Charlotte Hornets: A Positive Direction?

Danny Ainge has finally traded away Collin Sexton, but the package he received was quite disappointing. Trading away Collin Sexton and a second-round pick in 2030 in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic is a huge loss. I don't get how a guard whose teams were checking out required Danny Ainge and company to give away their asset and get an aging center in return. Utah seemed ready to trade their veteran point guard as they wanted to make room for new players. Meanwhile, Charlotte aims to compete for a playoff spot. Now that the Celtics and Pacers are questionable, it opens room for teams like the Hornets to try to make a run. This move for Sexton was great, but there are a lot of questions about this Hornets roster.

Jeff Peterson has improved the Charlotte Hornets since becoming the general manager. However, health issues have been a challenge. Tre Mann and Brandon Miller had their seasons cut short by injuries. Grant Williams also tore his ACL and missed the entire year. With all those players returning next season, we could see the Hornets try to make a run. With Tyrese Haliburton out for the year, there are many questions in Indiana. With Jayson Tatum out for the season, the Celtics are shifting gears, trading Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Adding a backup point guard is great for the Hornets. Collin scores well, shooting 40 percent from three-point range. He can bring the energy needed and be the other playmaker that the team needed last season. Collin Sexton can be a big help for the Hornets, but the center position remains a major question mark for the team.

The Hornets were able to trade away Mark Williams, which is huge due to the injury history of the center. Mark is young, but his back problems raise doubts about his future with the team. After the trade with the Lakers fell through, Jeff made a successful move as he acquired Liam McNeeley and a first-round pick for 2029. Now, with the trade of Jusuf Nurkic, it leaves the Hornets in a tough spot. They do not have any big men, and the market for such is low. With DeAndre Ayton being a free agent through a buyout, he could end up signing with the Hornets. Or Clint Capela, the veteran center, could be the perfect pick-and-roll partner for LaMelo Ball. Brook Lopez, the championship big, could look at Charlotte as a new home. The Hornets have to solve their center solution if they look to compete next season.

The East is up for grabs, and Charlotte aims to shine after years of being average. Grant Williams and Brandon Miller are returning from injury. Tre Mann has signed a new contract since he is a restricted free agent. Along with having Kon Knueppel, the rookie who helps their guard depth. Charlotte might surprise fans with their depth. The big man position remains a question. Moussa Diabaté has shown promise, but he doesn't seem ready to be a starting center. We could see the Hornets signing a veteran center to help this young core. Collin Sexton boosts the Hornets' playmaking and scoring, which helps them make a strong push next season. Jeff Peterson is making strong off-season moves, which could result in Charlotte being a favorite in making a play-in team.

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