Charlotte Hornets
After signing Gordon Hayward in free agency and drafting LaMelo Ball 3rd overall in this past year’s NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets look like a completely different team than they have in years past and they could be well on their way to the playoffs. They are not only one of the most explosive teams in the league, but there is an unmatched energy to this team which has elevated them to new heights.
The Hornets just play so well together and while they tend to play with a very small rotation, they have a ton of highly talented, young players that have dictated the pace of play in every single game this season.
Right now, the Hornets are tied with the Boston Celtics for the 4-seed in the Eastern Conference, but with as many as six teams fighting for the last four playoff spots in the East, the Hornets may look to make a big move to solidify themselves as playoff contenders this year.
Charlotte has expressed interest in All-Star center Nikola Vucevic and veteran forward LaMarcus Aldridge. While they are a highly talented offensive team, the Hornets have had their struggles rebounding this year, especially with Cody Zeller missing some time due to injury, which is why they will look to add more frontcourt depth at the NBA trade deadline.
The Magic have made it clear that they do not intend to move their All-Star center in Nikola Vucevic, but Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge is preparing for a trade. Both him and San Antonio have been working to figure out what is best for him moving forward, whether it be a trade or a buyout agreement, and it seems like the Spurs will look to trade the potential Hall-of-Famer at this year’s NBA trade deadline.
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In 21 games this season, LaMarcus Aldridge has averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and has shot 36% from three-point range. If he is traded to the Hornets, he is not going to make them championship contenders, but he is going to have a huge impact because of how much attention he still draws on the offensive-end of the court.
Aldridge can knockdown a shot from virtually anywhere on the court and in a “free-shooting” Hornets offense, the veteran forward could easily be a scoring threat on any possession. Expect to see Charlotte upgrade their frontcourt depth and look to solidify themselves as a true playoff-caliber team in the Eastern Conference.
