Swarm and Sting
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Predicting the Charlotte Hornets starting lineup for the 2018-19 season

By De White

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 22: Kemba Walker
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 22: Kemba Walker /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 2: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 2: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Small Forward: Improvement or…

This position is arguably the spot where the Hornets have needed the biggest change. The team has, to the displeasure of many fans, started Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at small forward for the last six seasons. And after loyally giving MKG chance after chance, the experiment has become substandard. Though his defense is above average, it’s pretty hard to justify a player with little to no offensive ability beyond driving to the basket.

The next player would be having Batum return to his natural starting position. This possibility seems the most likely and not only benefits the Batum but benefits whoever starts at the two position and the overall offensive ability of the starting five. Batum is a playmaker and distributor who thrives in getting players the ball in prime positions to score and can additionally create his own shot.

Must Read. Keeping faith in the Hornets. light

The next player is the first selection for the Hornets in the 2018 NBA Draft, Miles Bridges. Bridges is another athletic player whose athleticism and improving defense could undoubtedly benefit the Hornet’s starting five. He’s young, talented on both sides of the court, and has ability outside to the three-point range. So possibly, if the Hornets had any ideas to keep Batum at shooting guard, having Bridges start could also be an option. He also costs $20.7 million less than Batum, so if there’s a possibility…

Two long shots to start could also be Lamb and Dwayne Bacon. Bacon, who’s looking quickly improved to a useful young piece for the future Hornets, has shown that he has the ability to compete in the NBA. With further development, he may indeed be a player who can challenge for more than a role-player.

With all the news coming out of Charlotte, it looks as though Batum may handle the role as starting small forward for the Hornets. This possibly looks like the safest and most efficient choice at the moment. MKG could possibly back up the small forward position when Batum needs rest, and Bridges will undoubtedly get time in at his natural position as well.

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