Charlotte Hornets Midseason Report Card: Bismack Biyombo
Bismack Biyombo is playing in a contract year with the Charlotte Hornets. This article will analyze and grade Biyombo’s performance from the first half of the season.
So far this season, Bismack Biyombo has consistently been ready to step up when the Charlotte Hornets have needed him. After starting the season seeing limited playing time, Biyombo has started in 25 of the 41 games that he’s played in.
Biyombo is currently making $17 million this year with the contract that he has. This year is important for him, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the season.
Without further ado, let’s begin to analyze Bismack Biyombo’s play from the first half of the 2019-20 season.
Offense: C-
To be honest, I did not think Biyombo would come out and average the numbers that he’s averaging right now. He’s currently averaging 7.7 points per game, which his a new career-high for him.
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Biyombo has not been much of an offensive threat, but he’s played well in the starting lineup with Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham. In just 25 games as a starter, Biyombo has averaged 8.2 points per game.
At this point, Biyombo has only been able to score off of assists from his teammates. For all his entire career, Biyombo has lacked an offensive game, which has not allowed him to score on his own. Fans have occasionally seen him score with layups, dunks, and rare baby hooks this season.
Defense: C+
Coming into the league, everyone knew that Biyombo could play defense, and he’s continued to do it this season. This hasn’t been one of his best defensive seasons, but Biyombo’s intensity has been seen while he’s on the court.
After starting the season slow with inconsistent minutes, Biyombo has managed to work his way back and average six rebounds per game. This may not seem like a lot, but Biyombo has been putting in work on the glass.
Biyombo has also found himself blocking shots when needed, as he’s averaging 0.8 blocks per game. In the Hornets’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on 1/15, Biyombo finished the game with a season-high in blocks in a game with three.
Final Thoughts
As of now, Biyombo has exceeded my expectations for this season, and I expect him to finish with career numbers. Biyombo has established himself as the best defensive center on the team, and that should help him get back into the starting lineup after his most recent injury.
It’s hard to say if Charlotte will re-sign Biyombo in the offseason, but fans should not expect the Hornets to offer him a 4-year 72 million dollar contract like the Orlando Magic did in 2016.