Charlotte Hornets: 3 blockbuster trades for a star big man
By Wyatt Stroud
It is no secret – the Charlotte Hornets need to improve their frontcourt. Fast. With the expiring contracts of Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller coming off the books at the end of the season, the Hornets must start mulling how to best replace their on-court production (or lack thereof).
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Don’t get me wrong — both Bismack Biyombo and Zeller have put in the work to earn their minutes and both have skills that complement the team.
For instance, Biyombo is a veteran locker-room presence that the 10th youngest team in the league needs and has taken rookie LaMelo Ball under his wing, even referring to him as his “little brother.”
Zeller displays his basketball IQ every time he steps on the hardwood. As far as the numbers go – well – they’re not the prettiest. Biyombo currently ranks 508th of 527 players in Offensive Real Plus/Minus this season.
Zeller is often banged up and has not played more than 62 games in a season since the 2016-17 campaign. He is a serviceable big man when healthy, but eight seasons in Charlotte have shown that he is not the long-term answer this franchise is needing at the center position.
While the Hornets are scrapping to hold onto the 8th seed which would give them two chances to win and advance to the playoffs in the play-in tournament, we are seeing every night why Charlotte struggles to win: they lack a productive big man.
It’s never too early to fantasize about big splashes in the offseason, right? Here are a few scenarios that could take the Hornets to the next level.