Exchange the Pick? Hornets Need to Consider Adding Elite Player
The Hornets must have an open mind going into the offseason.
This year’s lottery pick will be made by the Charlotte Hornets for the eighth consecutive year. They have landed on individuals like Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington, LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, and Brandon Miller quite frequently in the last seven lottery choices. Four of those selections are still in Charlotte and are anticipated to play significant roles in the team’s future.
However, I would strongly advise Hornets General Manager Jeff Peterson to exchange the choice for a proven veteran who can assist this team right away, rather than selecting a different talent at the top of the draft. The Hornets are only losing this draft class due to its lack of appeal and the scarcity of general managers in the league.
Nevertheless, there will be interest, at least from some quarter, particularly if the Hornets happen to strike it lucky and be chosen first overall. Consider opposing clubs with really little draft capital that are either thinking about starting over or a team that needs to make some cash available.
New Orleans and Brooklyn are only two examples of cities that might be included in the mix. The Nets, whether they like to admit it or not, are rebuilding and may try to trade Mikal Bridges for a first-round selection. Brandon Ingram may be tradeable to the Pelicans, but the Hornets would need to make a more substantial offer than simply the one or second overall pick in the draft—assuming they win that high in the lottery. The worst part of this whole situation is that they won’t be in a position to select a great veteran if they don’t secure a top two choice.
Vasa Micic and Davis Bertans could
be included in any prospective agreement to assist with the pay aspect of it. In 2024–2025, the two will be responsible for a $23.7 million cap hit. Mikal Bridges is entitled $23 million next year, which increases the likelihood of pursuing him—especially when comparing Brooklyn’s circumstances to those of New Orleans.
The Hornets’ three-point percentage (35.5%) was among the lowest in the league the previous season, and Bridges would help the team instantly improve that aspect of their offense. Bridges has a 37% career shooting percentage from beyond the arc. The Hornets will benefit more from adding something to this present team than from adding another young player.
