Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: How the Suns success can serve as a blueprint

By Jason Huber

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 24, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 24, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Mar 28, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives between Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) and Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives between Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) and Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /

Adding veteran players at the right time

Signing or trading for veteran players that can help bring your team to the next level matters and it must come at the right time.

For years, Phoenix had a veteran like Tyson Chandler who helped the young players grow up in the league.

Charlotte seems to have started that process by signing Gordon Hayward who proved to be a key veteran piece when healthy last year. He’ll be locked up for another three years and can help teach the young players how to win.

It took a while for the Suns to feel like they can compete, having the worst record in the league just a few years ago, but after winning eight straight games in the bubble last year, they made the blockbuster move of trading for point guard Chris Paul.

Paul is an all-time great and it’ll be tough for the Hornets to get a player like him anytime soon but if they can develop the talent and roster correctly when the time is right, they might just be able to add that one final all-star to help them win it all.

Jae Crowder is another veteran that Phoenix added at the right time last offseason and has become pivotal for the team’s success.

The Hornets need to be very calculated when it comes to making trades and adding certain free agents. Not too soon but not too late.

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