Charlotte Hornets should consider signing Brook Lopez
With free agency on the horizon, the Charlotte Hornets should look to sign veteran Brook Lopez this offseason.
With the draft over with, it’s clear that Charlotte Hornets did not address their need at the center position. Rest assured, the Hornets still could look to target an affordable big man in free agency.
A center that the team should look into signing should be Brook Lopez. The Milwaukee Bucks currently do not possess the Bird rights over Lopez, making it easier for him to sign with another team.
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The market for centers this offseason will be a little high, but the Hornets could look to get Lopez for a cheap price. An affordable veteran upgrade would help the Hornets in their quest to re-sign Kemba Walker.
Due to some bad contracts on their payroll, the Hornets are going to have a hard time re-signing Walker while also bringing in assets. Lopez, on the other hand, is a player who the Hornets could get for a nice price.
Lopez played a huge role in the Bucks’ many successes last season, and he averaged 12.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He was an efficient shooter and was a threat from beyond the arc.
The Hornets have lacked a consistent perimeter scorer at their center spot, and with the likely departure of Frank Kaminsky, the Hornets could be in trouble. The NBA is a three-point shooting league now, and it’s important for Charlotte to have players who can space the floor.
Lopez finished last season with 187 made threes, a career-high in three-pointers made in a season. This is impressive, and the Hornets could use this kind of consistency from beyond the arc.
Moreover, Lopez also finished last season with a career high in blocks per game with 2.2. With Charlotte’s defensive rating of 111.9, the Hornets could use some help defensively. Lopez is almost a dream come true when it comes to Coach James Borrego’s needs.
With his impressive play last season with the Bucks, I would be surprised if he is not considered a target this offseason. It’s clear that the Hornets need to improve their center position, as their current options just are not cutting it.
Bismack Biyombo is riding the bench, Willy Hernangomez is getting inconsistent minutes, and Cody Zeller can’t get rid of the injury bug. It’s definitely time for a change in this department.
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Overall, this signing may not be the miracle the Hornets need to re-sign Walker, but it would provide them with an efficient veteran who can help the team in many areas. At 31 years old, Lopez still has the ability to make an instant impact on any team.