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Charlotte Hornets: 3 reasons to upgrade the center position

By Jacob Phillips

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 27: Kai Jones #23 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during Media Day at Spectrum Center on September 27, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 27: Kai Jones #23 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during Media Day at Spectrum Center on September 27, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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February 26, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington (25) during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 26, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington (25) during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets reasons to upgrade at center: The Hornets need reliable center depth

Despite the issues at the center position last year, one thing that team had at center that this one does not, is depth.

Heading into the season the expected center rotation was: Plumlee as the starter, PJ Washington off the bench and maybe either Nick Richards or Vernon Carey play a couple of minutes to relieve Washington.

However, Washington has been injured in seven of the Hornets’ first 12 games. Leaving the team with a center rotation of Plumlee and Richards–Yikes.

If Washington continues to struggle to stay healthy and Charlotte does not make a move, then Richards becomes a key contributor and one of the first guys off the bench. He would have to play a large role and relieve a 31-year-old Plumlee. That is not a situation Charlotte wants to be in if they have playoff aspirations.

The Hornets do not need to go get an all-star center to be good. They can even survive with Plumlee as a starter, but what they cannot get away with is not having a reliable backup center if Plumlee is playing poorly like he has the past couple of games.

Whoever they potentially bring in, no matter his skill set, as long as he is an upgrade to Richards, you added depth to the center position.

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