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

2. A post presence

While four spots on the court for Charlotte were consistently filled by Walker, Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilcrist and Marvin Willams, the center position had​ been occupied by a rotating cast —
Spencer Hawes, Roy Hibbert, Miles Plumlee, Frank Kaminsky…but mostly Cody Zeller.

Even with valiant effort and unquestioned commitment, his 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per outing may not be enough. The positive in this is that Zeller’s points, rebounds, and steals totals were all career-highs. Still, a young player generally speaking (24 years old) and only in his fourth season, the big man from Indiana University still has room to grow. The Hornets need that growth to happen like yesterday.

With most of the big men on Charlotte’s current roster being as much perimeter players as post guys, the need for a commanding presence on the block is glaring. Sitting at 27th in the league in offensive rebounding (8.8 offensive boards per game) also speaks to the need in question.

The continued development of Zeller, along with second year big Frank Kaminsky, will determine what steps must be taken to solidify a presence in the post. Kaminsky is not a center by trade, but he is tall enough to fill the spot in a pinch. That, however, may not be the answer either.

To reach that next level, Charlotte may need to consider looking outside of its current makeup for a low post presence with scoring ability and a knack for cleaning the boards.