The Charlotte Hornets made some significant moves to the fringes of the roster their offseason, but as next year inches closer and closer, it semes likely that they will keep their final roster spot open.
Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer was asked the question in a recent mailbag, “What you think we do with final spot?” His response? That the Hornets will keep the slot open.
After signing Charles Lee to be their new head coach, the Hornets brought back their entire core, meaning they will have LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Brides, and Mark Williams for next year.
Hornets likely to keep final roster spot open heading into next season
However, since they are in this weird middle stage where they are both rebuilding and also trying to improve their status in the standings, they need to maintain some flexibility.
Teams are required a to have at least 14 players on their roster, but they can have up to 15. Right now, Charlotte is sitting at 14, and Boone doesn’t expect them to fill the final one.
By keeping that slot open, the Hornets will have a ton of options moving into next year, whether it be a trade, a signing, or elevating one of their two-way players (KJ Simpson, Leaky Black, or Moussa Diabate).
Charlotte should be in no rush to fill the spot, as they have everyone they need on the roster. It’s a great mix of young talent, developmental projects, and veterans.
Ball, Miller, Bridges, and Williams make up their young core, Josh Green and Grant Williams are great complementary pieces, rookie Tidjane Salaun, Tre Mann, and Nick Smith Jr. are nice developmental projects, and Seth Curry, Taj Gibson, and Vasilije Micic are perfect veterans. Add in the rest of their roster, and they have a great group of guys.
As the season goes on, perhaps a trade opportunity could present itself for the Hornets, and their open roster spot could help them facilitate a deal with another team.
The point is, since the Hornets don’t have any real need on their roster, keeping a spot open will be very useful for them heading into the year.