Charlotte Hornets: Grading Bismack Biyombo’s 2020-2021 Season

The starting center position this past season for the Charlotte Hornets was split between Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller. Biyombo, drafted 7th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, hasn’t been known for offense much of his career. His primary strengths have been defense and rebounding, both of which were on display in the 2020-2021 season.

Biyombo played in 66 games last season and started 36. He put up 5 points and 5 rebounds a night, which aren’t eye-popping numbers but there were glimmers of offense from Biyombo, most notably his season high performance of 16 points and 12 rebounds against the Memphis Grizzlies at the start of the season. His three-point attempt provided a hilarious reaction from Hornets announcer Eric Collins.

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1345173857838137344?s=20

Most of Biyombo’s points came from easy layups or dunks thanks to his rebounding effort and the play-making of rookie sensation LaMelo Ball. There hasn’t been much else that Biyombo showed in the offensive department. He only posted three double-doubles during the 2020-2021 campaign.

The defensive presence and rebounding capabilities that Biyombo provided was decent this last season. The Hornets just need more from a center if they plan on making a playoff push.  Biyombo was 17th in total blocks and grabbed 137 offensive rebounds, putting him in the top 30. He was also 18th in blocks per game with 1.1. Biyombo is 28 years old and is considered a veteran in the league; this makes him a valuable locker room presence to a young team like the Hornets.

There’s much speculation about what the Hornets will do this off-season, especially with the center position. Biyombo and Zeller are both set to be unrestricted free agents, leaving Charlotte with a few options to upgrading the frontcourt. Drafting Kai Jones or signing Richaun Holmes are two scenarios that could possibly work out for the Hornets.

Bismack Biyombo’s 2020-2021 Season Grade: C