A lineup change of MKG at power forward is a must. Not only does it help with spacing, it rejuvenates the Hornets’ offense. That’s something this team needs DESPERATELY!
Ever since the Golden State Warriors began their dominance in 2015, NBA teams have tried to replicate what they’re doing. One way is by having at least three, three-point shooters on the floor at the same time. Another way is to play “small ball,” the practice of sacrificing size for speed. Both approaches have helped the Warriors win two NBA championships over the last three years.
Unfortunately, my favorite team–the Charlotte Hornets–hasn’t emulated GSW’s style of play.
Charlotte’s starting lineup consists of Kemba Walker, Nic Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams, and Dwight Howard.
While that lineup is satisfactory for the Hornets defensively, it isn’t offensively. What’s the major drawback? Shooting.
Two starters, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Dwight Howard, have trouble shooting threes. A third, Nic Batum, is streaky. The consistent deep threats are Walker and Williams.
What I’ve just described hurts Charlotte. At times, the team is cramped together in the paint and that benefits the opposing team. But I do think there’s hope.
How? Make a line-up change!
Courtesy: SI.com
Put Williams on the bench and replace him with MKG. Kidd-Gilchrist at the starting four could yield new and positive outcomes for the Hornets. Here’s why.
First, the Hornets would have an elite frontcourt defense in the paint. Both MKG and Howard are great defenders. They would ease pressure on perimeter players because they wouldn’t have to overcommit to the three-point line.
Another positive outcome of moving MKG to the four is in the transition game. The Hornets are a board-crashing team on defense. That’s good in some ways, but it can also contribute to issues by enabling fewer breakouts the other way. Putting a more athletic player, like MKG at the four, would help the team get more fastbreak opportunities after a rebound. Charlotte’s backcourt would be able to run back more frequently in transition after a missed shot on the defensive end.
Let me add that I think pulling Williams from the starting lineup also benefits Charlotte in other ways. Williams could become a key contributor, night after night, with scoring off the bench. That contribution will add to the Hornets’ versatility. How so?
Currently, the Hornets’ bench lineup is Williams, Jeremy Lamb, Treveon Graham, Frank Kaminsky, and Johnny O’Bryant. Although not the best reserve unit, the team has had some significant games, both offensively and defensively.
Johnny O’Bryant (photo, Charlotte Observer)
Putting Marvin with the reserves gives the Hornets’ new options. If the Hornets play against a backup center who scores, they can put in their defensive anchor, Johnny O’Bryant. If the Hornets are against a backup center who doesn’t have much of an offensive game, they can put in Frank Kaminsky to spread out the floor offensively.
You can also go extreme with this reserve unit. If you add one starter– Walker–into the mix. The lineup would be Walker at point guard, Malik Monk at shooting guard, Jeremy Lamb at small forward, Treveon Graham at power forward, and Williams at center. This lineup would enable maximum opportunities for scoring behind the arc.
And, as MKG moves to power forward, Batum could move to his natural position, which is small forward. Those two shifts, at least in theory, could help boost Batum numbers. It also opens up a spot at the starting shooting guard position–a slot that could be filled by Monk, Lamb, or Dwayne Bacon.
Those moves would enhance the ability of this club to have interchangeable parts. For instance, when the Hornets play a team that shoots a lot of threes–like the Houston Rockets–you could insert Bacon at starting shooting guard. His top-tier defense would help defend the perimeter and at a great length, I might add. But if the Hornets are playing a defensive-minded team–like the Grizzlies–you could insert Monk or Lamb at shooting guard. Both players are sharpshooters from three and that would allow Charlotte to spread the floor.
A lineup change of MKG at power forward is a must. Not only does it help with spacing, it rejuvenates the Hornets’ offense. That’s something this team needs DESPARETLY!
