Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: Season Review Roundtable

By Evan Birchmore

Apr 13, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets guards LaMelo Ball (2) Terry Rozier (3) and forward P.J. Washington (25) react after being assessed a technical foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets guards LaMelo Ball (2) Terry Rozier (3) and forward P.J. Washington (25) react after being assessed a technical foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Offseason Move that Needs to Happen

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 12: Charlotte Hornets owner and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan looks on during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks at Spectrum Center on November 12, 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 – NOVEMBER 12: Charlotte Hornets owner and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan looks on during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks at Spectrum Center on November 12, 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) /

Evan Birchmore 

The need to upgrade the center position has been talked about ad nauseum, but until the situation is addressed it is worth discussing. Mason Plumlee was solid but unspectacular this season and at this point projects more as a backup center than a starting-caliber option. P.J. Washington flashed as a small-ball center option but is simply not tall enough to be a full-time answer. Kai Jones showed tremendous upside with the Greensboro Swarm but is still just 21 years old and needs more development before being inserted into the starting lineup. Whether Charlotte explores the free-agent market, explores a trade, or takes their chances in the draft, making a definitive upgrade to their center rotation must be the starting point of any successful offseason plan.

Jacob Phillips

No matter what the Hornets do this offseason, the team needs to add some more defensive presence, whether on the interior or the perimeter. Defense is what is holding this team back from moving to another level. Nobody on the roster is good enough to be effective defensively, so help must be brought in from the outside. This offseason could see a massive reconstruction of the roster. Everyone except for LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges should be considered available in moves to make the necessary upgrades. Whether it be through the draft, the trade market, or the free agent market, this team must make improvements on defense.

Stephen Sears 

While I consider this season a mild success, this roster is very flawed and may need to be gutted and revamped for the team to become a true threat to make the playoffs and compete. Getting off Gordon Hayward’s contract may be the start of that. Hayward is supposed to be Charlotte’s go-to player, he makes the big money, yet he has taken a back seat to LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Terry Rozier. He has only played in 93 of 156 games in the past two seasons, missing both of Charlotte’s play-in games. Charlotte needs to be building around Ball and Bridges and bringing in players who fit what they do, while also hiding their weaknesses, namely on the defensive end. I am not sure many teams will open to moving any valuable assets for Hayward, but if Charlotte can get rid of his contract it will open room for them to work sooner rather than later.

Quinn Everts

The Hornets absolutely can not afford to hire the wrong coach this offseason. After James Borrego’s firing last week, questions were raised about the possibility that Borrego had “lost the locker room” and no longer had the full attention and commitment of his players. Borrego’s firing signals that the rebuild is officially over, and that Charlotte wants to win now. Due to that, the next hire should be an experienced coach with a successful past that includes playoff experience. Terry Stotts, Mike D’Antoni, Frank Vogel, and Kenny Atkinson all come to mind as possible replacements for Borrego. Picking the right coach during this hiring cycle is essential. This will be the coach that oversees important developmental years for LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges as well as other young players.

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