The Charlotte Hornets added a few different interesting pieces this offseason. If the goal was to get better, general manager Mitch Kupchak certainly made an attempt at improving the overall roster.
Charlotte Hornets: Predicting the 2021-22 starting five
In doing so, the Hornets added lots of talent – particularly young talent, to a roster that already had a lot of it. The three major acquisitions this offseason were Kelly Oubre, James Bouknight, and Kai Jones.
The Hornets’ starting lineup is going to be interesting to predict, as there are lots of players that are likely in contention for a starting spot – especially in the frontcourt. The addition of Kelly Oubre is the most intriguing in this respect, as it is practically competing with the development of both Miles Bridges and PJ Washington (and especially with what Bridges was able to show towards the end of last season).
Other things that should be taken into consideration for James Borrego and his staff is going to be how the departure of Devonte’ Graham effects the backcourt – as he provided high-level playmaking ability – and the Hornets never really replaced that from the guard position this offseason.
There is still some trimming that needs to be done to the Hornets roster currently, as they have one more player on their roster than allowed for the season, but presumably that will be sorted out in training camp. Players like Wes Iwundu, Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels, and Nick Richards are those that immediately come to mind when looking at players that could be cut before the season, but we will have to wait to find out, it looks like.
Let’s get into the starting lineup.