The Charlotte Hornets are right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference with a 14-13 record. It will be a battle throughout the season for playoff positioning as 13 teams look to have legitimate chances of at least challenging for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
If the Hornets want to cement themselves as one of those playoff contenders, they are going to have to improve defensively. When healthy, as they are dealing with numerous rotation players being in the league’s health and safety protocols, they have an excellent offense led by LaMelo Ball.
Ball is a star in the making and they have solid pieces around him as well. Gordon Hayward has remained healthy (knock on wood) and producing at a high level. Miles Bridges is in the midst of a breakout season. Terry Rozier has gotten on track after a slow start that was caused by injuries and Kelly Oubre Jr. has refound his shooting stroke that disappeared last season.
Charlotte can keep up with anyone on the scoreboard with their explosive offense. But, if that offense goes cold for any period, they do not have a defense that can keep them afloat.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers’ Myles Turner Wants Larger Role Amid Trade Rumors
The Hornets are dead last in the NBA in defensive rating according to Basketball-Reference. Despite having the fourth-best offensive rating, the team has a negative Net Rating because of how poor they are on defense.
Charlotte may very well have to go outside of the organization to fix its defensive woes. If that is the route they take, one player to keep an eye on is Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers.
According to NBA Analysis Network’s own Brett Siegel, the Hornets have shown an interest in Turner. However, there has been no indication of what could head back to Indiana in a return package. P.J. Washington is mentioned as someone the Indiana Pacers do like.
Turner is exactly what the Hornets need to help stabilize their defense. He is a game-changer on that end of the court with his elite rim protection. Averaging 2.8 blocks per game, Turner is once again leading the NBA. It would be the third time in four seasons that he accomplished that feat.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers’ Myles Turner Wants Larger Role Amid Trade Rumors
In addition to the defensive impact, Turner is in the midst of the best shooting season of his career. He is more than just a 3-point shooter than he has been shoehorned into being by some people.
With some tradable assets, the Charlotte Hornets would be smart to aggressively pursue Myles Turner. He is someone that would certainly be popular on the trade market as his skill set is hard to come by and plenty of teams need help in the middle.
