Some of the most successful NBA careers involve a large amount of adaptation. Here are several players that could tweak their game on the Charlotte Hornets.
Historically, there are three major reasons why a player may need a fresh start. All have shown a track record of success when given that new opportunity. Swarm and Sting will be covering a player from each category.
First, there is the young stud who is oftentimes bubbling with potential and was simply drafted into the wrong situation. There are countless examples of particularly highly regarded draft picks thriving after an early career trade.
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These would be the D’Angelo Russell’s and Chauncey Billups’ of the basketball world. However, delving deeper, there are a plethora of late picks who fit this criteria and usually demand a lower price in a trade. Spencer Dinwiddie and Robert Covington are examples of players who just needed a new team to unlock their potential.
Next, there is the late-career veteran who desperately needs to reinvention. The ageless wanderer, Vince Carter is the poster child for this category. At 43 years young, ‘half-man, half-amazing’ seamlessly transitioned from superstar to journeyman role player.
His emphasis on taking a back seat role in the offense, focusing more on spot-up shooting, and being the best mentor imaginable have all contributed to his sustained success. This type of player could contribute in Charlotte similarly to how Carter has helped the young, Atlanta Hawks the past few seasons.
Lastly, there is a need for a new situation that can aptly be called the mid-career crisis. This is a situation where the player may be having success in the league but needs a change of scenery to reach that next level. This self-realization usually occurs on the precipice of a player’s prime, usually five or six years into a career. Essentially, enough time must have passed for the player to realize that their career can be elevated with a new cast of teammates.
Historically, this can be seen when the player has been with the same, failing team for several seasons. For case study purposes, think of Kevin Love and Chris Bosh in this sense. On a smaller scale, perhaps PJ Tucker or Brook Lopez would be more applicable to the level of player the Charlotte Hornets could pursue.
The idea with these players is that Mitch Kupchak and company would not have to trade the future of the team away. These are players that presumably, can be had at a relatively cheap price and would thrive in Charlotte.