The Charlotte Hornets’ offseason didn't consist of many free agent signings, but rather many trades to strengthen their roster.
The Hornets began the offseason very early by executing an unexpected trade to land Portland Trail Blazers’ small forward Nicolas Batum in exchange for Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh.
This was an excellent move for the Hornets, considering they want to improve right away. Vonleh had a rather disappointing rookie campaign, and Henderson had reached his peak, becoming nothing more than a decent scorer.
Batum, however, gives Charlotte versatility at the three position. Although he struggled significantly last season, Batum is still an underrated perimeter defender, passer, and rebounder. The downfall of last year was his shooting percentage, as the 26-year old made just 40 percent of his shots from the field and 32.4 percent from deep, both career-lows.
In all fairness, Batum battled multiple injuries throughout the season which forced his percentages to plummet. He will get a fresh start this season with a brand new team and hopefully will have a healthies year to be able to bounce back.
The Hornets also made a trade that landed them Los Angeles Clippers’ backup big man Spencer Hawes and swingman Matt Barnes for Lance Stephenson. Barnes did not stick with the team as he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Luke Ridnour who was then flipped for Jeremy Lamb, but we will examine that trade later. Stephenson was obviously not a good fit for the Hornets and was eventually demoted to a bench player. His negative attitude towards players and coaches did not mold well, so trading him was a brilliant choice.
Hawes is expected to become the backup for Al Jefferson and is another player coming off a rough season. With a new team and system, Hawes could perhaps have a bounce back year as well. He is a terrific floor spacer, rebounder, and a solid passer for a center.
As mentioned above, the Hornets made multiple trades to ultimately land Jeremy Lamb. With the Oklahoma City Thunder, Lamb was unable to find minutes in a crowded backcourt. In Charlotte, he is likely to earn heavy minutes and could grasp the opportunity to showcase his exceptional shooting stroke.
During the 2015 NBA draft, the Hornets selected Frank Kaminsky, conceivably as a replacement for Vonleh. ‘Frank the Tank’ Kaminsky had a stellar Summer League in Orlando, averaging 15.2 points and 7.8 rebounds. He figures to share time off the bench with Hawes and is another big man with the ability to stretch the floor.
The only two signings the Hornets made this summer were Jeremy Lin and undrafted rookie Aaron Harrison.
Harrison shocked many with his outstanding Summer League play, as the young man averaged 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Although his deal is an unguaranteed camp invite, Harrison is an intriguing prospect who may notch a roster spot.
Lin, on the other hand, was a smart and safe pickup for the Hornets who were in need of a backup point guard with Mo Williams departing. Lin is better suited as a second string guard and could provide the Hornets with play making, ball handling, and scoring off the bench.
Nonetheless, the Hornets have solidified their roster and look poised to make a return to the playoffs. Michael Jordan was determined to bolster the team this offseason, and he did just that. It will be interesting to see how the new pieces fit in and if the Hornets are playoff bound in an inferior Eastern conference.
Off-Season Grade: B