The next step for teams can sometimes be a long step–a very long step. Every franchise in every sport goes through a rebuilding stage, some longer than others. The Charlotte Hornets recently just lost their superstar point guard in Kemba Walker. It’s safe to say they are entering a rebuild mode. But with signing former Boston Celtics‘ point guard Terry Rozier to a three-year, $58 million deal, what’s next? To some, it seems like the Hornets put themselves into another three years of mediocrity, at least. But looking at it optimistically, the Hornets get a chance to right their wrongs.
The Next Step for the Charlotte Hornets
The future is bright for the Hornets. Although they just lost what seemed like the only glimpse of hope for Hornets basketball, all is not lost. The Hornets still have two great players in Malik Monk and Miles Bridges. It’s no secret that these players can dunk the basketball, as shown in the many highlights the two have. The young, high-flying tandem will be sure to catch plenty of lobs this season. The Hornets also picked up PJ Washington at the wing position in the 2019 NBA draft. Washington has shown significant improvement with his jump shot and his decision making. Being 6’8″ with a 7’2.5″ wingspan makes him a lengthy and promising defender in today’s NBA. Although the Hornets have made some bad picks in the draft the past few years, they still have excellent young talent. Not to mention that if the Hornets stay mediocre, they remain in the lottery, and they stay with a chance at another young talent.
As far as the Hornets’ other players go, it’s not a complete loss. They indeed have a ton of money wrapped up in mediocre talent. Nicolas Batum with over $50 million for two years. Bismack Biyombo and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with $17 million and $13 million guaranteed respectively. Marvin Williams with just over $15 million guaranteed. Cody Zeller with almost $30 million guaranteed. All of these players are on bad contracts looking at the money side. But these players either have one or two-year deals. After the 2020-21 NBA season, all these players will be off the Hornets’ books. They will have the chance to reshape the roster with players that can contribute quality minutes with quality contracts. The Hornets just have to make sure that their next free agency move isn’t signing a player like Tony Snell for a four-year, $60 million contract.
Charlotte Hornets, Don’t Mess This Up
The next step for the Hornets is simple: don’t mess this up by making bad deals. With the Hornets being able to free up cap space in two years, the future of the roster looks bright. Obviously, the Hornets will continue to develop their young core. Although they don’t have big-name young talent in Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, they still have exceptional young players. The Hornets, with their newly acquired cap space, can sign players that will fit well with the young players. The roster that hasn’t been flexible due to cap space problems is no more. If management plays their cards right, the Hornets can be due for flourishing in a few short years.
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