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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Charlotte Hornets

By Michael Smith

Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Marco Belinelli (21) reacts to a foul in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Marco Belinelli (21) reacts to a foul in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 11, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 103-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 103-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

3. A veteran leader

There is no real way to measure the value of a veteran leader. Every winning franchise has one. And if it’s not one, they have two or three. How does a team build on its potential without someone who is respected in the locker room to help pave the way?

In San Antonio, there has always been a player on the roster who led by example. Whether that example was practice habits, being a team player, or simply handling the every day life of a professional athlete, there has always been that guy. And if that guy is a proven winner, it makes the sell job of doing things “the right way” that much easier.

The Hornets are a generally young team. In fact, eight players from the current roster are younger than 25. Their on-court leader, Kemba Walker, is only 26. And outside of two seasons for Marco Belinelli with the San Antonio Spurs, this team’s three oldest players (Marco Belinelli, Brian Roberts, Ramon Sessions — all 31) have very little winning experience.

Youthful exuberance could explain some of the inconsistent play, trouble on the road (14-27), and the virtual collapse at the end of the regular season. There is no way to quantify the total number of wins and losses a veteran presence would have on a team, but as shown in the run of 20 consecutive winning seasons for San Antonio, it can’t be a bad thing.

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