Charlotte Hornets: Grading The Offseason

Apr 12, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15), center Bismack Biyombo (8), and forward Noah Vonleh (11) walk toward the bench during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 11, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Kings defeated the Hornets 113-106. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Letting Bismack Biyombo Go

When unrestricted free agents leave their respective teams for greener pastures, it’s hard to classify it as “letting them go.” But since the Hornets chose not to tender restricted free agent Bismack Biyombo a qualifying offer, thereby making him an unrestricted free agent, they effectively decided to let their backup center go.

In his fourth season in Charlotte, Biyombo averaged 4.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 19.4 minutes per game. Despite being undersized at 6’9″, Biyombo’s extremely long arms and anticipation made him a great shot blocker off the bench, especially since he’s only 22 years old.

Biyombo agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Toronto Raptors. The Hornets definitely could have afforded that amount for such a young prospect who still has upside even after getting his minutes dialed back in his latest season.

Grade: D+

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