Charlotte Hornets: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 03: Hugo the mascot of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

4. Malik Monk ends up starting over Nicolas Batum

Last season, Batum signed a new contract worth $120 million over five years. Unfortunately, the max contract didn’t turn him into a max player. The shooting guard’s duty was to shoot, yet Batum only averaged 15.1 points and 5.9 assists per game last season.

Batum only shot 33 percent from the 3-point line, and 40 percent from the field last season. If he doesn’t improve his offensive efficiency, don’t be surprised to see rookie Malik Monk eventually take his spot.

Maybe a part of Batum’s low scoring can be attributed to Walker not passing the ball more. But Batum has to be held accountable and learn to be more assertive in making his own plays and creating his own offense.

Although these are just NCAA numbers, Monk shot 40 percent from behind the arc while averaging 19.8 points per game. At only 6’3″, there’s an argument that he’s too short to start. But if anything came out of last season, it was that size sometimes doesn’t matter, especially when looking at the King of the Fourth, Isaiah Thomas.

Therefore, it would benefit Charlotte if Monk is inserted into the starting lineup so he is able to develop a rhythm. Because as Batum’s numbers now stand, Monk would be a better backcourt mate for Walker (on the offensive end, at least).

The second unit would also benefit from Batum’s veteran leadership, so don’t be surprised to see Monk starting over Batum at some point next season.

Home/Charlotte Hornets