Did the Hornets make a mistake by not buying and selling Vasilije Micic?

The Charlotte Hornets made the most effective under-the-radar acquisitions on the commerce deadline final season, securing veteran guard Vasilije Micic within the commerce with Oklahoma Metropolis that additionally netted Tre Mann, Davis Bertans and two draft picks. second spherical for the now retired Gordon Hayward.

In simply 30 video games (21 begins) with the Hornets, Micic averaged 10.8 factors and 6.2 assists per sport, establishing himself as the plain alternative for LaMelo Ball heading into the 2024-25 season. However this summer season, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Denver Nuggets have expressed curiosity in a commerce for Micic, which might pair him with fellow Serbian Nikola Jokic. Clearly the Hornets saved him, however was it the precise resolution?

For starters, Micic is not a part of the Hornets’ long-term puzzle. He shall be 31 in January. That is to not say the Hornets cannot have veteran gamers on the roster, however there is a good probability he will not be there when this group turns the nook. So it might have made sense to unload him now, when his worth is at its peak and also you get a future second-rounder or one thing of comparable worth by way of participant in return.

Second, it opens up extra enjoying time for Tre Mann, who is just 23 and may play with and with out the ball. He is been rock strong in 28 video games, with the Hornets averaging almost 12 factors per sport. Leaving Micic might have allowed the Hornets to make use of the additional cap house to enhance their frontcourt depth, reasonably than drafting 39-year-old Taj Gibson, who will spend most nights as a DNP.

Accidents, in fact. LaMelo Ball hasn’t been capable of keep on the sphere the final two seasons and if he goes again down, you are placing a whole lot of work on Tre Mann’s plate and possibly greater than you want. Seth Curry and even Cody Martin might rating the purpose if wanted, however an damage to Ball with out Micic would imply they must make a transfer mid-season or deliver up KJ Simpson early. Neither is good.

Personally, I might have taken the step. Micic is a enjoyable participant to observe and is one thing of a hidden gem, however I am all for growing Tre Mann’s minutes and including one other physique within the frontcourt. Would this be a threat? Completely. However the Hornets are of their first yr with this new regime and are not essentially pushing all of the buttons to run away immediately. If the worst-case state of affairs occurs, you may get a reasonably excessive decide in what is taken into account an excellent 2025 NBA Draft.

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