With impending free agent decisions, the Charlotte Hornets need to add more depth at the guard position
With Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk both becoming free agents this offseason, one or two spots in the Charlotte Hornets’ second unit may open up.
It is very unlikely that Charlotte will be able to bring both players back, meaning that a very pivotal part of the Hornets’ success will likely need to be replenished.
Grant Riller is an in-house option who could fill either void. The combo guard from Charleston has decent playmaking skills despite not using them much in college.
If the Hornets are looking for a facilitator to replace Graham, in the draft Charlotte could potentially trade back and select Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu would fit that role as well as James Bouknight from UConn.
In free agency, Norman Powell could be brought in as a slashing scorer to replace Monk. This could all be null-and-void if the Hornets retain both Graham and Monk on team-friendly deals, but realistically that won’t happen.
The draft seems like the most likely place to fill these potential holes. If the Hornets are able to fill these holes, Charlotte could become a playoff contender next year and continue on their path of building a very good team that can compete for years to come.