Does Jared Dudley have interest in joining the Charlotte Hornets next season?

Brooklyn Nets forward Jared Dudley may have hinted that he is interested in signing with the Charlotte Hornets during free agency.

Jared Dudley, the 22nd pick in 2007 by the Charlotte Hornets, had a great season with the Brooklyn Nets and was the talk of the league at one point thanks to his beef with Ben Simmons during the playoffs.

Now, after being eliminated from the playoffs, Dudley will hit free agency. On a recent podcast with The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Joe Vardon (subscription required), Dudley mentioned the Charlotte Hornets as a potential destination for him, along with other teams like the Kings and Hawks.

Now, Dudley did not flat out say that he wants to play for the Charlotte Hornets, but it’s cool to see him list them as a potential candidate. Any team in the league would love to have a guy like Dudley on their roster.

Over the past few years, Dudley has established himself as one of the best veterans to have in the locker room. He has helped mentor players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, John Wall and Bradley Beal.

Most recently, he played the role of a mentor for D’Angelo Russell, who was named an All-Star for the first time of his career this season.

Having a veteran like Dudley in the locker room is really important. It also helps that he can still contribute when on the court. He’s always been a very good defender and he can also stretch the floor and knock down the three-point shot.

Every team in the NBA needs true veteran leadership, and that’s exactly what Dudley provides.

During the 2018-19 regular season, Dudley averaged 4.9 points and 2.6 rebounds for the Nets in 20.7 minutes. Those numbers don’t stand out, but he played an important role for a Brooklyn team that surprised many people.

He played the first 1.5 years of his career in Charlotte as a member of the then Bobcats. Dudley was then traded to Phoenix during his second season. It was in Phoenix where Dudley made a name for himself as a lethal “3&D” weapon.

When his playing career is over, Dudley is going to have a chance to do whatever he wants. He has the mind and passion to be a Head Coach, General Manager or analyst one day. He’s the definition of a professional and I respect him for what he does both on and off the court.

The Charlotte Hornets are going to be very busy this summer, with the top priorities being to re-sign both Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb. If they are able to shed some cap space, Dudley could be a good pick up for this team.