Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: 3 rotation adjustments to try after All-Star break

By Shawn Simmons

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 01: P.J. Washington #25 and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets high five in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on March 01, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 01: P.J. Washington #25 and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets high five in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on March 01, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts a layup past Nick Richards #14 of the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center on January 04, 2021, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts a layup past Nick Richards #14 of the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center on January 04, 2021, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

At the conclusion of the NBA G League season, the Charlotte Hornets should insert Vernon Carey or Nick Richards into the rotation.

The Charlotte Hornets continue to struggle defensively as a team. The team does not rebound well from the center position and continues to struggle at defending the rim. In Charlotte’s attempt to cover up deficiencies at the rim, the Hornets often packs the paint which results in opposing offenses lighting Charlotte up with open three-pointers.

Injuries have plagued Cody Zeller all season which has forced Bismack Biyombo to play a much larger role this season. The Hornets have also tried to play small-ball with PJ Washington at the center but Washington struggled.

The Hornets used two second-round draft picks this past offseason on young centers, Vernon Carey Jr. and Nick Richards. Carey and Richards are currently in Orlando playing the NBA G League season with the Hornets’ affiliate Greensboro Swarm.

In 12 games, Carey has averaged 17.4 points and 9.3 rebounds.

Richards missed early time with the Swarm due to injuries back in Charlotte. In 7 games since he was reassigned to the Swarm, Richards is averaging 16.4 points and 9.3 rebounds. Richards was shown good touch from three, connecting on 50% of his attempts.

The NBA trade deadline is on March 25. The Hornets will be watched to see what they do with Zeller. Will he be traded, bought out, or remain with the team for the rest of the season? The Hornets could potentially bring in another veteran center such as Andre Drummond, John Collins, or DeMarcus Cousins.

Despite what moves the Hornets do or do not make, they should consider giving either Carey or Richards a try at the backup center position in the rotation after the G League season concludes. Both players have shown the ability to rebound at their position and the potential to contribute on offense.

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