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Charlotte Hornets: Filling the Void Left by Kemba

By Richard Adkins

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 12: A detailed view of the shoes worn by Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center on December 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 12: A detailed view of the shoes worn by Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center on December 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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How does Charlotte go about replacing its all-time leading scorer?

Eight years ago the Charlotte Hornets took a chance with the 9th overall pick to select a promising star in Kemba Walker. That gamble would pay off, as for the next eight seasons fans enjoyed Walker’s transformation from a once-promising to a fulfilled star.  That same gamble would end up being the Hornets all-time scoring leader, 3x NBA All-Star and most importantly locker room leader.

Walker completed this high task without an ounce of trouble from the front office, locker room, or media. On June 30th, 2019 Walker decided to sign with the Boston Celtics, leaving a void to be filled. How does Charlotte go about filling this sizable void?

The Charlotte Hornets find themselves in a tough cap situation to rebuild. However, with Walker signing to the Boston Celtics, it allowed a sign and trade to be done bringing over 25-year-old Terry Rozier. Rozier has a strong belief in himself that he can be a star in this league given the right opportunity.

Many are questioning the move made by the Hornets to acquire Rozier in the sign and trade for a 3 year, $58 million contract, however this should be looked at as an opportunity, not only for Rozier, but for the Hornets to rebuild properly. Terry Rozier averaged 16.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds throughout the 2017-2018 playoffs for the Boston Celtics after starting point guard Kyrie Irving went down with an injury. Thanks to Rozier taking that opportunity, he helped lead Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals, despite missing their main pieces.

So what’s next for the Charlotte Hornets? A full rebuild seems like it’s on the horizon as the Hornets will have to move some pieces to clear up cap space to lure in a star. A now two-star league, where most of the teams are centered around two stars, will have Hornets playing catch up with two options left on the table after the Kemba departure.

Option one, they can do what the Knicks have done, which is embrace the tank for the next three seasons as contracts expire while adding promising talent through the draft.

Option two, they can start trading away heavy contracts for pieces that can help contend sooner rather than later.

Filling the void of Walker’s departure won’t be easy, but it can be done and has already been started by obtaining Rozier. Acquiring Rozier is just one move, of many, that must be done to get the Hornets buzzing in the NBA.

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