5 Forwards Hornets need to sign in free agency to pair with Brandon Miller
By Jack Simone
2. Derrick Jones Jr.
It seems extremely likely that the Dallas Mavericks will do everything in their power to bring back Derrick Jones Jr., but he would be a great fit on this Charlotte Hornets roster.
Jones Jr. just played a huge role in the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals. His defensive and capabilities as a lob threat made him indispensable while playing alongside Luka Doncic.
In Charlotte, he would take on a similar role, acting as an impressive lob threat next to LaMelo ball and playing a crucial role in a hopefully improving Hornets defense.
Charlotte would probably have to throw their entire MLE at Jones Jr. just to have a chance to snag him, but it could be worth it.
3. Jalen Smith
Like Xavier Tillman, there’s a chance the Hornets see Jalen Smith as more of a center, but he could play some nice power forward minutes next to Brandon Miller and Mark Williams.
Smith has proved to be a quality three-point shooter, and he’s comfortable playing a bunch of different roles within an offensive, as evidenced by his time with the Indiana Pacers.
It seems likely that the Pacers choose to keep him around and continue his development, but the Hornets could at least make an offer for him.