While fans await news on the NBA’s regular season, the Charlotte Hornets could be gearing up for a huge free agency period this year.
As the Charlotte Hornets sit and wait for news about the season, the team could begin to do some serious research for free agency. When the 2019-20 season is officially over, the Hornets will finally have some cap space to work with.
Heading into free agency, the Hornets could be in the market for a young and productive player to add to their young lineup. A great option for Coach James Borrego’s team would be Brandon Ingram.
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Taking a look at Ingram would not be a random approach. Hornets’ General Manager, Mitch Kupchak, took him in the 2016 NBA Draft for the Los Angeles Lakers.
After being traded away from the Lakers in the 2019 offseason, Ingram is now coming off an All-Star season with the New Orleans Pelicans. In just 56 games this season, Ingram averaged 24.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Bleacher Report even cited the Charlotte Hornets as a possible destination for Ingram. The article states the main reason he could come to Charlotte is because of the connection he has with North Carolina. Ingram was born in Kinston, North Carolina, and he played college ball for the Duke Blue Devils.
Since the Hornets are currently rebuilding, the team is clearly focused on targeting young players. Furthermore, the team will also be attempting to find a way to not mess up their cap space as they have in previous years.
Ingram has been dominant this year, and this brought him a lot more attention. Unless Ingram finishes this season as a member of an All-NBA team, he will not be eligible for a supermax contract.
Charlotte did not offer Kemba Walker a supermax contract last year, so I assume the Hornets would not be eager to offer Ingram one if he makes All-NBA. However, the team will enter free agency with about $30 million in cap space.
If Charlotte was to sign Brandon Ingram, they would be getting a consistent player that can provide a lot of length on both sides of the court. Ingram can score when he gets the ball, while also grabbing boards on defense.
As a team that struggles to grab rebounds, the Hornets could use another consistent rebounder. The Hornets currently average 42.8 rebounds per game, making them the 25th worst team in the league.
Coach Borrego told the media that he wouldn’t mind having more shooters on the roster. Ingram could bring better shooting to Charlotte, as he’s shooting 47% from the field and 39% from three.
Since Ingram can also play both forward spots, he offers Coach Borrego a lot of versatility. If Ingram comes to Charlotte, I can see him playing the three, Miles Bridges playing the four, and PJ Washington possibly playing the five.
The previously proposed lineup may sound crazy, but it’s something that Coach Borrego would try. During the 2019-20 season, Borego consistently experimented with small-ball lineups.
If Ingram comes back to his home state, I think he would have a lot more offensive opportunities. I can also see him playing very well with Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham, as they lead the team in scoring.
The Hornets are a small-market team, and it’s difficult for them to bring in popular free agents. If the team wants to finally make Charlotte a top landing destination, then the team will need to sign a popular rising star like Brandon Ingram.
The Hornets have a lot of opportunities in this year’s free agency period, but will the team attempt to bring in any big names? Hornets fans should look forward to an interesting offseason.