranteed, it makes Tony a low-risk, high-reward move for the team.

At best, Parker will be a capable backup who can not only run the second-unit but also help relieve some of the playmaking pressure that is put on Kemba. He won’t average 15+ points per game but he should be a reliable enough option. His experience could help lead the team back to the playoffs and actually challenge for a second-round appearance in the postseason.

At the very least, he will be better than Ramon Sessions and Michael Carter-Williams were for the past two seasons.

At worst, Tony will continue his downward trend and have yet another career-worst season for the second year in a row.

Even if that does happen, Charlotte has Devonte’ Graham waiting in the wings to take Parker’s place in the rotation. Plus, with no long-term commitment to Tony, the Hornets aren’t obligated to play him or stick with him going forward. They could cut ties with him at the end of the season at no extra cost to them.

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The main focus for Tony Parker will be to stay healthy as he only appeared in 55 games last season. With less of a workload and less pressure, the future Hall of Famer should be able to succeed with his new team. The Charlotte Hornets will look to get the most out of the six-time all-star point guard but even if they don’t they didn’t commit a lot of money to him so the risk is small.

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