Should the Charlotte Hornets pursue Jarret Allen during offseason?

Heading into this year’s offseason, the Charlotte Hornets will be on a mission to improve their roster. One key area the Hornets will need to focus on improving is the center position.

When the offseason starts, the Hornets will only have Vernon Carey Jr. and Nick Richards at center on the roster because Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller will become unrestricted free agents.

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With the Hornets not having a true option at center, Charlotte may look at going after a stronger option if they choose not to retain one of the centers. One option the Hornets can target is Jarrett Allen, who’s a restricted free agent from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

According to Hoops Hype, Charlotte is expected to target Allen during the offseason. Hoops Hype also cited that the Hornets are in need of a center, and they have the cap space to make this signing happen.

However, since Allen is a restricted free agent, many still see him re-signing with Cleveland.

During the 2020-21 season, Allen had a great season, first starting with the Brooklyn Nets and then being traded to Cleveland. Overall, he averaged 12.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.

Allen has the athleticism to make an instant impact with the Hornets’ young squad. He knows when to find his offense and can also be a defensive anchor when needed. The Hornets have spent the last couple of seasons without a true quality starting center and Allen may be their chance to change things.

The Hornets ranked 25th in defensive rebounds last season, which ultimately was a reason that many teams were able to come way with second-chance point opportunities. Signing Allen would give them a great rebounder that would help them secure rebounds on defense.

With LaMelo Ball and other promising young pieces in Charlotte, Allen would be a great option to lock down for the long-term, as he’s only 23 years old. Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak has a lot of thinking to do, but a signing like this would make many fans happy and set Charlotte up for long-term success.