Charlotte Hornets should consider signing Ben McLemore

With injuries plaguing the Charlotte Hornets, the team could look to add more scoring through free agency. Charlotte has to wait almost four weeks to get more news on Gordon Hayward and Malik Monk is out for at least the next two weeks. In the meantime, the team will need help to fill their void on both sides of the court.

A good option for the Hornets to consider is Ben McLemore. McLemore played 32 games for the Houston Rockets this season before being waived on Sunday; he averaged 7.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

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McLemore shot 33% from three and 36% from the field this season. While his overall shooting percentage is a career-low, he could improve these numbers in Charlotte. The Hornets are top-5 in assists per game, he would be able to get clean looks.

McLemore is listed at 6’3, but he has the ability to play both wing positions; he would be an upgrade over the team’s current backups.

McLemore only started in four games, but in those games, he averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while also shooting 44% on three-pointers. While he would likely have a bench role, he’s still a good option if the Hornets need him to replace a starter.

McLemore has playoff experience. The Hornets are currently the fifth-ranked team in the Eastern Conference and could make the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. McLemore averaged 4.0 points per game and shot 39% from three during the playoffs last season with the Rockets.

It’s clear the Hornets need more scoring from rotation players following Sunday’s loss to the Boston Celtics. Charlotte has a tough stretch coming up, so the team could look at signing McLemore if the offense continues to struggle against the Thunder on Wednesday.