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Charlotte Hornets: 3 more trades to fix the center position

By Dylan Jackson

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 26: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors slam dunks against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 26, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 26: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors slam dunks against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 26, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 31: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball while guarded by Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 31: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball while guarded by Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets: Jusuf Nurkic trade could be the long-term solution at center

The Portland Trail Blazers have utilized Jusuf Nurkic very differently under Chauncey Billups than previously. Nurkic even admitted a few days ago that he is not yet used to his role – and there may be a possibility that the Trail Blazers are willing to part with him.

This season, Nurkic is averaging 11 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists per game. He has a +10 on/off rating, and would be the best center the Hornets have had in a very long time.

Whether or not they’d be able to get him away from the Trail Blazers is a question in itself, but Portland would certainly want a solid role player in return. Here, the Hornets redirect the Pelicans’ pick(s) acquired in the Devonte’ Graham sign-and-trade (as well as Oubre) for Nurkic.

Raising the floor of the defense is always the goal in trading for a new center – and Nurkic probably does that the least of the three targets outlined in this trade piece. With that said, though, Nurkic is a starting-quality player that can score in the post, pass, and defend inside. Nurkic is also hitting over 70-percent of his free throws this season – compared to Mason Plumlee’s 32-percent.

Next. Charlotte Hornets/Pacers: Odds and Storylines for game tonight. dark

The Charlotte Hornets may be the team that most needs a center – of all the teams in the hunt for an Eastern Conference playoff spot. It’s going to be tough to do much if the team is outmatched against players like Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jimmy Butler at the rim, so making a trade is necessary.

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