Three pieces Hornets need to become a contender

The Charlotte Hornets are still a little ways away from being anything resembling a contender, needing three key pieces to get there.

1. A new starting shooting guard

Terry Rozier has been impressive since coming to the Hornets back before the 2019-20 NBA season, taking the next step offensively that he showed glimpses of being capable back in Boston. With that being said, there are questions about whether or not he should be part of the team’s long-term plans.

Rozier’s effectiveness from three-point range has dropped in three consecutive years (excluding 2023-24) since setting a career-high (40.7%) in his first year with the Hornets. With Charlotte being a team that is looking to no longer be considered one of the league’s worst three-point shooting teams, Rozier’s decline is not helping their cause.

There are questions as to whether or not Rozier is a viable option alongside LaMelo Ball. The playing styles do not necessarily fit with each other, and Rozier not being a consistent threat from beyond the arc is not helping. Charlotte needs to seriously consider moving on from Rozier and finding another option to occupy the Hornets’ starting backcourt with Ball, a player that they have identified as the face of their franchise. Finding a compatible running mate for Ball needs to be one of the top priorities for this organization moving forward.