In a 30-part series leading up to the start of the 2021-22 National Basketball Association season, we will take a look at each NBA franchise from a fantasy perspective. The fourth team we will review is the Charlotte Hornets.
One of the biggest issues over the years facing the Charlotte Hornets has been developing an identity. The history of the franchise has been very complex. They were initially known as the Hornets from 1988 to 2002, before relocating to New Orleans in 2002. Professional basketball returned to Charlotte in 2004, when they were known as the Bobcats. Then in 2014, Charlotte returned to the Hornets name, as New Orleans became the Pelicans.
Charlotte’s established star is guard Terry Rozier of Youngstown, Ohio. After four seasons to begin his career with the Boston Celtics, Rozier is entering his third season with the Hornets. Ranked sixth in the NBA among point guards and shooting guards in 2020-21, Rozier had 2183 fantasy points* in 2020-21. He had a field goal percentage of .450, free throw percentage of .817, 222 three-point shots made, 1407 points, 302 rebounds, 293 assists, 87 steals, and 128 turnovers.
The Hornets also have the reigning rookie of the year in LaMelo Ball. The 20-year-old native of Chino Hills, California missed 21 games last season with a broken wrist. Still, there were signs of promise as he came away with 1446 fantasy points at the point guard position. He had a field goal percentage of .436, free throw percentage of .758, 92 three-pointers, 803 points, 302 rebounds, 313 assists, 81 steals, and 145 turnovers.
Other Hornets worth considering are power forward PJ Washington, center Mason Plumlee, power forward Miles Bridges, and small forward Gordon Hayward. Like Rozier, Hayward joined the Hornets from the Boston Celtics.
*Please note: To calculate NBA fantasy points for point guards, shooting guards and small forwards, I use the formula (3PTM+Points+Rebounds+Assists+Steals-Turnovers). For power forwards and centers, I use the formula (Points+Rebounds+Assists+Steals+Blocks-Turnovers).
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