Today, we'll take a look at potential roster acquisitions and future moves the Charlotte Hornets could make. As of now, the Hornets have a solid group of young talent but are still searching for the right direction that will lead them back to a playoff berth for the first time in almost a decade.
The Hornets have already found their man to lead the charge in former Brooklyn Nets assistant general manger Jeff Peterson. Peterson will be replacing long-time GM Mitch Kupchak, who's still staying with the organization but is moving to a front-office role.
1. Hornets Use Their Draft Pick and Keep the Roster
In my opinion, this is actually the most unlikely to happen, so I would look at the Hornets to move the pick. However, if the Hornets were to use the pick, these are a few players I think they would go for with their projected 4th overall pick.
Reed Sheppard, Guard - Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard offers everything the Hornets need. Sheppard is an elite shooter, defender, and passer. Posting a stat line of 12.6 PPG, 4.8 AST, and 4.3 REB may not be as eye-popping as some of the other top draft prospects, but if you've seen any Kentucky basketball this year, you know Sheppard's high lottery projection is well deserved. Sheppard averages a whopping 52.5% from three and an under-the-radar 2.5 steals per game. Size is the only concern with Reed, but it should not stop the Hornets from taking him if they choose to use the pick.
Alexandre Sarr, Center - France
I'll start by saying Mark Williams is clearly the center of the future for Charlotte, but drafting Perth Wildcats center Alexandre Sarr could turn into a Minnesota Timberwolves-esque dominant rim-protecting duo. Sarr will take time to develop as he's only 18 but has shown great mobility for his size, along with the scoring and defense that already has him drawing comparisons to Jarren Jackson Jr. Sarr or Williams would have to move to the fourth spot, but as previously stated, it worked for Minnesota; why not try it out in Charlotte?
Alexandre Sarr is # 1 on every 2024 NBA Mock draft for a reason!!!! ???
From: France ??
Height: 7’1
Age: 18
The Wemby / Chet Build just created another player pic.twitter.com/VCLKl6gTIk
Matas Buzelis, Forward - G League
Another project-type player, G League Ignite forward Matas Buzelis, certainly has the mold of a "unicorn." While he does need to put on some weight, Buzelis is a 6 '10 wing with solid handling and vision who could play just about any position on the floor. While Buzelis's only shot 28.6% from three this season, he still has one of the smoothest shots in the draft and should find that form with age. Adding Buzelis would give the Hornets some much-needed depth, and they could turn into a well-rounded role player or even better.
2. Hornets Spend Big on Free Agents
The Hornets' problem when it comes to landing big-name players is the small market and bad track record. To overcome this problem, I could see the front office and new owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall looking to make a statement this upcoming offseason and potentially paying big money for a big name.
A few potential targets are Klay Thompson, Tobias Harris, and DeMar DeRozan. Harris and DeRozan give Charlotte the help at forward they've been looking for, and Klay can still be an elite spot-up shooter going into his age-35 season. All three can also give the Hornets a locker room leader that's been missing for years now. It all depends on what direction Plotkin and Schnall are looking to take the team in, whether it's adding to the Hornets young core of Lamelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams or even go as far as a full rebuild.
3. Hornets Trade Lamelo Ball
This last one is purely hypothetical, as I do not think the Hornets would even consider trading Ball at this point, but it is an interesting idea. Let's say Ball comes out next season and gets hurt again; so far, he's only played in 184 out of a possible 328 career games. Do the Hornets and their new front office look to move the former All-Star? Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams are still excellent core players around whom to build a roster. With Miller especially looking like he'll turn into that Paul George-type player, I'm not sure the team would be as hesitant to move Ball as some might think.
If Ball is moved, it would have to be for a giant haul to try and not offend an already exhausted fanbase. After years of bad team management and even worse records, Charlotte is hungry for a good basketball team, and it's closer than some would expect. Unfortunately, it may come at the price of letting the fan favorite go.
