Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: 4 players who likely won’t be back next season

By Jason Huber

Charlotte Hornets Cody Zeller. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Cody Zeller. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers blocks Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Charlotte Hornets during the third 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: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers blocks Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Charlotte Hornets during the third 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) /

Bismack Biyombo’s time in Charlotte might finally be coming to an end 

Bismack Biyombo never turned out to be the center that Charlotte hoped for when he was drafted seventh overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, but despite pitstops in Orlando and Toronto, Biyombo has spent seven years with the Bobcats/Hornets.

When Biyombo was traded back to Charlotte in 2018 for Timofey Mozgov, he still had two years remaining on a big contract he received in Toronto. He brought a calming defensive presence and an occasional solid offensive contribution over the next two years. Biyombo performed well enough that Charlotte re-signed him last summer to a cheap one-year, $3.5 million deal before the 2020-21 season.

However, despite making 36 starts and playing in 66 games due to the Hornets’ lack of a center, Biyombo was not very good.

Biyombo seemed to slow the game down for a Charlotte team that was young and fast, and he had a career-low defensive rating, according to Pro Basketball-Reference.

There is no denying that Biyombo brought leadership to this Hornets team. He even put LaMelo Ball under his wing. But Charlotte needs to completely revamp their center position. Biyombo has been a great shot blocker, but with Vernon Carey and Nick Richards waiting in the wings, there is no reason to bring back Biyombo for the fourth time.