Charlotte Hornets fans should not be disappointed one bit that their team failed to qualify for the postseason. After all, the 2020-21 NBA season was a year plagued by injuries to their key players such as LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, and Devonte' Graham. Despite this, head coach James Borrego and crew managed to eke out a decent 33-39 record for 10th in the East.
Hornets Offseason Plans:
In the offseason, the front office should keep these things in mind. The Hornets did relatively well and there's obviously no reason for a massive roster overhaul. Instead, their offseason should revolve around re-signing their players as well as beefing up their front-court which has been an area of concern for pretty much the entire season.
Offer Contract Extension to Terry Rozier
The 2021-22 NBA season will mark the final year of Rozier's three-year, $56.7 million he inked in 2019. It was one of the more surprising contracts during that time. It definitely raised some eyebrows because prior to the offer, Rozier was a mere backup guard with the Boston Celtics.
But as we evaluate the guard now, it seems that the Hornets got every penny's worth of that deal. This season, Rozier logged in career-highs in offensive rating, field goal percentage, and points per game. In an era where analysts have concluded the midrange as a long-lost art, Rozier thrived by shooting at a stellar 57.4 percent from within 10 to 14 feet.
The Hornets can offer $96.3 million over four seasons to the guard. It seems like a hefty sum for someone who's not on the radar as one of the best players in the league. But Hornets fans can attest how much of a foundational piece Rozier has become since joining the team in 2019.
Sign a Starting Center
The offseason will feature several big-name free agents the Hornets can acquire. Some of the names include Hassan Whiteside, Andre Drummond, Enes Kanter, and Nerlens Noel. It would be difficult for them to acquire any of those names given cap space concerns and their subpar record. The aforementioned players would love to play for a team that's either already a contender or is just a step away from being one. Be as it may, it's very apparent that the team needs some bulk in the paint.
The Hornets have a projected cap space of $22 million. To create that much room, they need to look at Cody Zeller (who has a $23 million cap hold) and Malik Monk (on the books for $16 million). Monk will likely don the Hornets jersey but the only question is for how much and for how long. However, if his injuries remain a concern for the team, then they can get a player like big man Richaun Holmes who's a free agent this summer.
Zeller's future with the Hornets hangs in the balance despite being the longest-tenured Hornet. His salary ranges from the minimum exception to as much as $8 million. Players like Enes Kanter and Mason Plumlee fall in that range, both of which offer more heft and skill in the paint.
Evaluate Devonte' Graham
Devonte' Graham had a relatively okay 2020-21 NBA season with 14.8 points per game, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. However, the dilemma is that he hasn't co-existed very well with LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier whenever Borrego fields a three-guard lineup.
Statistics reveal that this trio had a subpar net rating of just +2.3. It seems like a minor thing, but every little detail is critical if the Hornets are serious about becoming a contender.
Graham will become a restricted free agent this summer and it would make sense if the Hornets look for other players in the market to replace his spot.
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