Charlotte Hornets Training Camp: What’s on the line for each player

Backup big or third-string big

The center rotation in Charlotte is identical to last season, but with the Hornets in the middle of a rebuild, they could opt to go younger and look at other options at center rather than play Bismack Biyombo, even though he’s a solid option off the bench.

Biyombo stayed ready for when his name was called last season and I thought he did an alright job. He ended up averaging 4.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games. When starting center Cody Zeller was out with injury, Biyombo entered the rotation and was even able to start in 32 games.

He’s not a bad player by any means, but he is on a bad contract and isn’t in an ideal situation for minutes. During training camp, Biyombo will likely be battling for backup center minutes with Willy Hernangomez.

Hernangomez is the better option, so I fully expect him to earn that role going into the 2019-20 season. It also wouldn’t surprise me if Charlotte goes small throughout the season. They could even use rookie PJ Washington at the five in some situations. This could completely erase Biyombo from seeing any floor time.

Going into a contract year, I’m not expecting a lot of production from Biyombo. When he does get on the court, though, he’ll be active in the paint and will protect the rim. Training camp will be big for him if he wants to earn early rotational minutes.