The 2016 NBA Draft has concluded and the Charlotte Hornets did not seem keen on picking a new player.
The decision not to take another rookie is probably the best move for the team as they assembled a pretty good one last season. The sheer number of free agents that the Hornets need to address may cause them to lose out on their least prioritized player.
There were reports that Jeremy Lin would be the one to go. However, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer believes that Lin is third in the pecking order behind Nic Batum and Marvin Williams.
Bonnell noted Hornets' coach Steve Clifford stating that "you don't really know a player until you've personally coached him." Lin did not have too much value when he signed with Charlotte coming off lackluster seasons with the Houston Rockets and LA Lakers.
Lin's vocal fan base would argue that both teams did not use him properly and the Harvard standout proved it himself with a great season in Charlotte.
"He's a much better defender than I realized," Clifford admitted. "He's physical, he's very confident and a very good competitor."
Thus, Bonnell believes that Charlotte should "figure a way to bring him back."
With the Hornets' moves on draft day, it seems like the front office has that intention in mind. There are various rumors surrounding Lin with suitors from both Conferences. With the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers addressing their point guard needs with yesterday's trades, the Brooklyn Nets and former team the Houston Rockets are the possible rivals. Both teams have head coaches who have worked with Lin during the "Linsanity" run in New York.
Still, Lin has repeatedly stated that he prefers to stay in Charlotte and the belief is that the Hornets' can keep him if they make the effort. The Hornets' traded their first round pick (no.22 overall) to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Marco Bellinelli of the Sacramento Kings.
ESPN Insider Kevin Pelton found this perplexing, as he expected the pick to be moved in order to find another team to take on Jeremy Lamb or Spencer Hawes off their books. Instead, the Hornets take on added salary. Still, Pelton believes the move will benefit Lin in the long run.
"My best guess is the Hornets see Belinelli as a replacement for deadline addition Courtney Lee, an unrestricted free agent," Pelton explained. "Renouncing Lee (who counts $8.5 million against the cap) and Al Jefferson, in conjunction with minor moves, would clear about $10 million in cap space for Charlotte. Lin will probably get more, but that at least allows the Hornets to make a competitive offer, particularly if they give him the ability to opt out next summer, when they'll have Early Bird rights."
The Hornets will lose Lee and Jefferson but that will pave the way for more playing time for Lin at the backcourt and Zeller and Kaminsky at the frontcourt.
Will the Hornets keep Lin in Charlotte, or will Lin still take a larger offer from another team?