5 Free-agent guards the Hornets should have chosen over Frank Ntilikina

4. Matthew Dellavedova

Matthew Dellavedova is another veteran guard who could have seamlessly slotted into the Hornets’ rotation ahead of the new season. However, unlike Dragic and Smith, the former NBA champion would bring some grit to the defensive side of the floor. Standing at 6’3”, Dellavedova is a nuisance for opposing guards, as he plays a physical, in-your-face brand of basketball, while his high-energy approach is also beneficial on the offensive side of the court.

Dellavedova spent last season with the Sacramento Kings, where he fulfilled a similar role to what would have been asked of him with the Hornets. Blending a reliable offensive and defensive game, the veteran guard would bring some balance to Charlotte’s guard rotation while also helping instill some grit in the team’s young core.

At this point in his career, it’s unfair to expect Dellavedova to be a legitimate difference-maker. However, finding a guard who can be a reliable weapon off the bench on a veteran minimum deal isn’t an easy thing to do. Yes, Ntilikina has more upside and is a decade younger, but his lack of offensive game makes his addition more of a questionable fit than a veteran like Dellavedova.

Charlotte didn’t need another young guard to try and develop or rebuild their value. Instead, the Hornets required someone who can be relied upon to set a tone when the primary rotations aren’t working – and if that’s your remit, Dellavedova makes far more sense than Ntilikina.