The buzz in Charlotte is a return to the Hornet brand only means good things for the future. Michael Jordan and his partners who run the team have made a commitment to building around the young talent that took them to the postseason last year.
The buzz is going on among those in the city, and the front office, but also among free agents who can see the potential of being part of the new brand, as they build a legacy of winning.
According to Rant Sports, the team has a list of players they are considering, with Luol Deng and Lance Stephenson among them.
According to the Charlotte Observer, The Hornets are looking for outside shooters, and have Deng as a possible target. Deng averaged 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a steal per game, but he also brings strong defensive play.
Here in the City Sports thinks Lance Stephenson will be a good fit for the team, too.
"Lance Stephenson of the Indiana Pacers would also provide instant offense to Charlotte, and would take some ball handling responsibility off the shoulders of young point guard Kemba Walker. After Stephenson's antics on the court during the playoffs it is unclear whether the Pacers will look to re-sign him, and the shooting guard's price could be very low for such a talented player." writes Jack Green for HITC.
Stephenson averaged 13.8 points a night, and 7.2 rebounds. He was a 49 percent shooter, and 35 percent from beyond the 3 stripe.
As mentioned, Deng would bring strong defense to the young Hornets, but he would also bring leadership to the team. in the 23 games he started in Chicago last season before being traded to Cleveland, he averaged 19 ppg.
Stephenson, probably doesn't bring the same leadership to the team, but he does bring his game every night. He led his position in rebounding last season, and is a talented defender, also.
Another player to watch is Aaron Afflalo of the Orlando Magic.
He led the Magic in scoring this past season, averaging over 18 ppg, and he would bring an outside scoring threat.
Chances are pretty good that one of these three will be holding court in Charlotte next year.
