If you love basketball, you love a good backcourt. Some of the most exciting teams in NBA history have been built around a star guard duo.
Typically, having one of the best backcourts in the NBA is a safe way to build a strong offense. If each guard’s skillset is compatible, that’s even better.
Typically, that means pairing an elite playmaker with a dynamic scorer. You’re in good shape if you’ve got one of each in your backcourt.
The Charlotte Hornets have got half of that equation. LaMelo Ball is one of the most talented playmakers in the NBA. If they could pair him with a natural scoring guard, the Hornets could make a playoff push.
How about Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Charlotte Hornets Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G/F Cody Martin, G Nick Smith, 2026 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2028 First-Round Pick (CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
Is assembling an elite backcourt the best way to build a title team? The Golden State Warriors would certainly say so. This team has won multiple championships in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Splash Brothers were a driving force for those title teams. On the other hand, we’ve seen frontcourt players lead title runs as well. Last season, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets took home the gold.
Two seasons ago, Giannis Antetokoumnpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to title glory. Although, it’s worth noting that they had to vanquish the backcourt-driven Phoenix Suns in the Finals.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets Updates
What’s the lesson here? There is no lesson. There are multiple ways to build an NBA championship, and that’s the bottom line.
Should the Hornets prioritize building around their backcourt?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
You may be protesting. Don’t the Hornets already have a scorer? Terry Rozier can absolutely get buckets. Why do the Hornets need Rozier?
Well, LaVine is better. Arguably, it’s that simple. If we want to go deeper, he’s much more athletic. Ball’s look-ahead floor vision and LaVine’s ability to run the floor should make the Hornets the best transition team in basketball.
Besides, Rozier is a combo guard. Following this deal, the Hornets can keep offensive firepower in their backcourt for 48 minutes every night. LaVine can spend some time at the 3 in small-ball lineups as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets Updates
That’s not a concern. If there’s a concern for the Hornets here, it pertains to giving up assets in a win-now move. That’s fair, but the Hornets have struggled for some time – they could justify taking a leap forward.
Can the Bulls justify taking a step back?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Absolutely. In fact, the Bulls have almost got to rebuild. The entire NBA is waiting for them to start shipping out players. In all likelihood, they’ll start with LaVine.
What should they expect from him? Above all else, they should seek draft capital. A pair of first-round picks feels like a fair return. Luckily for Chicago, that’s not all they’re receiving in this deal.
Hayward’s expiring contract has some value. Moreover, Nick Smith was seen as a potential lottery pick at times in last year’s draft cycle.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets Updates
If he hits his ceiling, who knows? He could be half of the Bulls’ next great backcourt.
