Indiana Pacers Receive: F Kelly Oubre, F/C P.J. Washington, 2024 1st Round Pick (CHA) 

Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Myles Turner

Having said all of that – the centre position didn’t die. Realistically, it never will. On the other hand, it certainly has changed. 

Perhaps it started when the Golden State Warriors started giving Draymond Green substantial run at the position.

Standing 6’7, Green doesn’t conjure up images of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain battling on the block for NBA supremacy. The very notion that he could play centre was revolutionary. 

It was also, as it turned out, accurate. The Warriors, if you somehow missed it, have had great success with such formations. In fact, they’re commonly referred to as the team’s “Death Lineup.” 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Charlotte Hornets & Indiana Pacers Updates

If you need more evidence of the position’s evolution, look no further than P.J. Washington. Despite standing roughly 6’6, he manned about half of his minutes at the 5 for the Hornets last year. It looked pretty good, too. 

Should the Hornets really part with such a versatile player?