Bismack Biyombo returns to Charlotte. All is correct in the world.

POLL : Biyombo Is Back

  • Bismack = Eastern Finals (15%, iv Votes)
  • He Might Exist Better This Time (23%, six Votes)
  • Better Than Mozgov (58%, fifteen Votes)
  • Oh God, I've Seen How This Plays Out (4%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 26

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Back in July of 2010 so Charlotte head coach Larry Chocolate-brown and GM Rod Higgins made what is widely considered one of the worst trades of the NBA millenium.

The Bobcats were over the cap and in danger of breaching the luxury taxation. They needed to dump salary fast. Their solution: trade Tyson Chandler (who had spent his lone twelvemonth in Charlotte either hurt or in Brown's doghouse) to the Mavericks for the immediate cap relief of Erik Dampier'due south non-guaranteed deal and the bloated multi-year contracts of Matt Carroll and Eduardo Najera.

Ten months subsequently Chandler was helping Dirk win a ring while career 9th/10th men Najera and Carroll bloated Charlotte'due south payroll and took upward precious roster spots for years. Information technology was a bacon dump trade in which the dumper ended upwards taking on more salary in the longterm. This move all simply cemented the Bobcats' reputation as a league-wide joke.

A New Era of Competence

Seven years afterwards Charlotte is no longer the laughingstock. In fact, they've completely turned the tables past becoming the fleecer in such a deal rather than the fleeced. And information technology's all due to competence.

See what happens when your GM and Motorcoach piece of work together?

COMPETENCE: As a old assistant in Orlando, Steve Clifford has long had a great human relationship with Dwight Howard. He understands Howard'southward game and personality. Few other NBA staffs are in a position to maximize late career Dwight like Charlotte's. If Dwight is going to achieve a renaissance anywhere in the league information technology will exist as a Hornet.

MORE COMPETENCE: Rich Cho'south negotiating and cap management skills allowed the Hornets to upgrade their brusk term talent situation, dump seemingly un-dumpable bacon and boost their 2d Circular pick to almost 1st Round status all in 1 merchandise.

This single transaction encapsulates what can happen when both men – each the best this organization has seen at their respective positions – play to their strengths in unison. Bravo, gentlemen.

Worst Case is Still a Better Case

"Yep, this is a great merchandise and all…if it was 2011 LMFAO!!!"
–Bones Twitter Troll

Allow's assume disaster for a moment: That the worst of Dwight'southward childish antics distract and disrupt. That his soon to exist 32 year old body breaks down before the concluding ii years of his contract elapse. That his fit on the court never materializes and that he essentially becomes a $50m version of last flavour'due south Roy Hibbert.

The trade is still a win. Why? Let us count the ways:

I. Miles Plumlee is non only a worse player by any measurement but his three year contract ran a year longer than Dwight'south. Past making the trade, a currently capped out Charlotte team will exist able to play in free agency a year earlier than expected.

II. Which is cracking because guess who is due for a new contract during that time? Kemba Walker. Likewise both Marvin Williams and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist tin can opt out that summer then more flexibility in July of 2019 = a VERY GOOD Matter.

Three. Did I mention that they dumped Plumlee? It was widely viewed every bit one of the league'southward to the lowest degree tradeable contracts and they did so without having to include a option or prospect to sweeten the deal (see the Lakers and D'Angelo Russell as a counterexample of this).

4. In fact, Cho was able to somehow motility up in the Draft – going from selection 41 of a deep class to 31. That's the commencement pick of the 2nd Round, a very interesting spot indeed (more than on this later).

V. If Dwight becomes a major trouble off or on the courtroom, Charlotte can merely tell him to stay abode or try and trade him as an expiring side by side summer. His salary is still less damaging timing-wise than Plumlee'south.

Best Instance is Insane

Ok. And so what if Dwight isn't Lance Stephenson 2.0? What if he accepts his part, plays (generally) difficult, takes his vitamins and says his prayers (brother)? Well so, things are of a sudden bright indeed.

I. Suppose you have a center who is aging, struggles with back problems and can't quite play 36 minutes a night anymore…wouldn't you want to pair him with…

II. A younger center whose trunk type and strength also prevent him from playing large minutes at the five every night for 82 games. A histrion who is more mobile guarding on the perimeter, a player who is different in style just plenty to give y'all some other look just not so different that you have to change the way you play when he's out at that place.

III. Yeah I am talking about the potentially tremendous middle platoon of Dwight and Cody. Should they be able to put their past feuds and egos (well, ego) behind them this combination should finally give Clifford 48 respectable defensive minutes at heart for the first fourth dimension in his 5 flavor tenure.

IV. Lack of fill-in center plagued the Hornets last season. When Cody sat, the team dropped from 3rd in the league in defensive efficiency to 24th.

V. Did I mention defensive rebounding? Because Cliff is obsessed with that stuff and the Hornets (aside from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) take lacked a true rebounding beast since Big Al'due south All-NBA flavor a few years back. Say what you will well-nigh Dwight'south failing game but the man can still ball-board(8th in DRPG, 8th in Contested DRPG). Oh yeah, Howard also ranked 2d in offensive rebounds and contested ORBPG – then if Cliff finally allows a histrion to crash the offensive glass, Dwight can convert 'em.

6. Rim protection – while Howard is no longer the shot blocking golem he once was (most iii blocks per 36 minutes during his prime number, down to 1.5 last flavour), his strength and reputation will provide at least every bit much detterence equally Cody when Zeller sits. This is a good thing.

VII. Given Dwight'southward seniority and rep, it's a well-nigh lock that he'll be the starter with Cody coming off the bench. Which incidentally means that the Hornets will go from having one of the worst backup center situations in the league to i of the best.

What Next?

With the Typhoon a footling more than 24 hours away, the Hornets roster makeup and motivation for next season is much clearer:

I. The team even so has 2 primary positional needs: Backup PG and Backup Wing

II. After dealing Marco Belinelli in the Howard trade, Charlotte has exactly one player on the roster who shot greater than 36% from 3 last season (Kemba)

Three. Which leads me to believe that unless a highly rated signal guard drops (Dennis Smith), the Hornets volition apply that selection on Duke'due south Luke Kennard – who is widely regarded equally the best shooter in this course.

Four. While I still love Donovan Mitchell and his game, his shot is streaky and with the betoken guard market petering out league-wide (Russell to BRK, Fultz to PHI take started a chain reaction), information technology volition be much easier to find a backup one via trade or free agency than a sharp-shooting wing.

V. Kennard's play-making from the two would likewise give Charlotte some minor insurance should Batum miss whatever extended time (which would be a very, very bad thing).

2nd Round Scenarios

If the Hornets do indeed keep their newly acquired second Rounder (they've sold or traded all but one in the Cho era) and then they're in prime position to become a potential rotation player on the cheap which would put Cho's negotiation skills further to the test:

If Cho can uncover a quality player at 31 and then sign him to something similar the famed "Hinkie Special" 2yrs + Not-Guaranteed Twelvemonth + Team Option Year – or even a standard 2-3 year 2nd Round contract – yous're looking at maybe adding in a rotation guy for around $1m per over the side by side few seasons. For a squad as cap strapped as Charlotte this would be HUGE.

As to who they could target with this selection – I have no thought. They worked out Terrance Fergusan and he may drop there. Harry Giles may scare teams off of longterm guaranteed money then could autumn. Guys similar Josh Hart and Frank Jackson will be at that place likewise. This is strictly a all-time player available situation and given the depth of this Draft, Charlotte has a shot at a practiced ane.

Give Rich Cho an Extension Already

Cho is in the terminal twelvemonth of his contract and MJ has notwithstanding to extend him – this trade alone should become him one.

Even if Howard doesn't play a game for Charlotte, the team was able to trade an untradeable contract while upgrading their draft position and cleared the books for an incredibly of import 2019 Free Agency menses.

Karmic payback complete. Tyson Chandler helped Dallas win a title. Cho, Cliff and Dwight helped win Charlotte some respectability.

-ASChin
@baselinebuzz

Inside hours of posting my Typhoon preview yesterday, news broke that Lance Stephenson had been shipped to the Clippers for Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes.
I really like the bargain.

  1. Lance had to get.
    Stephenson is a ball dominant guard with a high turnover charge per unit who can't shoot. That's basically every unmarried Hornet pain-point arranged together into ane human being. Clifford's system is dependent upon minimizing giveaways and Charlotte has led the league in fewest turnovers committed for the past 2 seasons. The squad already has a ball ascendant pb guard (Kemba Walker) who has his own shooting bug. Benching Lance for another season both wastes a roster spot and creates a lark. He had to get.
  2. Waiving him was worse.
    The team could've but "Josh Smith'd" Lance and eaten the last year of his salary ($9m) for the flavor. But that's 1 sixth of the squad's cap literally gone to waste matter. They also could've used the league's Stretch Provision and paid out Stephenson'due south bacon over the next three seasons ($3m per) – which is a ameliorate option in some ways until yous consider the side by side point.
  3. The $3m Fill-in Heart.
    Spencer Hawes is owed approximately $five.8m per season over the next iii. Once the team either unloads Matt Barnes's contract or buys him out ($1m cap hit), Hawes's salary is all Charlotte will be on the claw for. As Kevin Pelton noted in his excellent trade grade piece for ESPN Insider, one time factoring in the stretch provision penalty – the Hornets are substantially getting a very good fill-in center for less than $3m per flavor. This is tremendous value.
  4. The fit.
    Most twenty v years of hoops geekdom has taught me a valuable lesson: Fit is just equally important as talent. Every once in a while a Duncan or MJ or Lebron comes along who would dominate on any squad in whatever era. That's rare. How a franchise develops and uses the role player is extraordinarily important for everyone else. Josh McRoberts was headed out of the league before Steve Clifford helped resurrect his career (and earn him another $25m). Is Draymond Green a max guy on the Timberwolves? Does Zach Randolph feel his wonderful second act if he doesn't become to Memphis? The Hornets are desperate for 3 point shooting and playmaking. Hawes brings both. Seriously. Simply sentinel some of these highlights:
  5. A Defensive Sieve.
    Steve Clifford built a Top x NBA Defence force in back to dorsum years with Al Jefferson at center. Recall almost that. The odds that this foundation volition exist destroyed with Hawes playing sixteen-18 minutes a night are quite depression. The system remains the same: prevent penetration, get back on defense and commit as few turnovers as possible.
  6. Bismack Biyombo: Superstar.
    Everyone likes Biz. He works hard, is a super pleasant guy off the courtroom and does a few very nice things on it. But some of the reactions after yesterday'due south trade made it sound like we were talking virtually Bill Russell. Biyombo has become one of the elevation rim protector'southward in the game. True. He also stinks at offense and his team struggles to score even when he's on the bench. I've been proverb for years that a proficient team tin't take both Biyombo and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in the same rotation. You have to pick i. And if this trade was made with the intention of letting Biz walk in costless agency, then so be information technology. I want Biyombo to succeed offset, succeed on the Hornets second. Put Biz in a state of affairs similar Dallas and he can start and never touch the ball outside of a dunk.
  7. How the trade affects the Draft.
    Hawes is essentially a veteran version of Myles Turner or Frank Kaminsky. Expect Charlotte to laissez passer on each of them and focus on finding wings or trading the choice entirely. There'south been some racket nigh a merchandise back to nab RJ Hunter and another nugget. The team could also packet Marvin Williams ($7m expiring contract) with one of Noah Vonleh or Cody Zeller plus the nine pick to grab an All-Star type veteran wing. Cho has been large on collecting assets versus consolidating them and then I'd put the chances of this sort of merchandise at effectually 25%.
  8. They're keeping Hawes.
    From Rich Cho'south comments post-merchandise, it sounds like they're thrilled to have him and getting Hawes was simply as big a part of making this trade equally was unloading Lance.
  9. How the trade affects Free Bureau.
    All will be revealed betwixt June 30th and early July. Will Biz exist extended his compact ($5.4m) qualifying offering as the squad'due south third centre? Will Gerald Henderson exercise his thespian option? Will the team plow their back on Jeff Taylor or give him 1 more shot? Until and so, we won't know for certain how much cap space Charlotte will have to play with. It certainly won't exist plenty for a max-type offer.
  10. Cheer up.
    Hawes is going to help on the court and in the lockerroom. The Lance distraction is a affair of the past. The Draft is quickly budgeted and the team's young trio of Cody, Vonleh and MKG are getting meliorate every year. The books are relatively make clean and the team owns all of its first circular picks going forward. All is skillful.

-ASChin
@BaselineBuzz

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FIFTEEN FOR Xv! Baseliner'south Dr. E, Bradford Coombs and A.S. Chin respond fifteen burning questions as we caput into the neo-Hornets era:

1. The season is but hours away. Nosotros've been through the Draft hype, the Free Agency hype and now the Preseason hype. What are yous almost excited to see from these neo-Hornets?

Bradford:Without question information technology's MKG for me. I expect incremental improvement from his bound shot and think it'southward nevertheless a couple years away from being a reliable weapon. Merely anyone who has seen the preseason has noticed the aggressiveness that has come with his newfound confidence on offense. I think the improvement everyone expected from yr 1 to year 2 is going to manifest itself in year 3. I'grand probably too erstwhile to be buying jerseys, but I might demand an MKG jersey.

DocE:Two things: A) MKG taking a step forward to go a more confident offensive thespian and B) How Lance Stephenson fits in. From a strictly basketball bespeak, some of Hendo'due south minutes going to Lance should be a good thing — all those fadeaway long twos Hendo had to take at the end of the shot clock when the showtime option on offense had been stifled? Many of those are going to be Lance drives to the basket now. But the chemistry affair is what I'thousand more interested to see — I however worry that Lance was a big part of the Pacers undoing last year.

ASChin:The Cho Bear witness. It was the least hyped event of the Hornets offseason yet MJ's conclusion to dump Rod Higgins in order to let Rich Cho run the basketball side solo could plough out to be the organization'south best movement. Higgins rails record was horrendous and while Cho hasn't been perfect (drafting Biz over Klay/Kawhi/Faried/Vucevic), he's been way more than successful and consistent in his transactions than Cory'south father ever was. Hornets fans haven't had a legit GM running the show since Bob Bass skipped boondocks over a decade ago. This could be the kickoff of something good.

2. The Hornets starting PF at the end of the yr is…?

Bradford:Marvin Williams will start, but Cody Zeller volition be a amend role player and have the ameliorate twelvemonth. Vonleh volition barely see the courtroom. I dear Cody'southward playmaking in the preseason. He's driving and kicking to the plethora of shooters in the second unit. Williams has the meliorate shooting range, which the starters desperately demand.

Dr.Due east:I'll go chalk here and say Marvin Williams. I know he'due south had a quiet preseason, but he's a reliable vet who'southward learning a new organization — he'll be fine.

ASChin:I'yard gonna go out on a limb and say that Charlotte is the merely team in the league that has a 'Cody' backing upwards a 'Marvin'. Too, I'm gonna go out on a longer limb and say that Cody is the starter by Playoff time. The mid-range release has looked faster during the preseason and he looks more confident shooting it. Zeller's playmaking isn't as flashy equally McRoberts' merely that doesn't mean it can't be as effective. Cody makes smart basketball plays and goes hard for contested boards. He looks stronger too. A little fleck more consistency and he might be likewise expert to proceed on the pino.

3. True or False: Rich Cho purposefully timed Lance's final year (team option) with Gordon Hayward's actor selection.

Bradford:True. But mostly for fun. Utah's cap canvass is going to become interesting quickly having made then many draft picks then quickly. And if you've been watching Hayward whipping cross-court passes out of the pick-and-roll you lot can see what Cho liked. It's pretty interesting that he was able to get such a team friendly deal with Stephenson. I tin can't be the but one who thought, "They meant player option, correct?" when I saw the headline.

Dr.E:I recollect it'southward safe to say that both sides (Lance and the Hornets) wanted the contract to be on the short side. Lance knew he cost himself some money with his antics last flavor, and wanted to bet on himself with a shorter contract that expires when the salary cap will exist significantly higher. The Hornets desire future flexibility in general, as much for Steph Curry as Gordon Hayward probably.

ASChin:Truthful. Every bit the Baseline's resident conspiracy theorist, I'chiliad gonna say that Cho knew exactly what sort of deal Lance would agree to and poison-pilled Hayward's contract in advance to requite them another playmaking wing selection should Stephenson bolt in a few seasons. The team made a HUGE impression on Gordon manifestly – sending a fissure squad of investigators to uncover Hayward'due south favorite refined saccharide product and existent-time strategy game. Don't exist shocked if Gordon's wearing teal adjacent to Steph Cur- *Coughing* Kemba Walker in a few years.

4. MKG will end the regular season with the following stats:

Bradford:12 points, 6 rebounds, i help, i steal, one block in 28 minutes per game. I call back MKG plays closer to 30 minutes this year and all non-scoring stats increase proportionately. For scoring I used his pre-flavor usage charge per unit and multiplied that past small increases in shooting and free-throw percentages. These numbers may seem pocket-sized because my previously stated expectations, but the increased usage and efficiency are big deals in my mind despite the raw numbers not existence overwhelming.

Dr.Eastward:11ppg, 7rpg, and a 15.0 PER in 27 minutes/game.

ASChin:PhysicianEast and I can't compete with Bradford'due south understanding of math. 12.5ppg, 7rpg, 1apg, 1.5spg, 1bpg AKA "The Young Gerald Wallace" line.

5. Most likely Hornet to be traded before the Deadline is…?

Bradford:Henderson is the easy answer. I'grand going with Bismack Adieu-ombo (see what I did at that place?). I've been really loyal to Biz, all the fashion up until the preseason where information technology's just been the same one-time things. A skilful rim protector who struggles with defensive positioning beyond standing at the rim and waiting, with nothing to bring to the table offensively. You lot can't even throw lobs or hit him as a roll-man allow lonely post him up. I could go out on a real limb and say PJ Hairston is going to come on stiff and Biz will be packaged with Gary Neal at the deadline to fill out a contender's roster, or Sacramento's overly exuberant ownership.

DocE:It'south less probable now with Jeff Taylor no longer effectually, but I'll all the same say Gerald Henderson. Dark horse would exist Cody Zeller or Noah Vonleh if some big trade became available.

ASChin:Trader Cho has lots to work with heading into the Deadline. IF the team believes that both Cody and Vonleh are and always will be power forrard then one has to go, right? Before Taylor's meltdown, I swore Hendo was the odd man out. Now the squad desperately needs another athletic wing who can defend off the pine. Biz isn't worth anything shut to his upcoming qualifying offer or cap hold but he'south worth more to Charlotte now as a backup big than the 2nd Round choice he'd render. I'k going with Gary Neal.

6. Volition Al Jefferson finally make the All-Star squad?

Bradford:Sadly, no. I call up you lot'll come across some combination of Bosh/Noah/Horford. If he does it will be due to Noah's pes or Horford's pectoral muscle.

Dr.E:As long as he doesn't have a slow start, yes.

ASChin:If Charlotte is over .500 by the time the coaches vote, they'll have to send a representative. Yep.

vii. The biggest dropoff from concluding flavour will be…?

Bradford:This one is pretty obvious when you think near it. It's protecting the ball. Charlotte'south turnover ratio was tops in the league final flavor past a salubrious margin. Lance Stephenson had a higher turnover ratio than everyone on the team concluding twelvemonth.

Dr.East:I'yard a little worried most regression for Big Al.

ASChin:Behind the dorsum passes. Oh, how I grieve for you McBob…

8. The biggest improvement from concluding season volition be…?

Bradford:Shooting, shooting, shooting. All credit to CDR and Anthony Tolliver for their efforts last year, but a full season of Gary Neal, Brian Roberts, PJ Hairston, Marvin Williams, Lance Stephenson… They shouldn't be 23rd in 3 betoken per centum next year.

Dr.E:Hoping it's MKG, but seeming more likely it'south Gary Neal, with the weight loss in the offseason and a full preseason in Clifford'south system.

ASChin: One more vote for shooting. The Bobcats were a very poor shooting squad before the Interruption last season. Two of that squad's 3 point weapons, CDR (51) and McRoberts (105), DEMOLISHED their career highs in three pointers made – notching nearly 2-thirds more makes than their cumulative previous career totals. Tolliver's 105 makes will be missed merely then many of his threes came in bunches early on and he mostly sat once Douglas-Roberts proved a improve defending pick at SF. Marvin (84 threes in 66 games), Roberts (66), Lance (86), Neal and P.J. Hairston will more than make up for the departed. Each one of those guys has faster strokes and, exterior of Lance, rarely hesitate to launch 1. The big key to the Hornets condign a very good shooting team is Kemba – he should get more than spot upwardly opportunities this year playing off of Lance.

9. Will Noah Vonleh log whatsoever meaningful minutes in his rookie season?

Bradford:Nope.

Dr.E:Clifford has already pretty much said no for the kickoff one-half of the season, and if the Hornets are in the thick of the playoff race, might not be many minutes in the second one-half either.

ASChin:Non likely. I've been using Portland-era Jermaine O'Neal as a comp. He'll sit as a youngster on a good team and learn valuable lessons behind vets who are trying to win now.

10. More than likely to make an appearance at the TWC the season: Jeff Taylor or Rufus Lynx?

Bradford:My first inclination is to say Rufus. Just if Taylor was going to get cut, why wait? He'south nothing more than insurance on the wing with no real time to come with the franchise (deplorable JT fans). The team has to know more about the situation than has been publicly released. I don't know if we'll come across him become minutes in an actual game, but I think you'll be able to catch him chilling on the bench at some point.

DoctorE:Neither.

ASChin:Rufus and his friends Primoz Brezec and Melvin Ely will crash the Hornets opener wearing black B.W.O. t-shirts. OHMYGAWD IT'Due south A BOBCATS WORLD ORDER!!!

eleven.  Worst move of the offseason: Letting McRoberts walk for the mid-level OR Paying Marvin Williams $seven 1000000 per season?

Bradford:I'k going to say Marvin Williams at $7 million fully guaranteed. Some sort of team choice or partial guarantee on year 2 would have made sense with such a high number. It'south non a crippling move, but it's not very flexible either.
As for McRoberts, final yr was a career year that I don't think he'll match again. It was a right place, right fourth dimension kind of state of affairs. The 3 point shooting probably won't concord upwards. And even though he striking 3's at a decent clip, teams still didn't respect it according to SportsVU's gravity measurements equally discussed hither  (Insider Only). The more than interesting angle on McRoberts is which conclusion was worse, Cho not re-signing him or McRoberts choosing to leave?

Dr.E:Letting McRoberts walk for sure. If the Hornets don't get off to a expert start, it won't be the end of the earth, just it volition be because McBob isn't on the floor holding things together.

ASChin:McRoberts was set up to get this generation's Gminski, a bearded Dookie who played the game the simply manner a six-ten Jesus could: with style and grace; turning Lebron'south other cheek into his other elbow. Why Cho? WHY???!!!

12. The Hornets finish the season with a record of…?

Bradford:I'thou sticking with my non-stats based 45-37 prediction from the summer.

MdE:47-35.

ASChin:50-32. The get-go fourth dimension a Charlotte NBA squad has notched fifty since 1998.

13. True or False: The Hornets volition win a Playoff game this flavour.

Bradford:True. Not but volition they win a playoff game this season, they'll win a playoff series.

MedicoE:Truthful.

ASChin:They'll get to the Mike Woodson Invitational AKA The 2d Round.

14. What does Kemba'southward contract extension look similar?

Bradford:4 years, $l million with a actor option on the quaternary year.

Dr.Eastward:It's really hard to say without knowing more details about how and how much the salary cap is going to go up over the side by side few years right?  I approximate in the 10-eleven million per range?

ASChin:Cap incertitude is a major issue but Cho'south greatest strength has been contract negotiation. I'm gonna say information technology'southward 4yrs, $48m with a squad selection after yr three – timing it perfectly with a famous Charlottean's costless bureau.

15. Unsung Hero: Which under the radar Hornet makes the biggest contribution this season?

Bradford:Every bit a scrap of a fanboy I want to say Brian Roberts, and I love his signing, but I'm going to go with Gerald Henderson. He's the forgotten human being and there are legitimate concerns nigh his fit with the squad going forward. Merely I retrieve he becomes an essential glue guy. He's been overextended since he escaped the shackles of Larry Brown. He never should take been a first, 2d, or even tertiary pick on offense. He has an opportunity to redefine his career as a spot-upward shooter and cutter who never handles the ball and puts near of his energy into defense. You know who else couldn't shoot for the life of him until all he had to do was stand there, grab, and shoot? Thabo Sefalosha. Steve Clifford loves defensive versatility and Hendo is stiff enough and athletic enough to defend multiple positions. An obvious trade target, and I'm non maxim he won't be, merely Hendo is going to play a big role on this team. It'due south all up to him to take on this new challenge and I call up he'll accept a great year.

Dr.East:Gary Neal.

ASChin:Tyrus Thomas. MJ is gonna cringe every time he sends out a cut of the $9 1000000 amnesty the team still owes T-Fourth dimension. Every time Dougie McBuckets nails a three (Chicago acquired McDermott by packaging the Bobcats first rounder from the Thomas merchandise), MJ is going to expletive the names of Larry Brown and Rod Higgins. The Tyrus and Tyson Chandler deals cemented Jordan's status as a poor basketball listen five years ago. He'll use these memories similar he used getting cut from his high school basketball team. Equally the Waterboy would say, "Tacklin' Fuel". The Hornets will win a title in the next decade.

Bonus Predictions from Bradford:

  • Kemba shoots 45% from the field.
  • Cody Zeller averages 3+ assists per game.
  • PJ Hairston scores xxx in a game at some point.
  • Charlotte ranks in the top half of the league in attendance.
  • Lance Stephenson has less than 10 technical fouls all season.

The Charlotte Hornets made a major splash during July's free agency sweepstakes, inking rising star Lance Stephenson to a three twelvemonth, $27 million contract. Although at that place was a bit of drama leading up to the particulars ("who" and "how much"), the decision itself wasn't a surprise. An upgrade at one of the wing positions had been anticipated since mid-flavour, when it became apparent that Charlotte'south potent within-out assail led by Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker was hamstrung past perimeter guys who either couldn't shoot (Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) or who were hesitant to do so (Gerald Henderson).

Flash frontwards to the 2014 Playoffs: Charlotte'south post-season cameo versus the Miami Heat was cursory but featured a few bright spots to build upon, notably:

MKG's performance in Game Two was his best as a pro. At just twenty years of age, he pestered the league's best player on defense and aggressively attacked the rim on offense. With Big Al hurting and the spotlight on, MKG stepped upwardly and showed cynical fans and nervous Charlotte execs that the old number ii overall choice might not exist a bust subsequently all. Kidd-Gilchrist's all-earth defensive abilities and untapped offense potential brand him the odds on favorite to remain in teal in majestic now that Lance is in the QC.

3's Visitor?

Some have assumed the Stephenson signing only pushes Gerald downwards the depth nautical chart a notch equally the squad's 3rd guard and sixth homo. That'due south an assumption I'm just not buying, mainly because:

A.) Third guards are rarely mid-range, grinder types. Outside of his excellent off the ball abilities, Hendo often takes forever manufacturing his offense and rarely do those posessions stop in threes. Ideally, you lot want your bench guy to exist a gunner – a Jamaal Crawford, Isaiah Thomas, J.R. Smith type who tin can generate points both in bunches and in a bustle.

B.) Charlotte has exactly two of those types of bench scorers already on the roster (Gary Neal, P.J. Hairston) whose games' are much meliorate suited for the function.

C.) Hendo tin play some small forward in a compression just at 6'four″, he's a minor-small forward. Bus Clifford prefers size and the squad has MKG, Jeff Taylor and Marvin Williams logging minutes there already. Which brings me to…

D.) There simply aren't enough minutes to go around. Hendo has averaged north of 32 minutes per game over the by three seasons. A team helm, I find it difficult to believe that Gerald will be ok with taking a DRASTICALLY reduced role in the prime of his career with a potential new contract (he has a player option for next flavour) on the horizon.
Have a await at this unproblematic minutes chart:

BaselineSimpleMinsChart

Even if we assume that Hendo takes all of the Neal/Hairston minutes, that still leaves Gerald twelve minutes shy of his recent boilerplate. Sounds like a recipe for three unhappy guys to me. Also…

Eastward.) Hendo was actively shopped to at to the lowest degree two teams leading upwards to July's Draft: Charlotte offered Henderson and the 24th overall pick to Orlando for Arron Afflalo. In that location was also an unreported, merely since confirmed trade (past the Baseline'south own @benweinrib) proposal that would take sent Gerald to the Clippers for the 28th overall choice. Retrieve of it this way, if Hendo was on the verge of existence dealt Before the Hornets secured a new starter at SG, then what's stopping them from doing the same now that they accept Lance?

The Fake Trades

This mail service may as well take been titled "Biyombo and Hendo Trade Scenarios". I've written most What To Do with Biz extensively then get read that first if you feel that his inclusion is misplaced. Either manner, Biz and Hendo represent a combination of redundency and value while their salaries combine to fit nicely into several two-for-i swaps.

Hornets trade Gerald Henderson, Bismack Biyombo to Cleveland for Anderson Varejao and Memphis' Beginning Round Pick

WHY CLEVELAND DOES IT: One time the Kevin Love trade goes downwards, Cleveland will be desperate for both a starting SG and a heart who can play more than fifty games a season. Dion Waiters' ideal role is as a meaty Jamaal Crawford demote scorer and Hendo slots in nicely equally the starter and fourth pick. Gerald pads Lebron & Yard-Love's assist numbers with cuts to the rim on offense and gives the Cavs at to the lowest degree one baby-sit who gives half a crap on defense force. Meanwhile, Biz supplies the flammable Dearest/Kyrie combo with rim protection and won't, I repeat, WILL Non be required to affect the brawl…Ever.

WHY CHARLOTTE DOES IT: Let's face up it, Varejao is going to get hurt at some indicate during the twelvemonth. It'due south inevitable. Merely during those 50-60 games he does play, Anderson volition allow Charlotte to do some amazing things with their 2nd string center…similar catch the brawl, run bones pick and rolls, etc. Beyond that, he'southward an expiring contract, thus the Memphis late first rounder as a sweetener. It's a lilliputian help now, a picayune assistance in the time to come for the Hornets – all for two guys who likely aren't in the team's long term plans anyway.

Hornets trade Gerald Henderson and Bismack Biyombo to Brooklyn for Kevin Garnett

WHY BROOKLYN DOES IT: The Nets need a legit SG in the worst manner. Now that Paul Pierce is gone, Joe Johnson volition probable motion to small forrard full-time and Sergei Karasev isn't going to cut information technology as the starter. Bismack gives Brooklyn a third rotation large to backup oftentimes-injured Brook Lopez and even allows the Nets to trade either Lopez or Mason Plumlee for a legit slice at another position downward the road.

WHY CHARLOTTE DOES IT: This is crazy, right? KG is one-time, on an expiring contract and has lost nearly x steps. There's also this caveat: Garnett has a no-trade clause and can shoot down whatsoever bargain. So why would either side agree to this?
If y'all've made a major investment in VERY young players, why not give them a role model, a leader and a mentor? Say Lance or P.J. leave of line in practice, with Garnett effectually, they may recollect twice. If Kemba, Lance, MKG, Cody Zeller or Noah Vonleh go stars one twenty-four hour period, they may expect back at their season with KG as a lesson in leadership. This stuff matters. It'south one of the reason San Antonio has been able to build and maintain their culture for so long and i of the reasons Washington went after Pierce.
As for Garnett himself: D-Volition and Joe Johnson are older, Pierce and Livingston are gone and Blatche is still unsigned. Practise you bet the terminal season of an illustrious career on Brook Lopez'due south anxiety or do you bring together the best young squad in the Eastern Conference?

Hornets trade Gerald Henderson, Bismack Biyombo to OKC for Kendrick Perkins, Andre Roberson and a protected 1st Round Choice

WHY OKC DOES IT: The Thunder have some very young wing talent on the roster in Jeremy Lamb and they just signed Anthony Morrow as a floor spacing rotation guy. But do y'all really desire either of those guys playing meaningful Playoff minutes? Defensively, Gerald is better than both of those guys and while he might lack the raw offensive upside as Lamb, his pro game is much farther along. A Hendo/Reggie Jackson/Russell Westbrook three guard rotation with a fiddling Morrow mixed in is solid. Also: we get to hear an exasperated Biyombo and Ibaka duo explain that in that location are "2 Congos" for an entire season.

WHY CHARLOTTE DOES IT: Perk catches a ton of flack and he's virtually the turnover machine that Biz has been over the past couple of seasons. Just he'south a tough as nails veteran large who can neutralize opposing bigs. Kendrick may non exist flashy but he knows NBA defense. Clifford will beloved having him back there. Roberson's an intriguing combo forward who played well in the D-League concluding season. He's on a cheap rookie bargain and is some dainty insurance should Jeff Taylor's recovery stagnate or if Taylor bolts via costless agency next summer. The pick would be a highly protected get-go.

Hornets merchandise Gerald Henderson to Miami for Josh McRoberts

NOTE: Gratuitous agents signed during the summertime can't exist traded until Dec 15th, and so this one would take to happen mid-season.
WHY MIAMI DOES IT: Unless they want to become VERY small with two PGs when Dwyane Wade misses fourth dimension, the Estrus will need to add some quality fly depth and who better than Wade-light? An iso, post-up, volume-scoring mid-range doppelganger who could slide right into the starting five during Wade'south sabbaticals, Hendo is just what the doc ordered for a Miami team that's in no position to tank (they owe their first round pick to the Cavs).
Meanwhile, McRoberts and Chris Bosh are similar players who likely won't play all that much together, specially with Udonis Haslem and Chris Andersen back in the fold. And with Lebron's July surprise, both Josh and the Heat may determine that this wasn't a groovy idea for a variety of reasons.

WHY CHARLOTTE DOES Information technology: Uhh…like, duh…

-ASCHIN
@BaselineBuzz