Training camp has arrived and the expectations for the new-look Charlotte Hornets are set. Terry Rozier has stated that anything other than a playoff berth would be a disappointment. This past offseason, the Hornets looked at their guard unit and decided to consolidate the position, bringing aboard James Bouknight, Ish Smith, and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Undone by injuries, the team has gone back to the drawing board, trying to prime the team for a postseason run this year while also tailoring the roster to best amplify LaMelo Ball’s skillset. Last year’s guards, an inarguable strength of last season, could have any or all of Ball, Rozier, Devonte’ Graham, or Malik Monk go for 20 points.
Flash forward four months, and we have pivoted away from depth to entrench our backcourt for the next several years at least. Ball had shown enough to be given the keys and with the rich extension for Rozier being discussed, having two quality backup guards making around $20 million combined didn’t make a lot of sense.
As a result, Graham and Monk left quickly in free agency. Monk signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Hornets traded Graham for Wes Iwundu and either a first-round pick or a couple of second-round picks. Charlotte was then able to create minutes for their exciting new additions, Bouknight, Smith, and Oubre.
This is my attempt to see what we lost and how the trio of new additions will fit into our new look Hornets roster.