The Charlotte Hornets have hit a road block in the form of injuries.
Marvin Williams, and Bismack Biyombo both left Saturday’s 76-71 win with a concussion, and a bruised knee respectively. The most significant setback is point-guard Kemba Walker’s decision to have surgery on his left knee to repair a torn left lateral meniscus, and will be out for at least six weeks.
With the sudden wave of injuries, the organization is looking to keep their recent good fortunes going by adding an additional point guard, and perhaps offing shooting guard Lance Stephenson. Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reported that the Hornets were once again in talks with the Brooklyn Nets, this time regarding a Stephenson-Joe Johnson deal. Guard Gerald Henderson, and forward Marvin Williams were also reported as being part of the deal to make the finances work. Johnson-while still a respectable shooter, has looked off this year as he’s battled tendinitis in his knee for several weeks. Another concern with Johnson is his salary: making just over $23 million this year, he has quite the price tag. Not to mention he will be on the payroll of whoever he plays for next season. The Hornets should not plan on being able to trade him when he has exhausted his usefulness, as he is scheduled to make roughly $24.8 million next season. That kind of contract is not easily moved, and if the Hornets aren’t careful, they may get caught spinning their wheels in the mud next season waiting for Johnson to come off the books.
Another rumored pursuit for the Hornets on the market, is acquiring another point guard to help keep the team afloat while Walker is out. Ramon Sessions and Norris Cole have been reported as being targets, but nothing serious has come to light yet. Sessions played a season and a half in Charlotte before being traded to Milwaukee, along with forward Jeff Adrien, for Gary Neal and Luke Ridnour. Cole has had a respectable stint in Miami, but has struggled so far this season, hence Miami’s willingness to deal him. Cole will be a free agent this summer, meaning, unlike Sessions, he will not be on the team’s payroll next season. Coach Steve Clifford has been using guards Gary Neal, and Lance Stephenson at the point when Walker has been out, which may ultimately be the team’s course of action until third point guard Jannero Pargo returns to action in a week, or so.
Stephenson, while being a perennial train wreck so far in Charlotte, may still be able to contribute. His passing ability makes him a viable option at the point in Walker’s absence. He may still be able to be useful in Charlotte, even if only for a short while.
It’s no secret: the Hornets will miss Walker mightily while he recovers, but the team has been winning with defense with or without him in the lineup. Look for them to up the defense, and put the ball in Jefferson’s hands on the offensive end a lot over the next few weeks.
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