Post by Leon Rose on May 9, 2024 6:12:43 GMT -8
Hornets Revamp Roster Ahead of 2005 Season
The Charlotte Hornets have made drastic changes this offseason in an attempt to be one of BBS’ next powerhouse squads. It all started with a little lottery luck, when the Hornets landed the #1 overall pick this offseason. Going into the lottery, the Hornets had a 3 way tie for the top spot, and the balls fell right into place. Headlining the draft, was the highly touted PG, Chris Paul. Paul, 20, appears to be a franchise player to pair with Carmelo Anthony in the background.
But the Hornets weren't content with just two future stars. In a stunning turn of events, they orchestrated a move right out of Kevin Costner’s, Draft Day and traded back up for the second overall pick, sending Josh Smith and a future 1st to the Bucks. The Hornets nabbed the defensive mammoth, Andrew Bogut, who should help anchor the defense for the Hornets for the next decade.
Smith was drafted 3rd overall last year by the Hornets, but did not improve much in his first season. He’s a very talented player, but as one EC Executive said, “He’s too much of a tweener”. The Hornets were unsure how to develop Smith and were unsure how he fit in long term with Carmelo Anthony. Instead, the team decided the best roster construct would be to get rebounding and defensive bigs and let the guards and wings carry the scoring. Josh Smith will get a fresh start in Milwaukee, where he pairs with Andris Biendrins, JR Smith and friends. It appears that Bucks GM, Joe has decided to move Josh Smith to the forward position full time, which is already paying dividends as there are reports that his jump shot has improved drastically.
What are the Hornets getting in Chris Paul? Based on Paul’s notes, his elite quickness and jump shot should play immediately for the Hornets. Pairing him with the scoring ability of Carmelo Anthony, the rebounding of Kris Humphries, defense of Andrew Bogut, and the potential of Dorell Wright, Charlotte Hornets have a formidable young core that could terrorize the league for years. It’ll all come down to training camp and how these prospects develop.
Patience is the key with this squad. “With all of the youth, fans need to be patient. There will be growing pains, but we are confident that the end result will make everyone in Charlotte proud”, said GM Mike.
With the core of youth in place, the Hornets wanted to import some veteran leadership. They bolstered their roster with seasoned veterans Larry Johnson and Joe Smith. Larry Johnson was acquired in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, in which the Hornets sent a future first to OKC. LJ is one of the leagues most underrated players and is a guy who can put up 30 points on any given night. He’s a tremendous rebounder for a wing and will fit in nicely next to Carmelo Anthony.
Joe Smith is back for his second stint with the Hornets after years in Portland and Denver. Smith. Smith signed a 1 year deal with Charlotte and should play big minutes at the 4 and 5. His rebounding will be a huge part in what Charlotte wants to do this season.
The Hornets aren’t content. They are set up with cap flexibility and have a plethora of draft picks over the next three years to continue to add more and more talent. They’re certainly made themselves an attractive team for a disgruntled superstar looking to force his way out. Will it be via trade or free agency? Both are options on the table right now.
The squad is loaded with young talent and now has an influx of veteran leadership. With the additions this offseason, the expectations are high, but as we stated, they need to be tempered. Charlotte has their eyes on resetting this year and winning multiple championships in years to come.
The boys are buzzin in Charlotte!
The Charlotte Hornets have made drastic changes this offseason in an attempt to be one of BBS’ next powerhouse squads. It all started with a little lottery luck, when the Hornets landed the #1 overall pick this offseason. Going into the lottery, the Hornets had a 3 way tie for the top spot, and the balls fell right into place. Headlining the draft, was the highly touted PG, Chris Paul. Paul, 20, appears to be a franchise player to pair with Carmelo Anthony in the background.
But the Hornets weren't content with just two future stars. In a stunning turn of events, they orchestrated a move right out of Kevin Costner’s, Draft Day and traded back up for the second overall pick, sending Josh Smith and a future 1st to the Bucks. The Hornets nabbed the defensive mammoth, Andrew Bogut, who should help anchor the defense for the Hornets for the next decade.
Smith was drafted 3rd overall last year by the Hornets, but did not improve much in his first season. He’s a very talented player, but as one EC Executive said, “He’s too much of a tweener”. The Hornets were unsure how to develop Smith and were unsure how he fit in long term with Carmelo Anthony. Instead, the team decided the best roster construct would be to get rebounding and defensive bigs and let the guards and wings carry the scoring. Josh Smith will get a fresh start in Milwaukee, where he pairs with Andris Biendrins, JR Smith and friends. It appears that Bucks GM, Joe has decided to move Josh Smith to the forward position full time, which is already paying dividends as there are reports that his jump shot has improved drastically.
What are the Hornets getting in Chris Paul? Based on Paul’s notes, his elite quickness and jump shot should play immediately for the Hornets. Pairing him with the scoring ability of Carmelo Anthony, the rebounding of Kris Humphries, defense of Andrew Bogut, and the potential of Dorell Wright, Charlotte Hornets have a formidable young core that could terrorize the league for years. It’ll all come down to training camp and how these prospects develop.
Patience is the key with this squad. “With all of the youth, fans need to be patient. There will be growing pains, but we are confident that the end result will make everyone in Charlotte proud”, said GM Mike.
With the core of youth in place, the Hornets wanted to import some veteran leadership. They bolstered their roster with seasoned veterans Larry Johnson and Joe Smith. Larry Johnson was acquired in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, in which the Hornets sent a future first to OKC. LJ is one of the leagues most underrated players and is a guy who can put up 30 points on any given night. He’s a tremendous rebounder for a wing and will fit in nicely next to Carmelo Anthony.
Joe Smith is back for his second stint with the Hornets after years in Portland and Denver. Smith. Smith signed a 1 year deal with Charlotte and should play big minutes at the 4 and 5. His rebounding will be a huge part in what Charlotte wants to do this season.
The Hornets aren’t content. They are set up with cap flexibility and have a plethora of draft picks over the next three years to continue to add more and more talent. They’re certainly made themselves an attractive team for a disgruntled superstar looking to force his way out. Will it be via trade or free agency? Both are options on the table right now.
The squad is loaded with young talent and now has an influx of veteran leadership. With the additions this offseason, the expectations are high, but as we stated, they need to be tempered. Charlotte has their eyes on resetting this year and winning multiple championships in years to come.
The boys are buzzin in Charlotte!
