Charlotte Hornets: Best defensive lineups James Borrego should use next season

Throughout the off-season, the Charlotte Hornets have been rumored to have wanted to upgrade their rim protection and perimeter defense. The Hornets have been linked to multiple defensive-oriented centers such as Richaun Holmes and Myles Turner, but struck out on both of them. The Hornets also lack true lockdown defenders on the perimeter but added a quality defender this offseason in Kelly Oubre Jr. Other perimeter players that were added to the roster are James Bouknight, Ish Smith, Wesley Iwundu, Scottie Lewis, and Arnoldas Kulbolka, who are both on two-way deals.

In terms of interior players added this off-season, Kai Jones, JT Thor, and Mason Plumlee were added to the roster. Jones and Thor have a lot of defensive potential while Plumlee seems to be mediocre defensively. According to the Detroit Pistons FanSided page, Plumlee ranked in the 18th percentile in defensive rating and the 39.5th percentile in defending isolations. The numbers on the defensive side of the ball indicate there is work to be done. The Hornets last season were tied for 16th in field goal percentage (46.8%), 28th in three-pointers allowed per game (14.5), and 16th in three-point percentage (36.6%) according to ESPN.com.

Let’s see how these new additions can shape up the best possible defensive combinations for the Charlotte Hornets this season.