MAILBAG: Interest in Bridges, Clifford's Future, Free Agency Talk, Scoot + More
The Hornets finished the season with a 27-55 record, which is obviously not what they wanted to accomplish. However, there still remain a lot of questions regarding this offseason and next season. Let's dive into some of the questions I received from my followers over at CharlotteHornetsOnly (Instagram page) regarding the Hornets' rough season and their trajectory this off-season.
What was the biggest disappointment of the season?
Easily the biggest disappointment this season was all the injuries that killed the Hornets season. The biggest hit was losing LaMelo Ball multiple times due to ankle injuries. LaMelo was only able to play in 36 games this season, which was disappointing because fans weren't able to see LaMelo's development.
What's LaMelo Ball's injury timeline looking like?
LaMelo is still in a boot but he should be 100% by the time training camp comes around. In fact, Mitch Kupchak said that the bone is "very close to being healed."
Is Steve Clifford going to be the Hornets' coach next season?
I don't see why Steve Clifford wouldn't be the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets next season. Clifford was dealt a rough card this season from the beginning when the whole situation with Miles happened and then all of the Hornets players started to fall like flies due to injuries.
Mitch Kupchak also pretty much guaranteed that Clifford will be the Hornets' coach next season as he said, "He did a great job."
Is there a possibility that Miles Bridges will be back next season?
There had been no update about Miles Bridges for a long time coming. However, this past Friday, news surrounding Miles Bridges came out:
Most likely this indicates that Miles Bridges will be back on the Hornets' roster next season. The only question now is how long will the contract be and for how much money.
This quote in February by Mitch Kupchak looks to indicates that the team will look to re-sign Miles Bridges now that the investigation is over.
Is Kelly Oubre Jr going to be back with the Hornets next season?
Kelly Oubre Jr had a fantastic season for the Hornets and has yet to really find a home since entering the NBA. Kelly wants to remain in Charlotte, so it seems like the ball is in Mitch Kupchak's court.
With Kelly Oubre Jr being an unrestricted free agent, it makes it harder for the Hornets to be able to re-sign him. Oubre has spoken many times about how much he likes Charlotte, but I believe it's going to come down to how much money he wants and how much are the Hornets willing to pay. They also might be more interested in paying Miles Bridges if they have to make the choice.
Where will Kai Jones stand on the roster with Mark Williams and Nick Richards receiving minutes over him in the future?
When Kai Jones was drafted it was known that he was a project player. However, it's been two seasons now and he's made strides toward learning the game but still has a long way to go. The question remains now with Jones behind both Williams and Richards in the rotation, how long will the Hornets' patience last?
Biggest positive you noticed that you weren't expecting coming into the season?
Without a doubt it's how good the center play for the Hornets was this season. I don't think anyone would've predicted that Plumlee would've had the season he had for the Hornets before being traded at the deadline. You can say the same for Mark Williams and Nick Richards. The Hornets had been known over the last couple of seasons to have weak play at the center position. Now the future looks much more promising with Mark Williams looking like the starting center for the future. Plus, nobody would've expected the leap that Nick Richards took.
What will happen with the rotation once everyone is healthy next season?
A lot of that depends on where the Hornets will end up after the draft lottery and the decisions the Hornets make in free agency. The only locks I'd see in the starting lineup for next season are LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, and Miles Bridges if he's re-signed. The biggest question mark regarding the rotation for next season is if Cody Martin still has a spot in the rotation and how much of a role will guys like JT Thor and Bryce McGowens have.
Say the Hornets were able to get Wembenyama in the draft, does PJ Washington still get re-signed?
I don't see why the Hornets wouldn't re-sign PJ Washington for any particular reason. PJ Washington is a key piece to the Hornets' future and with him being restricted it's hard to see the Hornets let him walk. If they were to get Wembenyama, it would likely just give the Hornets more reason to sign PJ Washington to strengthen their roster and help their chances of making the playoffs.
What are a couple of moves you think the Hornets need to make this off-season to better them for next season?
For one, the Hornets need to re-sign their free agents, Dennis Smith Jr., PJ Washington, and one or both of Kelly Oubre Jr or Miles Bridges. Another move I think they should consider is packaging a couple of their second-round picks with the late first-rounder they received from the Nuggets to move up in the first-round. I also believe trading Terry Rozier would be beneficial for the Hornets, but I'm not sure if they will go down that path.
If the Hornets received pick six or seven, should they consider trading it?
I don't think they should trade it, but I do think they should at least look to receive some assets to potentially move back a couple of spots. For example, last season the Hornets were able to receive four second-round picks along with a first-rounder by trading Duren at pick 13. The Hornets could easily get more than that, while still getting the player they want later in the lottery.
If you're the Hornets do you re-sign Dennis Smith Jr or Theo Maledon?
Theo Maledon was really solid for the Hornets this season, but Dennis Smith Jr brought much more life and energy to the Hornets roster. Smith's pesky defense and playmaking should be what the Hornets want to bring back to their team. However, if things don't go as planned, I'm sure Theo Maledon will be the backup option.
What do the Hornets do with Svi Mykhailiuk?
Svi Mykhailiuk was just a throw-in, in the trade that sent Jalen McDaniels to Philadelphia. However, Svi outperformed a lot of those expectations in his tenure with the Hornets. Svi averaged 17.3 points per game, along with 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in eight games as a starter for the Hornets. If the Hornets are unable to bring back Oubre, then Svi could be the road the Hornets decide to go, as a cheaper version.
Is there a future with James Bouknight on the Hornets?
I've always tried to defend James Bouknight ever since he was drafted for the Hornets, but it's been two seasons now and he's shown very few flashes. With Bryce McGowens at just 20 years old already outperforming Bouknight, it's hard to see a long-term future with Bouknight on the Hornets. Especially if the Hornets receive a top-three pick in the draft and select another guard like Scoot Henderson.
Does Scoot Henderson fit beside LaMelo Ball for a future backcourt?
100%. I think Scoot Henderson would be a perfect long-term fit alongside LaMelo Ball. It would give the Hornets a younger and more athletic guard combo. Scoot Henderson is pretty much already NBA-ready, which is scary to think about. His strength and athleticism make up for his size (6'2). He's also very quick and is a great facilitator, which would coincide greatly with another playmaker in LaMelo. A LaMelo Ball/Scoot Henderson backcourt wouldn't just be good, it would be must-see TV.
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