Charlotte Hornets
Team Outlook-
The Charlotte Hornets were better than expected during the regular season finishing with a record of 48-34. In the first round of the playoffs, they did not have an answer for Hassan Whiteside as they lost in 7 games to the Miami Heat. The Hornets lost Jeremy Lin, Al Jefferson, and Courtney Lee to free agency but replaced them with Ramon Sessions, Roy Hibbert, and Marco Belinelli. Getting a healthy Michael Kidd-Gilchrist back will have a positive impact for the team. The playmakers will continue to be Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum. Walker has developed into one of the better Point Guards in the association. Batum had a great first season in Charlotte and was rewarded in the offseason with a new contract. Amidst all of the changes, the Hornets should contend for another playoff berth this season. Monitor Walker and Kidd-Gilchrist minutes early in the season before investing in them for your fantasy team.
Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard- Kemba Walker-
Kemba Walker averaged a career-high 20.9 points/per game last season. Walker has the potential to light up the scoreboard as evidenced by his 52 points on 1/18/16 vs. Utah or his 40 points on 1/22/16 at Orlando. Due to his high ceiling, Walker often makes an intriguing low-owned GPP tournament option. Walker had successful left knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in May. Even though he is healthy now, expect the team to ease him into playing time during the early part of the season. Monitor Walker’s minutes to determine how much value he has for fantasy.
Shooting Guard- Nicolas Batum -
Nicolas Batum re-signed with the Hornets on a five-year $120 million deal. Batum was the main reason for the Hornets success last season. In his first season in Charlotte, Batum averaged a career-best 14.9 points/per game, 5.8 assists/per game in 35.0 minutes/per game. Batum did an outstanding job filling up all areas of the stat sheet. Batum is often undervalued in the fantasy community. Expect Batum to have continued success during his second season with the Hornets.
Small Forward- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist-
The former number 2 overall draft pick, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, dealt with injuries most of last season. He suffered a separated right shoulder in a preseason contest and was out until 1/29/16. After only playing 7 games, he suffered another right shoulder injury. He missed the rest of the season after his torn labrum required another surgery. If healthy, Kidd-Gilchrist has the potential to be a game-changer for the Hornets. Keep an eye on Kidd-Gilchrist’s role during the first few weeks of the season as he can have a significant fantasy impact.
Power Forward- Marvin Williams-
Marvin Williams re-signed to a four-year $54.5 million deal with the Hornets. Williams posted career-highs with 40% 3-point percentage and 6.4 rebounds/per game. It will be difficult for Williams to replicate those totals in his 12th season. Williams is a more valuable real-life player for the Hornets rather than your fantasy team.
Center- Cody Zeller-
Cody Zeller is still recovering from a knee injury that he originally suffered during the post-season last year. Zeller re-aggravated the injury while working out with the Team USA Select Team this offseason. Reports are that he isn’t close to beginning contact workouts. Expect the Hornets to ease him into the rotation when he returns from the injury.
Key Bench Players
Frank Kaminsky-PF, C- Frank Kaminsky has added over 20 pounds in the past year. The Hornets are hoping that Kaminsky will be able to play some Center this season with the loss of Al Jefferson and the early season injury to Cody Zeller. Reports are that Kaminsky has been working on his defensive game as he struggled during his rookie season. Take a wait and see approach with Kaminsky for fantasy.
Jeremy Lamb-SG, SF- Jeremy Lamb was an inconsistent fantasy option last season. Offseason reports are that Lamb has worked to improve his mindset. He is hoping to be a more consistent player this season. He has been a rumored trade chip for the Hornets.
Spencer Hawes-C, PF- Spencer Hawes is currently projected as a backup Center/Power Forward. When given playing time in the past, Hawes has been an inconsistent fantasy option. Hawes has been rumored in numerous trade offers over the past few months.
Key Offseason Acquisitions
Ramon Sessions-PG- Ramon Sessions agreed to a two-year $12.5 million deal with the Hornets. This will be Sessions second stint with the team as he played with Charlotte in 2012. Sessions will be the primary back up behind Kemba Walker. If Walker misses time, Sessions should be on your fantasy radar.
Marco Belinelli-SG- The Sacramento Kings traded Marco Belinelli to the Charlotte Hornets for the 22nd pick in the NBA draft. Belinelli will back up Nicolas Batum but don’t expect him to have much of a fantasy impact.
Roy Hibbert-C- Roy Hibbert agreed to a one-year $5 million deal. Hibbert averaged a career low 5.9 points/per game and 4.9 rebounds/per game in 23.2 minutes/per game last season as the starting center for the Los Angeles Lakers. Hibbert projects to begin the season as the Hornets starting Center as Cody Zeller is still recovering from a knee injury. Once Zeller returns, their minutes will likely be split.
Brian Roberts-PG- The Hornets signed Brian Roberts to a veteran’s minimum contract during the offseason. Roberts holds no fantasy value behind Kemba Walker and Ramon Sessions on the depth chart.
Key Offseason Departures
Jeremy Lin-PG- Jeremy Lin agreed to a three-year $36 million deal to start for the Brooklyn Nets. Lin provided a spark off the bench that will be missed.
Al Jefferson-C- Al Jefferson agreed to a three-year $30 million deal with the Indiana Pacers.
Courtney Lee-SG- Courtney Lee agreed to a four-year $50 million deal with the New York Knicks. Lee was primarily a defensive player who averaged 30.2 minutes/per game last season.