Swarm and Sting
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Separating every Charlotte Hornets player into tiers

By Ben

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 15: Nicolas Batum #5 and Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 15, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 15: Nicolas Batum #5 and Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 15, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Looking at the Charlotte Hornets’ squad, where does every player on the team rank in terms of tiers for the 2018-19 season?

On every sports team ever created, there are different levels of players. Whether it is stars and role players, or simply players with different skill sets, tiers always exist. Here, I will take a look at how the Charlotte Hornets‘ roster looks when categorized into tiers.

Tier 1: The Kemba Walker tier reserved for Kemba Walker and absolutely nobody else

Members: Kemba Walker

Sure, I could put other key players on the Charlotte Hornets’ roster into this tier, but to be honest, no one else comes anywhere close to doing what Kemba Walker does. Walker is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, its first all-star since Gerald Wallace, and is seen way too often having to try to play 1-on-5 due to his lack of help.

You will hear no argument from any sane person stating that Walker is not the engine that makes the Hornets go. And that, that right there, is why Kemba has a tier all to himself.

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Tier 2: The Deciding Factors

Members: Nicolas Batum, Jeremy Lamb, Cody Zeller

The players in this tier are the three most important players on the roster behind Kemba Walker. Nicolas Batum has failed to live up to the monstrous $120 million deal he signed two summers ago, but he still is extremely versatile and can be effective when he isn’t shooting fadeaway jump shots. He is also very well the best playmaker on this roster, which comes in handy to those who aren’t as adept at creating their own shot. Jeremy Lamb had a breakout season last year.

Averaging about 13 points per game off the bench, Lamb may find himself in the starting lineup on opening night, and it isn’t crazy to think he could up that scoring average to 16 or 17 points per game this season. two seasons ago, the Hornets were 3-20 in games where Cody Zeller did not play. With Zeller in the lineup, they posted a record of 33-26. Needless to say, Cody Zeller(‘s health) is an extremely important piece if the Hornets hope to fight for a playoff spot this season.

Tier 3: The “We know exactly what we are getting” Role Players

Members: Marvin Williams, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Tony Parker, Frank Kaminsky

These are the veterans. Well, kind of. Kidd-Gilchrist is not yet 25 years of age and Kaminsky has only been in the league for three years, but still. Kidd-Gilchrist is going to play great defense and provide great hustle but is going to disappoint offensively.

Kaminsky is going to be a streaky outside shooter, a terrible defender, but will have nights where he looks like a starting caliber NBA big man. Marvin Williams is going to do everything pretty well and is always going to put the team first. Tony Parker is going to, at the very least, be able to mentor the young guys as well as hold down the backup point guard spot for short periods of time.

Tier 4: The Too Soon to Tell Tier

Members: Malik Monk, Willy Hernangomez, Dwayne Bacon, Miles Bridges, DeVonte’ Graham

In case you couldn’t tell, this is the tier for the young guys. All of these guys have loads of potential, but they can’t be grouped into a different tier because well, we just don’t know yet. Monk can light it up. Hernangomez has sneaky good skill for a big man.

Dwayne Bacon has an offensive game beyond his years. Miles Bridges is trying to dunk on everyone in existence. DeVonte’ Graham’s basketball IQ is through the roof. This group may as well be called “the deciding factors: part 2” because each of these players will be crucial in the Hornets’ present and future success.

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Tier 5: The Guys who probably won’t see too much Playing Time

Members: Bismack Biyombo, J.P. Macura (and the other two-way player)

Putting Bismack Biyombo in this group feels disrespectful, but it’s going to be hard to find minutes for him when Zeller and Hernangomez figure to take all the minutes at the center position. As for Macura (as well as the other two-way player), they will spend time in Charlotte and in Greensboro with the Hornets’ G-League affiliate, and will likely only be in NBA games that have already been decided.

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