Charlotte Hornets: 3 centers to target in free agency
The Charlotte Hornets closed the 2020-21 season losing six straight games, their last one ending as in a blowout in the Nine vs. Ten matchup in the NBA Play-in Tournament. However, there is a lot to learn from after this season.
For a few seasons now, the Hornets have lacked a true center that can effectively play on both sides of the court consistently. This season was no exception, as Charlotte head coach James Borrego elected to go small toward the end of the season.
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Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo will become free agents this offseason, leaving 2020 second-round draft selections Vernon Carey Jr. and Nick Richards as the only two centers on the roster.
Throughout this season, the Hornets used Zeller and Biyombo in a variety of ways, constantly changing who started and who came off the bench, one played while the other one sat, or not playing either on a given night.
The Hornets finished 25th in defensive rebounding. The lack of defensive rebounding between both centers allowed teams to get easy second-chance points.
The Hornets plan to pursue upgrades at the center position during free agency but have not indicated what players they will target. Charlotte will have the cap space to spend, but the Hornets will need to watch out, so they don’t break the bank.
Let’s take a look at three options the Hornets could go with to upgrade the center spot.