The Charlotte Hornets aren't likely to add a big man who isn't a clear upgrade over Mark Williams or Moussa Diabate. They even still have Jusuf Nurkic on the roster for now. So, it's mind-boggling that the Hornets were brought up as a possible destination for Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes.
With the 25-year-old reportedly frustrated with the Lakers for his lack of playing time in the playoffs, he is more than likely going to leave the team this summer. Charlotte is doubtful to be his landing spot, but an online sportsbook named it as the favorite to acquire him.
Maybe that's because there is just little to no interest in the controversial big man. He certainly didn't do himself any favor by failing to convince the Lakers coaching staff to put him on the floor in their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Funnily enough, he wasn't even supposed to be the starting big man for Los Angeles. But after the franchise shipped Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks and changed its mind about its Williams trade with the Hornets at the trade deadline, it had no choice but to promote Hayes. So, in some ways, he was fortunate to have been given the chance to redeem himself after failing to prove worthy of being the eighth overall pick of the 2019 draft in his first five seasons.
Hornets have to avoid Jaxson Hayes at all costs
Some might even say that it was already the University of Texas product's second chance in the NBA after being embroiled in controversy four years ago.
In July 2021, he was arrested for domestic violence and became infamous on social media when he supposedly resisted arrest, and a video showed cops appearing to use excessive force on him. He avoided jail time, was only sentenced to community service and some seminars, and didn't receive any discipline from the league. Last November, an incriminating video made rounds on the internet, prompting the NBA to reopen its investigation. It remains to be seen if he will get penalized further, but that risk didn't stop Los Angeles from putting its faith in him.
Hornets fans likely don't want anything to do with Hayes, especially since Charlotte already has someone on the roster with a similar background. At least Miles Bridges has usually been a productive player when healthy. Meanwhile, the disgruntled big man has done nothing on and off the court to show why Charlotte should pursue him.
Imagine the uproar if, by some twist of fate, the Hornets decide to give him a chance. That idea alone should be enough for the organization to look the other way.