Swarm and Sting
Fansided

3 reasons why the Charlotte Hornets should trade for Jarrett Allen

By James Mastrucci

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 13: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 13, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 117-109. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 13: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 13, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 117-109. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 21: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets wait for a rebound at the foul line during their game at Barclays Center on March 21, 2023 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 21: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets wait for a rebound at the foul line during their game at Barclays Center on March 21, 2023 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images) /

The path to the postseason becomes easier with Jarrett Allen

Here are the facts. The Charlotte Hornets last made the NBA Playoffs in the 2015-16 season, a 4-3 first-round loss to the Miami Heat. Currently, amid a seven-season-long playoff drought, the goal is to find a way to get the actual playoffs, not just the Play-In Tournament. Speaking of the Play-In Tournament, Charlotte did find a way to make appearances in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. They were ousted quite handily by the Pacers the first time around 144-117, and the Hawks had their turn the following season, handing the Hornets a 132-103 loss.

Reaching the Play-In Tournament is the absolute bare minimum level of success this team should strive for this season. This Hornets team should at least make this level of postseason basketball. When it comes to real goals, advancing through the Play-In Tournament should they qualify would be a fine starting point. A loftier goal would be bypassing this entirely, finding a way to make the playoffs outright. The former is more realistic, while the latter is possible, just more difficult. Jarrett Allen makes either possibility that much more attainable.

Building off the earlier points of Allen being better than what Charlotte has currently and having more experience, these go hand-in-hand with becoming a postseason team. If the Hornets want to advance as an organization, acquiring Allen would help them accomplish that. Making the postseason is a great first step in re-establishing the legitimacy of a franchise, but without the right talent, it is not possible to get there. An acquisition of Allen would help them get there and contribute to the Hornets once again being a relevant team in the NBA.

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