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NBA Draft: How Scottie Lewis will impact the Charlotte Hornets

By Filippo Barresi

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 16: Scottie Lewis #23 of the Florida Gators runs the offense during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 16, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Gators 75-64. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 16: Scottie Lewis #23 of the Florida Gators runs the offense during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 16, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Gators 75-64. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Scottie Barnes (23), Florida (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
Scottie Barnes (23), Florida (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

The impact on the defensive end by Lewis could come on day one, his abilities fit really well with Charlotte’s needs.

The defensive side of the ball is where Lewis could really have a positive impact on this Charlotte Hornets team. At Florida, he was the best defender on his team and his energy on this end of the floor really helped them during the season. Remember that Lewis is 6’5, 187 pounds, and if you add his 7’0 wingspan one may understand how he was that good defensively. Modern defenders are athletic, long, and very good at switching through multiple positions. Lewis checks all those boxes.

The first area in which he could have a huge impact is perimeter defense. It’s easy to remember how bad the Hornets perimeter defense was last year. Most players were not able to cover a simple dribble penetration from the opposite teams and because of this Borrego decided to pack the rim after the first defensive line was gone. The results were a lot of open threes and teams breaking their three-point made record for a single game.

Lewis is a great defender on the perimeter because of his physical traits and his quickness in sliding his feet. When playing defense he is energized and has the right attitude to be effective on that side of the floor. This type of player is what the Hornets missed down the stretch last season and one that we still need to get out of free agency or the draft. When closing on the perimeter he brings chaos and a frenzy that a good defense always needs, this often results in steals.

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Per Bart Torvik, he posted a steal rate of 3.5% which is an indicator as to how many possessions ended with a steal out of 100 possessions. The Hornets were one of the best teams at stealing and deflecting the ball last year and Borrego will probably keep on beating this drum heading into next season.

It is fair to say that Lewis will fit great on the switching scheme built by the Hornets. Due to his physical traits and his great defensive IQ, he will be able to guard at least three positions next year and this would really help in covering Ball when he gets involved in ball screens by the opponents.

Next. How JT Thor will impact the Charlotte Hornets. dark