Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: How likely is a Nicolas Batum-Rockets trade?

By Walker Harris

Charlotte Hornets Nicolas Batum (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Nicolas Batum (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 09: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers in the second half of a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 112-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 09: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers in the second half of a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 112-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Houston has also shown interest in Kent Bazemore

The main barrier to this trade is Kent Bazemore, another player Houston is reportedly interested in.

In his four seasons with Atlanta, he proved his proficiency in the 3 and D role. 39.85% of his shots in ATL have been threes, which he’s converted at a 36.5% clip. 88.6% of his threes were assisted on, and 37% of those threes were shot from the corners, which he converted at a 42% clip. Those are ideal numbers for the type of complimentary piece Houston needs.

Those numbers are also similar to Ariza’s in his four seasons in Houston’s high-octane offense, the only difference being that more of Ariza’s shots (65%) were three’s and more (93.8%) were assisted on. Bazemore has actually shot better in those four years than Ariza, who shot 35.8% from three and 41.7% from the corners.

Bazemore also provides a close approximation of Ariza’s defense. In his past four seasons with ATL, he averaged a 104 defensive rating and a .16 defensive real plus/minus rating, along with 2.5 steals per 36 minutes. With Houston, Ariza averaged a 106.5 defensive rating and a .98 defensive RPM rating, and 1.85 steals per 36.

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