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

By Akash Anavarathan

Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts on the bench against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts on the bench against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) reaches for a loose ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) reaches for a loose ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Zach Randolph, PF, Memphis Grizzlies

Heading into 2017-18, the Buzz City will have a few different options at the power forward position. Marvin Williams, Frank Kaminsky and Cody Zeller. The commonality between all three players is their lack of a strong post game, especially the first two. It’s a key feature of the game that evades the Hornets and it could ad an extra dimension to their offense. When they had Al Jefferson, it was a big part of their game, so they should try to rekindle the fire with Zach Randolph.

Z-Bo’s game in Memphis was centered from the post. He scored on everyone with his arsenal of moves. Randolph is not the 20-10 player that he once used to be, but he’s still an effective scorer off the bench. This past season with the Grizzlies, Z-Bo averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in 24 minutes per game. 

Randolph is also an effective defender and bangs down low to fight for every rebound. At 35 years old, the Grizzlies’ power forward still finds a way to make an impact on the game night in and night out. Similar to his role under David Fizdale in Memphis, Randolph will continue to spell the starters in Charlotte too.

Z-Bo is a more likely candidate to join the Hornets, because he’s a veteran that’s not likely looking for a big contract. The Hornets aren’t far from being competitive in the Eastern Conference and Randolph could have a significant role on the floor. Not only that, his veteran presence and locker-room leadership will be vital for a young team that’s looking to revitalize itself this season.

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