CHARLOTTE, N.C - A couple of weeks ago, I disagreed with Lou Williams' take on the Charlotte Hornets' young core not taking that next step because, in large part, they've been riddled with injuries. However, I do agree that it's time to reshape the roster.
Gordon Hayward and Miles Bridges are on expiring contracts and although they would have different levels of value being on this roster beyond this season, it makes more sense to attempt to move them for younger, controllable assets.
I'm not trying to put a lid on one's career, but I feel what we've seen from Bridges in the last two seasons he has played is the most you'll ever get out of him. Averaging 20 points and seven or so rebounds per game is pretty solid and he's extremely consistent. However, it's not worth dishing out a max contract to. On many other rosters around the league, he's going to be a fourth or fifth option.
In some ways, the same can be said for Gordon Hayward. He's more than likely a bench piece on a contending team and would be a rental. He'll be turning 34 in March, so it's hard to see him remaining in the game for much longer and he certainly doesn't fit the timeline in Charlotte.
Following the Terry Rozier trade, I asked Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak if this would be a rebuild or more of a retool. He didn't characterize it as either.
"Well, it's definitely not a rebuild. We think we've got a foundation of players in place. Of course I'm not going to mention all the players, but I'll mention our two highest picks, right? It just makes sense. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. But there are other players that we've pegged as players that would be difficult to trade and then we've got some veteran players still under contract. We drafted them four years ago but they're not even 25 yet. We do have, I think a good group. I wouldn't call it a rebuild. A rebuild, in my opinion, is something where you start from scratch and you convert everything you have into draft capital and you create gobs of cap room and you start taking in contracts to get picks - it could drag out years. That's not the case. It's more of a case of recognizing where we are this year."
Call it what you want, but when you move off of several veteran players, it's a rebuild. It just may not be a full-blown rebuild like the one Mitch is referencing and something they would never consider. But it's a rebuild.
The other part of this is you have to instill a winning attitude within the organization. Terry Rozier was right. There is no DNA to win in Charlotte right now. Guys are okay with losing games. They're cracking up on the bench and after games while rookie Brandon Miller is seemingly one of the few that takes each loss hard. I understand it can be easy to go through the motions and whatnot when you have the type of year the Hornets have had, but in order for the results to change, there has to be a different attitude in the building.
Not to steal Dan Morgan's thunder from across town, but this group could use more dogs too. There is a lack of effort/willingness to defend on a nightly basis and if you get hammered in the paint and on the glass consistently, you're going to see the losses pile up.
P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, and those alike have proven to be quality NBA players, but it's time to shake things up. As I've stated before, if I'm Mitch Kupchak, I'm holding onto LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Nick Smith Jr., and Mark Williams. Everyone else is available.
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on X:
Facebook - All Hornets
X - @All_Hornets and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.
More must-reads: