What’s next for the Charlotte Hornets?
After getting one of the best seasons from two of their franchise players, a historic season from their rookie, and a significant turnaround proven by having the second biggest improvement in net rating after the 2007-08 Celtics, what can Charlotte do now to take the next step? Should they seek a trade, a signing, or even consider waiving a few players?
First off, the high level of play Charlotte produced in the late parts of the season must be acknowledged. The offense reached heights no one else thought possible, as they were among the most efficient and productive in the league, recording an 119.4 ORTG and a 55.2% eFG%. Head Coach Charles Lee emphasized one phrase, and that phrase was: ‘Ball Movement’.
Lee said after a game against the 76ers, “The ball is moving, people are moving… 34 assists today on 47 field goals. I’m just loving what we’re giving each other on both ends of the floor. There’s a connectedness.”
The stats reflect this philosophy. But while upholding this idea, they also showcased another key element of their offense: off-ball movement. Charlotte averaged a league-high 10.10 miles per game on offense at the 11th-ranked speed, while averaging 37% from behind the arc.
It wasn’t just impressive on paper — they brought these numbers to life every time they stepped on the court. They were one of the most fun NBA teams to watch.
But it still wasn’t enough to make the playoffs.
What’s Missing in Buzz City?
The Hornets need to get a consistent, primary scorer. Each of the last five NBA Champions’ leading scorers averaged at least 24.5 PPG, and that’s exactly what Charlotte is missing — someone to step on the court and get the team a bucket every time. No player on the Hornets’ current roster averages more than 20.5 PPG. A team with no player who can consistently get the team 25 points is not near championship level.
While it is very possible that one of LaMelo Ball or Brandon Miller could step up and become that player, that is not something they should bank on, especially because of how close they are to being a real threat in the East if they find one.
The other element the Hornets need is a franchise center. Ryan Kalkbrenner showed promise, and Moussa Diabate was part of one of the NBA’s best lineups last season; however, the Hornets could benefit from upgrading at the position.
Two Players the Hornets Should Target in a Trade
Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren and the Hornets would be a match made in heaven. They’d get an upgrade at center and another scoring option who would benefit from Charlotte’s spacing and ball movement. But what would it take for the Pistons not to match Charlotte’s potential offer sheet? For Charlotte to acquire Duren, it should go through the sign-and-trade route. A package should look like:
Hornets Receive:
- Jalen Duren
Pistons Receive:
- Miles Bridges
- Coby White
- Ryan Kalkbrenner
- one protected FRP
- one unprotected FRP
Pistons get quality role players, including a potential secondary ball handler in Coby White, receive a high-potential, cheap center in Ryan Kalkbrenner, and take in draft capital.
Another great name for the Hornets would be none other than:
Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson needs a change of scenery. Seemingly, New Orleans is heading in a new direction with Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen leading them for the foreseeable future. By trading for Zion, the Hornets would add physicality and scoring while maintaining their fast-paced style of play. A package should look like:
Hornets Receive:
- Zion Williamson
Pelicans Receive:
- Miles Bridges
- Grant Williams
- Josh Green
- one 2027 unprotected FRP
- two SRP
The Pelicans don’t receive much in this package. In a nutshell, they receive a decent player in Miles Bridges, two bad contracts, and subpar draft compensation. But Zion’s trade value isn’t very high, and every team knows this.
Still, this trade would be worth it for Charlotte because it’s a low-risk, high-reward situation. If Zion continues his health issues and inconsistencies, they did not give up very much to begin with. But if Zion becomes what he was meant to be, Charlotte becomes even scarier as they have a high-volume scorer and aggressor.
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