NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Charlotte Hornets

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 6: Treveon Graham #21 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 6, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 10: Trevor Booker #20 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 10, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

5. Trevor Booker

Trevor Booker, after starting the year in Brooklyn, was dealt to Philadelphia in the Jahlil Okafor trade, where he never really got solidly into the rotation and was eventually waived. He joined Indiana and played out the rest of the season as a solid contributor to a bench that was mostly cobbled together out of reclamation projects. His rebounding and grit on defense kept him good enough to stay on the court, and despite the Pacers playoff matchup — the Cavaliers, playing relatively small, quick 4’s — he wasn’t outmatched trying to chase guys around the perimeter, a skill that has been sorely missed during Frank Kaminsky’s tenure at the backup 4.

Despite being a non-shooter, around 30 percent for his career, Booker was fine in lineups next to limited range centers like Joel Embiid, Tyler Zeller, and Domantas Sabonis. This will be crucial as three of the four centers on the Charlotte roster are non-shooters. Cody Zeller, Dwight Howard, and Willy Hernangomez are unlikely to manufacture high volume jump shots over the offseason. However, two of those three are heady, smart players, and they should be able to find creases in the offense next to Booker.

The most exciting backcourt pairing, however, is Frank Kaminsky, who, should he find a way back to his more natural center position (i.e. by shipping Dwight out on the cheap and only using Willy Hernangomez in spot situations), could benefit immensely from playing next to Booker. Not only would he no longer have to chase the quick power forwards that give him fits around the perimeter, but he doesn’t have to worry as much about his rebounding weakness, since Booker can help cover that. Booker should benefit from the additional spacing from the 5, and if Coach James Borrego is feeling creative, there aren’t many benches that can successfully cover a 5-4 pick and roll.

While Booker is on the wrong side of 30, he’s a low risk investment for a minimum guy that could cover over one of the existing holes in the roster.

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