The Charlotte Hornets might only be a couple of pieces away from genuinely contending.
The Charlotte Hornets have been arguably the NBA's most pleasant surprise this season, as they have established themselves as serious playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference against all odds.
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel have spearheaded an incredibly talented young core, and ancillary pieces like Moussa Diabate, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Sion James have also been key contributors.
Not only that, but the Hornets swung a trade to acquire Coby White at the deadline, and the hope is that Charlotte will re-sign him this offseason.
While the Hornets' best bet is continue building through the draft, you do have to wonder if they will become a relatively attractive destination for free agents.
Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley has listed three free-agent targets for each NBA team this summer, and for Charlotte's "dream" target, Buckley named Lu Dort, who could become available if the Oklahoma City Thunder decline his option.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images."Is there a scenario in which the Oklahoma City Thunder feel like they can't afford Dort's $18.2 million team option? Charlotte surely hopes so," Buckley wrote. "He's exactly the kind of lockdown defender this roster needs, plus he's a timeline fit (26) and would have all kinds of useful information to share with this young core about what's required to win at this league's highest levels."
Considering that the Thunder have already locked up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren on massive extensions, it stands to reason that they may ultimately let Dort walk this summer.
Buckley is right: Dort would be a phenomenal fit for the Hornets, who have certainly improved defensively, but could still use a lockdown defender on the wing.
Dort — who made First-Team All-Defense and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season — would instantly provide that.
The Montreal native has struggled offensively this season, averaging 8.5 points per game on 37.4/33.0/75.0 shooting splits, but he made over 41 percent of his three-point tries last year and registered double figures for five straight campaigns.
But really, Charlotte wouldn't even need Dort for offense. The Hornets already have enough of that. They just need a defensive stopper, and Dort certainly fits the mold.
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