Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: Predicting the 2021-22 starting five

By Dylan Jackson

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates with Miles Bridges #0 against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates with Miles Bridges #0 against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

SMALL FORWARD – Gordon Hayward

Continuing with big-money players, Gordon Hayward was the best player on the Charlotte Hornets this past season – and it was not really all that close, either. Hayward, when healthy, averaged 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists on shooting splits of 48/42/84.

Charlotte Hornets: Predicting the 2021-22 starting five

As a do-it-all wing/forward combo, his steady scoring presence balances out the offense – and was often what LaMelo Ball needed in the half-court. He’s a great playmaker for his size, and continues to find ways to score, despite his injury history. If Hayward is able to stay healthy for the entire season, it is not unfeasible that he becomes an All-Star, especially if the Hornets have lots of team success.

Hayward’s spot in the starting lineup is more than safe. If he is good to go, he’s starting. I can’t say whether that will be the case as his contract continues to progress (he will be a bit older on the final year of his deal), but as for now, no one on the Hornets can replicate what Hayward brings to the team.

Gordon Hayward’s backup could be a few different players, but Kelly Oubre is the most likely option to replace Hayward if he were to become hurt. And because of Hayward’s injury history, it isn’t exactly unlikely that he could miss an extended period of time this upcoming season. Oubre is a candidate for the starting power forward spot, as well.

Home/Hornets News