Charlotte Hornets: Will Chris Douglas-Roberts Return?

The NBA path has been quite a journey for Chris Douglas-Roberts.

He’s been a member of several notable franchises, including his rookie season with the Brooklyn (formerly New Jersey) Nets, a Summer League invite with the Los Angeles Lakers, and signing as a member of the New York Knicks.

Talent has not been the reason that he couldn’t find a fit, but inconsistency has always raised questions on teams committing to  Douglas-Roberts finally found a home last season when he inked a one-year deal with the then Charlotte Bobcats. The year included some bright moments highlighted by a trip to the playoffs and a game-winner against the Atlanta Hawks.

On the year, Douglas-Roberts served as a reserve guard and forward behind Gerald Henderson for 41 games, while starting eight.

His contribution was only 6.9 points per game, but his ability to use his slashing abilities and patented floater provided a different dimension for a team with a thin bench. The Hornets ranked 18th in the league in bench scoring, averaging 30 points per game.

Douglas-Roberts performed quite well in the playoffs, including back-to-back double-digit scoring performances of 17 and 14 points in Games 3 and 4 in the first round against the Miami Heat. Douglas-Roberts averaged 9.5 points on 68 percent shooting in their four games.

At age 27 and only his fourth season, Douglas-Roberts has plenty of NBA minutes in front of him if the Hornets bring him back. The Hornets, as constructed, provide ample opportunity for Douglas-Roberts.

Starting shooting guard Gerald Henderson has not been the offensive force that the Hornets need to continue to reach success. His numbers were just a shade better than Douglas-Roberts, at only 9.8 points per game on 37 percent shooting. These performances gives Douglas-Roberts a chance to compete for major minutes, if his return comes to fruition.

The cap space that Charlotte will have is another stepping stone for the franchise. Going into the free agency period, the Hornets have a chance to add to their roster, and bringing Douglas-Roberts back at a reasonable contract could save them plenty of cash to spend for a possible big name free-agent.

Bargain signings for players willing to play specific roles can pay dividends in winning, as evident with the 2014 NBA champion San Antonio Spurs. Douglas-Roberts is known as a hard-worker and contributes wherever needed. The Hornets must rely on whether Douglas-Roberts found comfort and reassurance of a future in their organization. It seems as if the guard may make a return, if no other team trumps the possible offer from Charlotte.

At the end of the day, Douglas-Roberts will seek playing time, and a long term deal. These are certainly a possibility with Charlotte, but could be offered with other teams. Last season’s success and an increased role in the Hornets’ offense will serve as a selling point, and it will be enough to bring back Douglas-Roberts.