To call the last two Charlotte Hornets seasons disappointing would be an understatement. The team has a combined 35 wins over that time frame, which, for those of you tracking at home, wouldn’t even have gotten the Hornets in the play-in last season.
The Hornets may be struggling with injury issues, but that doesn’t change the fact that this team lacks the depth to deal with it. They also weren’t tearing it up before losing key players like Tre Mann, Brandon Miller, and Grant Williams. The roster needs upgrades and there are a few options for the Hornets to do so.
Hornets might have to make trades
The Hornets have been in asset acquisition mode over the last two seasons. They have 23 tradable draft picks with nine of those being first-round picks. There are a handful of former All-Stars the Hornets could eye this offseason, but star power isn’t everything a team needs to add to see swift success.
The Detroit Pistons were the worst team in the league two seasons in a row before making a run to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with 35 wins so far in this campaign, which, as mentioned, is the Hornets' win total over the last two years. The Pistons didn’t sign some big star or make some blockbuster trade. They just made smart, small moves to improve around the edges to enhance their young core.
Charlotte could look to do that with some of their assets, like turning someone like Josh Green or Nick Smith Jr. into a more solidified role player with the addition of a few second-round picks or maybe even a first-rounder. They also still have the option of throwing some of those firsts with Miles Bridges to pursue bigger fish from a different pond. Heck, even both could be done, and we see a totally different Hornets squad playing in the purple and teal next season other than the core pieces.
Reinforcements may also come via free agency
In the Pistons example, Detroit didn’t make all their acquisitions in the trade market. They actually made some of their most impactful additions in free agency. The Hornets could benefit from pursuing role players to better fit Charles Lee and his system. There are a few free agents the Hornets could look to pursue. Charlotte also is going into the offseason over $34 million under the 2nd apron allowing them to spend a little on some talent.
Myles Turner feels like a name who has been linked to the Hornets since he came into the NBA. He has been in rumors as far back as 2021, and the Hornets reportedly showed interest in him if he ever was on the trading block. Now the Hornets have a chance to sign the 7-footer.
The lack of outside shooting at the big spot has been an issue Charlotte has dealt with for years, which it could address by adding a lengthy plus-defender who shoots 40.8 percent from the three-point line. With the fact that the Hornets were already comfortable moving on from Mark Williams this last trade deadline, Turner’s agent might be getting a call from a 704 area code come June.
Another floor-spacing big who is going to be available this summer is Naz Reid. “Naz Reid Mania” swept across the state of Minnesota over the last two seasons after the big man stole the hearts of Timberwolves fans. He has shown the ability to handle the ball, score from the outside, and provide defensive intensity both inside and on the perimeter. He also is only 25 years old, which is perfect for the Hornets’ timeline. It's worth noting that he had already been mentioned as a potential target four years ago.
There are also a few 3-point shooters the Hornets could look to pursue. Luke Kennard, Tim Hardaway Jr., Duncan Robinson, Joe Ingles, Kelly Oubre, and Malik Beasley could be available this offseason. The Hornets have a very 3-point-focused offense, so looking to pursue more shooters could benefit what they are looking to accomplish. Signing any talent to this Hornets roster could have a major effect, especially for a team that lacks real depth.
The Hornets’ path to success can be paved in many ways. Regardless of how they get back to success, it has to start this offseason. Keep in mind that this is a team that hasn’t seen the playoffs in nine seasons and a playoff series win in 23 seasons.
The new front office and ownership have done a good job adding assets to this roster, but now it may be time to use some of those and some money in free agency to give Queen City a winning ball club once again.