February Mailbag | Face of The Franchise? Off-Season Plans? Martin or Mann To The Bench?

You asked, James Plowright answered.

If LaMelo Ball continues his career on the sidelines with injury could we see Miller take over as the face of the franchise as soon as next season? (@Umyeaithinkso)

Wrong question, ask again (One for the True Detective fans).

Does LaMelo Ball want to be the face of the franchise?

LaMelo Ball doesn’t enjoy speaking to the media, making public appearances, and hasn’t displayed leadership qualities you would expect for a traditional franchise player. On the other hand, those traits look to come easier to Brandon Miller, despite his relative lack of experience. Perhaps this could be a perfect fit where both players are happy for Miller to fulfil "Face of the franchise" responsibilities.

I don’t think Ball feels the sense of duty most franchise leaders are subject to, he spent most of his teen years dealing with the media and seems to have formed an apathetic relationship with fame. As much as he stands out with his attire and conspicuous car collection, I think he just so happens to have extravagant taste rather than wanting to draw attention. I’ve watched every LaMelo Ball interview since he’s 16. He cares about being good at his job (basketball), his family and his dogs. Sounds relatable, right?

As of now I don’t believe LaMelo Ball has that urge be the classic “Face of the franchise”, he is very much his own person and won’t bend to what the NBA public perceive he should be. That doesn’t mean he can’t be an incredible basketball player, look at Kawhi Leonard who suffers from similar criticisms. It also doesn’t mean he can’t change as he matures.

Where do things stand with the President of Basketball Ops/GM search? @RealJaredRRoss)

The Hornets are in process of sending out the first wave of interview requests over the all-star break, the latest details of who will be on the list is below.

Hornets Front Office Interview Requests Confirmed For Three Candidates

If LaMelo comes back and the team struggles at first, will that have any deeper meaning? (@JasonBo27089157)

If he and the team struggle at first, you can put that down to getting up to speed following his injury. However, if the team struggle to find the balanced and unselfish play that the team found before the all-star break for the entire rest of the season, then there would be some cause for concern.

Ball will have to adapt to the new team dynamics, re-defining his role. Will he be taking more shots with Washington/Rozier/Hayward gone? What are his new teammates tendencies? That might take some time to figure out as it’s not only the new additions, but Ball has played sparingly with Bridges and this version of Brandon Miller this season. The very best players can learn and adapt quickly, you would hope to see signs of progress before the end of the season.

How likely do you think it is hornets actually extend Miles Bridges? The team seemingly did a 180 from almost trading to keeping him. (@AdamBouanaka)

There’s a difference between “Wanting” to trade someone and “Exploring” what his trade value is, Charlotte fell into the latter category with Miles Bridges. The answer they received back: Not very much.

The sudden switch in stance was noteworthy though. Perhaps there was a breakthrough in negotiations on a new potential contract? These discussions will be going on in parallel to the season, albeit unofficially.

It’s more likely than not that Bridges stays in Charlotte, but I wouldn’t ever guarantee it at this stage as a lot can happen between now and July 1st. According to reports Bridges was seeking above $25 million per year last off-season, you have to think that number has now only gone up.

Exclusive: Miles Bridges Discusses the Trade Deadline, Future in Charlotte, & New Additions

What does this off-season look like ? Are we going after real FAs or just execute in draft and roll forward with what we’ve got? (@BoStump)

Outside of retaining Miles Bridges, any major free agent signing above the MLE ($12.8 million) is unlikely for two reasons.

1) Despite the recent signs of change, Charlotte are still viewed by players around the league as the single worst franchise in the NBA. Any free agent signing in Charlotte would likely be a significant overpay.

2) This year’s free agent class is short on quality and depth.

Expect the team to lean on trades to improve and upgrade the roster. I anticipate the new front office and owners being more pro-active on the trade market, spurred on by their recent success at the trade deadline.

Assuming Mark Williams makes a full recovery, there is one spot open in the starting lineup next to Miller, Ball and Bridges. That could be a two guard, or if the team wanted to play bigger could be a power forward, shifting Miller and Bridges to the guard and wing. The latter would be my preference due to the size and versatility of that group.

Does Mann continue to start or get moved to the bench in favor of Cody? (@HanginWitCooper)

I would be surprised if Cody Martin wasn’t named the starter when LaMelo returns. Mann and Ball have a lot of crossover in terms of strengths and weaknesses, they will play together at times but Martin offers a path to more balanced play. We all saw what Cody Martin did on Trae Young in the Atlanta game, his on-ball defensive chops allow Ball to guard the weaker offensive guard.

Mann also has familiarity playing with Micic from their time in OKC, as well as their skillsets better complimenting each other. Having both Micic and Martin in that second unit would hurt the spacing which has been one of the reasons for Charlotte’s recent improved play.

Do you think Hornets management are underplaying Mark’s injury? Should we pursue other centers in the draft or free agency? (@TheoTreherne + @GmeinerKarl)

Mitch Kupchak was transparent about Williams’ injury in a recent interview with the media. He stated that he had suffered some setbacks which were unexpected, but that Mark Williams recently met with the most well respect back specialist in the country. The recommendation was for another four weeks was rest and rehabilitation, then I imagine another appointment with the same specialist will be arranged.

If the Hornets have full confidence Williams will be back to 100% for next season, then center isn’t a problem position. Richards is a fine back-up and Grant Williams can play there when needed as he’s shown.

However, if uncertainty lingers then they can’t go into next season with the current front court options. A reliable veteran who doesn’t expect guaranteed rotation minutes would be the best option. The draft is an option, but outside of Alex Sarr (Who might be a power forward), drafting any other center in the top 5 would be a reach and might be buried on the bench.

Michael Pittman - Has LaMelo’s trade value tanked? (@Balrog6969)

Compared to what it was 12 months ago? Absolutely.

The main reason for that is LaMelo’s growing injury issues. Once you start making max money and have a reputation for not staying healthy, your value drops fast. I would argue this is the lowest LaMelo Ball’s trade value has been in his career. But it’s irrelevant.

Charlotte aren’t trading LaMelo Ball anytime soon. The front office, like the fans wants to see Ball have an extended run playing alongside Brandon Miller to better evaluate the pair together. If LaMelo is able to improve his health and regain all-star status, his trade value will skyrocket as quickly as it dropped.