Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal

If the Hornets are looking to take a step forward this season, this ought to be the deal for them. 

After all, they need a starting caliber big man. Granted, the team just took Mark Williams in the first round of the NBA draft. That’s fine. We’re assuming a win-now mindset from the Hornets here, and that usually doesn’t come with leaning on a rookie. 

Furthermore, Looney would be the perfect mentor for Williams. After all, he’s been instrumental in multiple championship runs and plays a similar role. Williams could thrive in a reserve role in 2022-23 while being primed to take over starting duties down the line. 

The Hornets may miss Oubre, but at the same time, Cody Martin is likely a better option at the 3.

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All told, this gives them better roster balance, and should make them a better squad: It may even allow them to avoid the race to the NBA’s bottom – and in time, join the race to the top.