Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Now is the time the Hornets should trade Gordon Hayward

By Jacob Phillips

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 30: LaMelo Ball, right, talks with Miles Bridges, left, of the Charlotte Hornets during their game against the LA Clippers at Spectrum Center on January 30, 2022 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 30: LaMelo Ball, right, talks with Miles Bridges, left, of the Charlotte Hornets during their game against the LA Clippers at Spectrum Center on January 30, 2022 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

The development of other stars negates the need for Hayward

The emergence of Bridges and LaMelo Ball’s continued development gave Charlotte a spark this season when Hayward was not available.

Last season the Hornets were 9-19 without Hayward. This season the team is 17-16 without Hayward, and since March they are 13-5 without him.

Previously, I said Hayward was the guy to go to when you needed to create a bucket in the halfcourt. Near the end of the season though, Bridges and Ball proved they could put their head down and get a bucket when necessary.

Bridges’ development made him a candidate for MIP this season. He upped his points per game to 20 from 13 the previous year, improved his point and rebounding numbers and developed into an all-around better defender.

In his second season, Ball turned into an All-star. He averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists this season. Ball proved he is worthy to carry the keys to the franchise and his continued development will keep this team competitive.

There are only so many touches to go around. Moving on from Hayward will put the ball in Ball and Bridges’ hands more, giving them the opportunity to take over games.

Home/Hornets News