Charlotte Hornets: Way-Too-Early 2021-22 Starting Lineup Prediction

The number one goal in the offseason for the Charlotte Hornets is to upgrade the center position

There is no question who will start at small forward for the Charlotte Hornets next season, Gordon Hayward. Prior to his foot injury that is currently costing him at least a month of action, Hayward was having his best season in the league since his lone All-Star year in 2016-17, which was also his last season with the Utah Jazz before he moved on to the Boston Celtics. Along with the addition of LaMelo Ball and the play of team MVP Terry Rozier, Hayward has been an integral part of the Hornets’ success this season.

The Hornets have decisions to make in their backcourt this offseason in addition to the need at center with the contracts of Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk are expiring. Losing one or both players would be a tremendous blow to the Hornets’ backcourt, especially in scoring.

Could the potential loss of either Graham or Monk force Charlotte to make a decision on who to move forward with at the power forward position?

Miles Bridges has adjusted really well to his move to the reserve power forward role this season after playing the majority of his first two NBA seasons at the small forward position. Bridges didn’t play particularly well in his first start at small forward replacing Hayward. In his last two starts, Josh McDaniels has been inserted into the starting lineup, moving PJ Washington to center and Bridges back to power forward and he has excelled. In his two starts at power forward, Bridges is averaging 21.0 points and 5.5 rebounds, shooting 68.3% from the field and 50% from three. Bridges has solidified himself as an NBA power forward.

Washington has struggled this season after an exceptional rookie campaign but there is no reason to believe that he won’t bounce back. There is also no reason to believe the Hornets won’t move him to improve the team at another position of need. Prior to the trade deadline, Washington was included in a package the Hornets offered to the Indiana Pacers in an attempt to acquire center Myles Turner. Should the Hornets be in a position where they lose one of their reserve guards, the Hornets may be willing to part with a young piece in their frontcourt to replenish the backcourt.

The Hornets are expected to target a number of centers to sign in free agency. Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo will both be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season and it is doubtful that both will be back. There is a possibility that one could return at a reduced rate in a backup role; if that were to happen, your best bet would be to put your money on Zeller.

Andre Drummond, Richaun Holmes, and Daniel Theis have been names attached to the Hornets. Drummond appears to Charlotte’s top target. Drummond recently signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the remainder of the season; the Lakers will have a tough time retaining all of the players that they have picked up this season. After Drummond chases an NBA Championship this offseason, you can expect him to sign with a team that’s willing to cut him another sizable check. Drummond’s next contract won’t be as large as the one the Cleveland Cavaliers bought him out of this season, but you can expect that the Hornets will be willing suitors.

2021-22 Starting Frontcourt: SF Gordon Hayward; PF Miles Bridges; C Andre Drummond