Charlotte Hornets Roster 2019 Hornets Roster

The Charlotte Hornets have lived in mediocrity for most of their existence. Steve Clifford got some results out of this team, but not enough, so the Hornets replaced him as coach. The new coach is James Borrego, who comes to town from San Antonio. The Gregg Popovich coaching tree has sprouted more roots than an arboretum, and Borrego is the latest next-great-thing in the coaching profession. The Hornets played a boring brand of basketball under Clifford that was effective at times. However, that will change under Borrego. Much of the Hornets roster remains the same since Charlotte has never been a big participant in the free agent marketplace. The Hornets have been improving incrementally through the draft, and several of those pieces will figure prominently into Borrego's playing rotation. The Hornets enter the season with low expectations after winning 36 games last season. However, the Hornets do have a superstar and a new system to breathe life into the team this year.

Charlotte Hornets Roster Top 3 Roster Questions

Kemba Walker is the big name in Charlotte, but the Hornets are also not committed to him moving forward. There isn’t a lot behind him, although Devonte Graham was drafted in the point guard role. Malik Monk is also someone who could see some more playing time, but Nicolas Batum and Walker both logging heavier minutes in the back court. The Hornets are in sort of no man’s land with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams leading the front court. They also have Cody Zeller, Willy Hernangomez, and Frank Kaminsky. This is not an appealing squad, although Dwight Howard was a bright spot, but he is now off in Brooklyn. The Hornets could be movers to try and start rebuilding again, as they do not seem committed to many of the names on this roster. Look for this team to continue to run through Walker and Batum in the meantime.

Can the Hornets' Implement Borrego's System?

Borrego promises to pick up the pace in Charlotte this season. His coaching philosophy preaches a quick pace and plenty of ball movement. The Hornets have practically the same roster as last year, and they will be playing an entirely new brand of basketball. This style of play is well-suited for Kemba Walker, who is one of the most under-the-radar superstars in the league. The question is how well his teammates will respond to this system. The Hornets have the horses in the backcourt to implement a quick offense as well as a versatile frontcourt. The Hornets are responding well to the offensive scheme in the preseason and will certainly be a more exciting team to watch next year.

Will the Young Players Contribute?

Malik Monk showed some of his potential last season. He did not turn 20 until February. Monk may be the player who benefits the most from Borrego's new system because he will be shooting and shooting often. Of course, Monk's shooting will have to improve as he clocked in at 36 percent last year. Monk was explosive in his five April games last year, perhaps giving a taste of what is to come. The Hornets drafted Miles Bridges in the first round this year. Bridges comes in having played two solid years at Michigan State. He has shot well in the preseason and will contribute immediately as a rookie.

Will Cody Zeller be a Legitimate Center?

The Hornets shipped Dwight Howard out of town and have turned the keys to the frontcourt over to Zeller. He is backed up by Bismack Biyombo, who is ill-suited for Borrego's system. Zeller is set to play 30 minutes per game and should be able to get up and down the floor well enough to contribute. An intriguing piece on the roster is Willy Hernagomez, who never got a real shot from the Knicks. Hernangomez is still young and athletic and may move up the depth chart as the season progresses.