Building blocks
Kemba Walker PG |
Frank Kaminsky PF |
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF |
Draft Picks
Malik Monk SG |
Dwayne Bacon SG/SF |
Draft board
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The Hornets are coming off a disappointing season where they failed to make the playoffs and finished with a record of 36-46 (good for 11th in the Eastern Conference). They were in the hunt for the first part of the season, but were bit by various injuries. However, on a bright note PG Kemba Walker had an amazing season and was selected to his first All-Star game. This offseason they continued to reshape their roster as they dealt Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli, and the 41st pick to the Hawks for Dwight Howard and the 31st pick. I'm not sure how the Hornets managed to pull this deal off, Dwight's value is definitely decreasing, but he still holds some value, and to move up in the draft while shedding bad contracts is a good move. Dwight brings a different dynamic to the team and could be a nice fit alongside Frank Kaminsky. In the draft they picked up sharp shooter Malik Monk and versatile scorer Dwayne Bacon, Monk is an electric scorer and will likely play meaningful minutes his rookie season. I'm also fairly high on the Bacon pick, he needs to improve defensively, but he could be a rotation player in the NBA for a long time. Lastly, the Hornets are counting on Kidd-Gilchrist to take a step forward, he was hampered by a shoulder injury during his 3rd and 4th seasons, but failed to take a major step forward during his 5th season. He definitely has a role on the team and in the league (high motor player), but needs to expand his offensive game if he and the Hornets want to make the playoffs.
Team Needs
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Estimated Cap Space
$23,960,945 UFA Ramon Sessions PG, Briante Weber SG, Brian Roberts PG, Christian Wood PF RFA None |
