The Charlotte Hornets have struggled this season to find the rhythm despite their huge success. They can target key areas that they have struggled with this season in the offseason.
Let us look at five free agency options the Charlotte Hornets should target in the 2021 NBA offseason.
1. Richeau Holmes
Richeau Holmes is an above-average shot-blocker, rebounder and is a good lob target around the rim. He averaged 14.2 points, shooting at 63% from the field this season, and grabbed 8.3 rebounds. Holmes has developed one of the best push shot floaters in the league which helps him finish better in the last season.
Holmes also has the ability to compete physically in the post and is an adept pick-and-roll partner potentially for the Charlotte Hornets’ starlet, Ball. And as one of the most unappreciated centers in basketball, Holmes would thrive with Charlotte’s young, improving roster and could be the missing piece the Hornets’ roster needs.
2. Nerlens Noel
This season Noel proved why he is one of the best defensive anchors for the New York Knicks. When the New York Knicks lost Mitchell Robinson to injury, Noel stepped up and became a defensive anchor. During the 2020-21 regular season, Noel averaged 5.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game. His blocks per game average were the best in his career.
In the last match he played against Charlotte, he scored eight points, 11 rebounds, and five blocked shots. Noel might not be the most attractive offensive center, but his defense and rebounding abilities would significantly help the Hornets. And in the last few years, Charlotte has become a great passing team, and the inclusion of Noel would see an increase in offensive touches and scoring opportunities.
3. Alex Caruso
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69441609/1233262927.0.jpg)
With the potential losses at guard for the Charlotte Hornets, Alex Caruso could be the great pick as he can gain an expanded role in a back-court that would lack depth. He averaged 6.4 points, 2.9 reb, and 2.8 assists this season.
Alex has experience of playing with the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis that could be an advantage to his side, if you were to move on to another team. won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. So, Alex Caruso could find an expanded role with the Charlotte Hornets.
4. Mitchell Robinson
Injury ruined Roninson’s season this year but in 31 matches he has played this season he has played a significant role for his team . He averaged 8.3 points and 8.1 rebounds. He is also a versatile defender who has averaged 2.1 blocks per season throughout his career and is an efficient scorer in the paint.
Injury is always a concern for Robinson. He hasn’t completed a full season since entering the league three years ago. Considering this, Hornets may choose to go with somebody more reliable than taking a chance. But yes if they go for him, he would come cheaper than Holmes.
5. Cameron Payne
:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53785525/usa_today_9926368.0.jpg)
Cameron Payne has been one of the main reasons for Phoenix SUns having the second-best record in the Western Conference this season. He was very effective throughout the season and converted the chances whenever he got the opportunity. He averaged 8.4 points, 2.4 TRB, and 3.6 AST this season.
With the Devonte Graham and Malik Monk, Payne could bring that spark off the bench that Charlotte could be lacking in the upcoming season. He also has shot 40% from three and 89% from the free-throw line this season.