James Bouknight, Cody Martin, Kelly Oubre Jr., Miles Bridges, Kai Jones
This lineup offers the highest potential defensively with relation to appropriate positional fit at each position. Bouknight has the best profile to be the best guard defender on the team. However, he is a rookie and needs to fill out physically. His adjustment to the pro game could hinder his possible impact on the defensive end early on. However, he still possesses the best athleticism of the guards and has good size at the point guard spot. The Hornets also lack stoppers at the guard position and Bouknight may already be the best guard defender the team currently has as a rookie, even though he seems average at the moment.
In regards to the rest of the perimeter, a trio of Martin, Oubre, and Bridges is full of athleticism and lateral quickness. All of these players can switch 1-4, which gives the perimeter a lot of defensive versatility. Jones in the interior adds an explosive rim protector, which the Hornets have desperately needed.
Overall, the Hornets have upgraded their perimeter and interior defense this offseason, but there is still room for improvement. It still lacks an elite stopper at guard but has added two good wing defenders in Lewis and Oubre. The issue with Lewis though is if he is good enough offensively to stay on the court. In terms of the interior, Jones has the potential to be a very good defender, but he is still very raw and at this moment it is uncertain how much court time he will see as a rookie. Expect Jones to help the Hornets defensively down the line.