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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) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 17: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Detroit Pistons was traded to the Charlotte Hornets this past offseason. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 17: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Detroit Pistons was traded to the Charlotte Hornets this past offseason. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

CENTER – Mason Plumlee

When the Hornets originally made the trade to acquire Mason Plumlee, I was pretty excited. I know he’s not a really fun player, but Plumlee makes the Hornets better from a variety of aspects. He is a better rebounder than what Charlotte has had previously, and is a top tier facilitator from the center position.

Charlotte Hornets: Predicting the 2021-22 starting five

Plumlee had more triple-doubles last season than LaMelo Ball, so take that for what you will. He’s a solid big man that should be capable of getting on the floor during playoff action, should the Hornets actually make it that far.

The Duke product played last season for the Detroit Pistons, and will be making just north of $8 million this season. Plumlee isn’t a center in the modern sense, as he does not bring great spacing or switchability, but for the pricepoint at which the Hornets acquired him (upgrading a second-round pick in what was basically a salary dump), he doesn’t really need to be.

dark. Next. Hornets September Mailbag

I want to address Kai Jones’s status as well. It is very unlikely that he starts any games this season. He is an exciting prospect, yes, but is going to take time to develop. Getting rotational minutes alone will be difficult. With that said, if we do see Jones get extended run time this year, the 19th overall pick will have already looked like a steal.

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