The Charlotte Hornets have an extremely talented starting backcourt in LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier. With the former on his rookie contract and the latter locked in for several years to come, the Swarm have their starting guards for the foreseeable future.
One of the main weaknesses of the Hornets’ rotation in 2021-22 was their lack of a truly dominant center. While Mason Plumlee stepped into the starting center role for the majority of the season, he is more of a passive, defensive, low-usage player.
This sounds like a nice complementary piece for the Hornets’ high-usage guards, but the lack of offensive presence down low significantly hampered Charlotte’s ceiling this season – one that ended in yet another Play-In defeat. Plumlee is under contract for the 2022-23 season, but could the Hornets secure an upgrade in the 2022 free agent market?
One prospect that I have my eye on is Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers. Ironically, Nurkic was originally drafted by a pick that once belonged to the Bobcats. Doubling the irony, Nurkic and Plumlee were traded for each other in a deal between the Blazers and Denver Nuggets in 2017.
Why do I have my eye on Nurkic?
First, he has an injury history, so the Swarm may be able to snag him below market value in free agency or via a sign-and-trade with Plumlee’s contract thrown in for good measure.
When healthy, Nurkic is a monstrous presence in the paint. In 56 games this season, he averaged 15 points per game and 11.1 rebounds per game on 23.6% usage. Compared to Plumlee’s 6.5 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, and 11.7% usage, Nurkic would be a clear upgrade at the five spot. Unfortunately, Nurkic has only played in 101 games over the past three seasons, so there is a health risk.
Second, Nurkic fits the Hornets’ system. In his Blazers’ career, Nurkic is averaging 2.8 assists per game, 1.0 steals per game, and 1.3 blocks per game, which are comparable to Plumlee’s numbers this season. Coupled with his lack of a three-point shot, Nurkic would fill the role that Plumlee filled in 2021-22, but he would add more offensive firepower for the Hornets’ top-ranked offense. He provides elite defense, playmaking, and efficiency, which the Hornets need from their center.
If Charlotte can snag the “Bosnian Beast,” they should be able to make a little more noise next season. Whether through free agency or a sign-and-trade involving Plumlee, the Hornets have to take a shot at acquiring Nurkic while they have the chance.