Charlotte Hornets: Five intriguing lineup combinations

Fifth Lineup: Ish Smith, Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, Jalen McDaniels, PJ Washington

Nickname Idea: Small-Ish Ball

I think this is the perfect (mostly) second-unit group for Borrego to experiment some small-ball with. Washington showed potential as a small-ball center last year, and allowing him to run the 5 against other team’s backup big men should allow him to get more comfortable at the position. Unless the other team has Robin Lopez. That dude always torches the Hornets.

Keeping enough offensive punch on the floor in Bridges and Rozier should make this a viable lineup for a few minutes a game while the other starters catch a breath, and while Ish Smith will never be a high-volume scorer, his experience playing with every NBA player who has ever lived makes him a serviceable option in short bursts. Pairing him with great off-ball players like Rozier and Bridges certainly doesn’t hurt either.

McDaniels is also making a leap this year. I feel confident in saying that. His first two years in the league have basically consisted of him looking a little lost and then every few games doing something where everyone goes “Wait, that was legitimately impressive.” I am predicting that McDaniels becomes the hidden gem of the Hornets second unit this season.