The Charlotte Hornets were sent home early in the Play-In Tournament in 2022, but they made some major leaps from last season. Their 43 wins is a 10 win improvement from the year before, LaMelo Ball made his first All-Star game, and Miles Bridges and the rest of the young pieces appear to have a promising future in Buzz City. Obviously, there is still a lot more room to grow for this team and that starts in free agency. There are tons of different players that can help the Hornets immediately. Here are 3 players the Hornets need to make an effort to pursue.
After failing to secure a max deal in the 2021 offseason like the other big names from the 2018 draft class and is set to hit the open market. Now, he is a restricted free agent, but sources believe that the Phoenix Suns won't bother to match whatever deal he may receive. Ayton has been a key core in what the Suns have done the past two seasons. He was huge for them on their way to the 2021 NBA Finals and also helped them win a franchise-record 64 games in 2022.
He would be the perfect big man for LaMelo Ball and the Hornets. Ayton provides a legit scoring presence on the high and low post. He has averaged a double-double throughout his four years in the NBA, which solves some of the Hornets problems to secure a defensive rebound or score off second chance points. Plus, he is a solid shot blocker and can alter shots around the basket. He can even knocked down the outside shot if left open. Ayton should be the number one guy on Charlotte's list to bring to the city this summer.
Miles Bridges
Securing Miles Bridges should be high on the Hornets list as well. Also a member of that loaded 2018 draft class, Bridges is looking for long term deal. He has already expressed his interest to remain in Buzz City and build something special with Ball and the rest of the gang. Bridges had a career year in 2022, averaging 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists a game. He was an early favorite for the Most Improved Player award and even received a handful of votes to make it to the All-Star Game.
At 24 years old, Bridges is just getting started. His future is bright and if the Hornets can afford him, they have to bring him back for a hefty contract. Bridges could very well be looking for max money though, which could be a little steep for an organization trying to find a way into the postseason in 2023. If the Hornets were to give him that kind of cash, he needs to take an even bigger step in Year Five for the Hornets.
Mo Bamba hasn't exactly been on everyone's radar, but he's actually a solid role player in todays league. He put up 10 points, nine rebounds, and almost two blocks a game in 2021-22. He played in a crowed front court in Orlando, but could get even more shine with a young team on the rise like the Hornets. No disrespect to the Magic of course. If the Hornets happen to miss on Ayton, maybe Bamba can be a nice replacement if the Magic don't match his contract offer.
The Hornets can always use a seven footer who can run the floor, block shots, and hit open shots on the perimeter. In the NBA today, big men have to be able to do all three things to stay on the floor and play in crunch time. Bamba has to be a sleeper free agent on a lot of team's radar.
These three players can make an impact for the Hornets in the short and long term. All these guys are young players who haven't scratched the surface of what they can be yet. As much of a bond that Hornets fans and players may have with Bridges, Ayton might be a better fit with Ball and the rest of the squad. Sorry Buzz City fans, but Ball could really use a center that fits his game perfectly. They will be able to kill teams inside and out on the perimeter.
The Hornets will have a few different options this offseason when it comes down to free agency. Hopefully they keep their franchise player in mind in whatever they decide to do.
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