Charlotte Hornets: Is Gerald Green the Answer?
It’s starting to go from bad to worse for the Charlotte Hornets. After finally ending the losing streak, and actually winning two in a row, the teal and purple look as though they may be back to their losing ways. A tough double overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies led right into a blowout loss to the equally dysfunctional Brooklyn Nets the following night.
There are problems all over the court and the list of things that need to change is starting to require an additional piece of paper.
The talent is clearly there, as Charlotte has shown flashes of being one of the best teams in Eastern Conference. However, it takes more than talent alone to win in this league, and the entire city of Charlotte is finding that out the hard way.
While the issues are plentiful, there are a few things that are more clearly absent than others: wing defense and three-point shooting.
Marvin Williams was brought in to help with that issue but has been relatively disappointing thus far. P.J. Hairston was drafted to help with perimeter shooting, but he currently is too much of a liability on defense and still struggles with shot selection.
The Hornets are getting to the point where they may need to start looking at other rosters for a solution.
One potential player is Phoenix Suns shooting guard, Gerald Green. Green is a volume three-point shooter who has above-average athleticism and can score in bunches. He shot 40 percent from long-range last season and has followed suit this season at 38 percent so far. In addition to his range, he has contributed some highlight-worthy dunks. His athleticism makes him a good wing defender, and he could really flourish under a defensive-minded coach like Steve Clifford.
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Phoenix hasn’t exactly used him very much (only 22 minutes per game) so they would likely be willing to give him up for the right price. The question becomes: what would that price be?
Obviously the first player out of everyone’s mouth would be Lance Stephenson. He’s been all over trade rumors and has drawn interest from multiple teams already. That being said, I don’t think Charlotte wants to get rid of him and I don’t think they will.
A guy like Bismack Biyombo would be someone Phoenix may want and the Hornets would be willing to give up. While Biyombo has been somewhat of a disappointment, he’s still only 22 years old and has shown more potential this year than ever before.
On the flip side, the Hornets have shown they can win with Jason Maxiell providing backup duties to Al Jefferson, so losing Biyombo wouldn’t be that much of a blow. Obviously Charlotte would need to throw in an additional piece, such as a draft pick, but this could be a combination that would work.
Considering Gerald Green can play both the shooting guard and small forward positions, his presence would provide the option for some interesting combinations. Stephenson at the 2 and Green at the 3, or Green at the 2 and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at the 3, would provide some serious athleticism and perimeter defensive prowess without sacrificing scoring – both inside and outside.
Pairing Gary Neal at shooting guard with Gerald Green at small forward would be instant offense, and Green would help with some of Neal’s defensive issues.
Most importantly, Gerald Green’s three-point threat would space the floor for Al Jefferson. Big Al is the focal point of this offense; it either goes to him or through him. No one in the Hornets’ starting rotation has proven worthy of perimeter attention, so teams can double- and triple-team Jefferson without worry. Gerald Green has proven himself to be a consistent three-point threat, so having him on the floor would instantly open things up down low.
Gerald Green on the Charlotte Hornets is a mouth-watering proposition. Depending on how much Phoenix would demand in return, it’s a move the Hornets may need to make.