Projected Charlotte Hornets Starting Lineups + Rotation
With the Hornets recent re-signing of PJ Washington, it adds more depth, as well as the option for different lineups and rotations. The season opener is still over a month away and numerous things could change, especially after training camp.
Let's examine Hornets depth chart and consider who might be in their potential starting lineups.
It's well-known that Miles Bridges will miss the first ten regular season games, which will affect the starting lineup at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season. Below I will evaluate the potential lineups for the beginning of the season and post Miles Bridges suspension.
Projected Starting Lineup (First 10 games)
| Starters | Rotation | Bench |
|---|---|---|
LaMelo Ball | Cody Martin | Frank Ntilikina |
Terry Rozier | Bryce McGowens | Nick Smith Jr/James Bouknight |
Gordon Hayward | Brandon Miller | |
PJ Washington | JT Thor | |
Mark Williams | Nick Richards | Kai Jones |
The bench would most likely include playing time for Brandon Miller, Cody Martin, Nick Richards,
Some may wonder why Brandon Miller isn't starting in this projected lineup? Steve Clifford is known to value veterans, not to mention Gordon Hayward is the highest paid member on the team. If Miller turns heads early with his play in training camp and pre-season it's possible, but I believe it's unlikely that Miller earns a starting roleuntil the new calendar year.
If the Hornets stay healthy after the first ten games of the season, the Hornets would have a lot of depth and much more firepower with the return of Miles Bridges.
Projected Depth Chart/Starting Lineup (Post MB Suspension)
| Starters | Rotation | Bench |
|---|---|---|
LaMelo Ball | Cody Martin | Frank Ntlikina |
Terry Rozier | Bryce McGowens | Nick Smith Jr/James Bouknight |
Miles Bridges | Brandon Miller | |
PJ Washington | Gordon Hayward | JT Thor |
Mark Williams | Nick Richards | Kai Jones |
Biggest questions regarding rotation?
1. Gordon Hayward or PJ Washington starting?
Once Miles Bridges returns from suspension, the Hornets will have a tough decision to make, which may result in experimenting with different lineups for the majority of the season. The Hornets could start Hayward at SF and put Miles at PF. Or, they could also put Bridges at SF and put PJ Washington at PF. Right now I anticipate that Hayward would be pushed to the bench role with the return of Miles Bridges.
2. Cody Martin's role?
One of the more interesting factors this season for the Hornets is Cody Martin and how he fits into the rotation. Martin emerged as a effective spark plug off the bench in the 2021-22 season, the Hornets certainly missed him last season. With a defensive skillset that will have Steve Clifford salivating and Kelly Oubre most likely out of the picture, Martin should receive more playing time.
3. Will Nick Smith Jr enter the rotation?
Some may wonder how much playing time Nick Smith Jr will receive this season. Smith Jr, a first round pick, will likely start the year in Greensboro with the Swarm. Most fans will likely be disappointed with that decision, but Greensboro has been an effective development step for several Charlotte players. It also gets Smith Jr some experience and playing time as the lead point guard, something he didn't do in College. My philosophy is it's better to be playing and getting those reps instead of sitting on the bench. However, I do believe that Smith Jr will receive playing time at points during the season, whether it's guys going down with an injury or Smith Jr opening eyes in Greensboro.
4. Brandon Miller's role?
It certainly feels too early to know what Brandon Miller's role will be in his rookie campaign. However, it is unlikely Miller will start opening night and the odds might be low that Miller would make his first start in the first 10-15 games. If Miller were to start, he'd most likely spend his time playing SF with Miles Bridges at the power forward position. Could Miller even see some time at SG, it's clear the Hornets coaching staff will consider everything during training camp.
5. Who will receive the majority of the backup point guard minutes?
The Hornets don't have a primary backup point guard, which leaves them most likely having some players splitting minutes at that position. The Hornets signed Frank Ntilikina to a one-year deal, however the contract is non-guaranteed. It's unknown if Ntilikina will receive steady rotation minutes, maybe he will be a deep rotation peice who receives minutes when Charlotte suffer injuries. My expectation is that Terry Rozier and Cody Martin will receive a majority of the Hornets backup point guard minutes.
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