Charlotte Hornets 2018-19 Season Grades: Bismack Biyombo had spotty return

Bismack Biyombo stepped up when his number was called this season for the Charlotte Hornets, giving them decent production at the center position.

Yeah, he’s not the flashiest player, and a lot of fans will tell you that he wasn’t good for the Charlotte Hornets this season, but I think Bismack Biyombo carried himself professionally both on and off the court in 2018-19.

When injuries struck Cody Zeller and the Hornets this season, Biyombo stepped up and played rotational minutes throughout the season. He even started in 32 of the 54 games he played in this season.

He was traded to the Hornets last summer. This is his second stint with the team, as he was originally drafted by Charlotte in 2011. His return to Charlotte was an interesting one.

Biyombo averaged 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and just under one block per game for Charlotte this past season. He was easily the best rim protector on the Hornets roster, but it’s tough for one person to hold down the fort on that end.

As a starter, those averages slightly increased to 5.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.

Like I briefly mentioned earlier, starting center Cody Zeller dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season. From a broken hand to a bum knee, Zeller had a tough time staying on the court, so Charlotte had to rely on guys like Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez.

In what was his first start of the season, Biyombo went off for 16 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks against the Nuggets. The Hornets lost the game, but it became clear after that night that Biyombo is capable when given the opportunity.

Yeah, he didn’t play up to his $72 million contract that he got when he was with the Magic, and he never will live up to that number, but he served as a solid third/fourth big on a team that was just one game away from the playoffs.

Now, I’m not saying that Biyombo was great this season, that’s not the case at all. I do think, though, that Biyombo played his role nicely and deserves a little bit more credit. He had some good moments this year, and some bad moments, like we all do as human beings.

With that being said, let’s dive in and grade Biyombo’s 2018-19 campaign for the Charlotte Hornets.

Like I said, on the court, Biyombo didn’t exactly have any jaw dropping moments this season, but he played his role as the third center nicely. Off the court, he was a good teammate and never complained about that role.

Speaking about his performance off the court, he also accomplished something very rewarding; Biyombo was elected as an NBPA Vice President. Overall, I think Biyombo is satisfied with how his 2018-19 season went.

Biyombo has a player option for the 2019-20 season, but he already plans on exercising that option and returning for the Hornets next season. It’s no surprise at all, considering he would not get anywhere close to his $17 million annually on the open market.

If he isn’t traded during the off-season, then you can expect Biyombo to have the same role he had this year going into next season. He likely won’t be apart of the regular rotation, but when his number is called, he’ll be ready to bring energy and defense.