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NBA: Fans, Los Angeles Clippers’ quick rebuild and more

By Michael Dugger

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets facing a crossroads

We go from a team facing exciting times to the Charlotte Hornets, who have a quite different summer on their horizon. The Hornets are in a five-team race for three spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs and currently sit 1.5 games out of the 8-seed after going 3-7 in their last 10 games.

Even if they make the postseason, an early exit would be in store for them, which presents the conundrum facing them this summer. Kemba Walker is an unrestricted free agent and has been in the playoffs twice in his seven NBA seasons. He’s going to have his share of free agent suitors, and the Hornets will have to offer their point guard a max contract to keep him in Charlotte, if that’s even the best move.

Kemba is as fun a watch we have in the NBA. His scoring, step-backs and ability to make difficult shots are the lone reason the Hornets have been competitive and entertaining. But they may have to let him walk to better their future.

Charlotte doesn’t have the pieces to trade for another star. Teams wouldn’t accept Malik Monk, Miles Bridges and a first round pick for a star that, paired with Kemba, would make them a legit threat in the East. Free agents don’t view the Hornets as a destination and they’ve had to overpay non-stars like Nicolas Batum to bring them to Charlotte.

The only way for Charlotte to build a strong team is through the NBA Draft. Their picks haven’t panned out, so can Kemba trust this front office to strike gold with a pick on top of making savvy roster changes? Nothing in their history suggests a rapid turnaround.

The Hornets potentially missed an opportunity to net a first round draft pick and some young talent by not trading Kemba Walker this season, and risk losing him for free in July. Kemba staying in Charlotte would be a great story and the money is ridiculous, but is he content with a ceiling of backdooring into the postseason? We’ll see what they decide, but a breakup may be best for both parties.