NBA Rumors: Charlotte Hornets interested in Arron Afflalo
After naming Steve Clifford head coach and signing free agent big man Al Jefferson away from the Utah Jazz, the Charlotte Hornets (Bobcats) were one of the most improved teams in the league. They finished with a record of 43-39 and returned to the postseason for the first time since 2010. Although they were swept by the Miami Heat and still have not won a postseason game (The Orlando Magic swept them in 2010), it was a huge step in the right direction for the Hornets.
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To further upgrade their talent, the Hornets will be busy in the draft where they have three picks and in free agency, likely again chasing Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol.
They also could use those assets to facilitate a trade and one target could be the best player on a division rival – Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo. Afflalo was very productive and has a good contract, but he is blocking last year’s number 2 overall pick, Victor Oladipo.
Rick Bonnell and Ben Weinrib of The Charlotte Observer believes he would be an excellent fit with the Hornets.
"The Orlando Magic guard is a proven shooter/scorer (averaged 18.2 points last season on 46 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range). The Bobcats most obvious need is wing scoring, particularly from a player who can stretch the defense from 3-point range. He could be available with the Magic focusing on the development of Victor Oladipo……He would immediately become the third scoring threat for Charlotte, providing the offense Gerald Henderson couldn’t always give last season."
Afflalo had the best season of his career, averaging 18.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.