Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Wizards
May 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) reacts against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Otto Porter Jr., SF, Washington Wizards

The Hornets’ biggest weakness might be the one-way play of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Yes, MKG is only 23 years old, but is there time for his offensive game to improve? Let’s try to put in perspective how far ahead his defensive game is. Kidd-Gilchrist’s Defensive Box Plus-Minus is plus-2.2, but his Offensive Box Plus-Minus is minus-2.0. In essence, what MKG contributes to on the defensive end, is nullified by what he’s doing on the offensive end.

That’s where 24-year old Otto Porter Jr. comes into play. Yes, he’s a restricted free agent and the Washington Wizards are likely to match any offer that’s thrown their way. But the Charlotte Hornets should try and force the Wizards’ hand. Porter Jr. had his best season of his career, averaging 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game on 52 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range. Those are all career-highs, by the way.

Porter Jr. is no slouch on the defensive end of the floor either and he’s able to easily hold his own against other players. Let’s take a look at his box plus/minus numbers. His offensive BPM is far ahead of Kidd-Gilchrist’s at plus-3.0. His defensive BPM isn’t elite, but it’s plus-0.9. That gives Porter Jr. a net rating of plus-3.9, while MKG is at plus-0.2.

Next: 5 reasons Markelle Fultz would be perfect for the Sixers

It’s tough to give up on Kidd-Gilchrist this quickly, but when you have the chance to add a proven talent like Porter Jr. who’s only 24 years old, there’s no questions asked. The Wizards’ forward has also been playing alongside Bradley Beal and John Wall, so he has experience with ball-dominant guards. His fit with Walker would be smooth and the two could be a wrecking crew in Charlotte.

The Hornets are looking to bounce back from their poor season and head back to the NBA Playoffs in 2017-18. These are some key free-agent additions the Hornets should consider this offseason in order to get their team where they want it to.

Home/Charlotte Hornets