Do the Hornets have a top 5 bench?

[JDR720]

https://swarmandsting.com/2018/11/04/do-the-charlotte-hornets-have-a-top-five-bench-in-the-nba/

During last night’s Charlotte Hornets victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the bench put on a show once again. The play of the bench has been, perhaps, the biggest takeaway of the team throughout the first 10 games of the season.

The entire bench combined for 67 points against the Cavaliers last night, leading the Hornets to a 126-94 win. Malik Monk led the way with 16 points in 21 minutes of play.

The lineup of Tony Parker, Malik Monk, Miles Bridges, Michael Kidd-Gilchrirst and Willy Hernangomez have a 116.9 offensive rating and a 92.1 defensive rating, which is extremely good. Those guys are coming off the bench and providing a ton of energy, which really changes the game.

When I think of strong benches around the NBA, I think of teams such as the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors and the Utah Jazz. All of those teams have great success and the play of the bench is a major key as to why.

So, do the Hornets have a bench on par with those teams? It’s possible. Tony Parker has given the team stability when he comes off the bench, and I think he makes things a lot easier for the young guys like Miles Bridges and Malik Monk.

When you’ve got Bridges and Monk flying up and down the court throwing down dunks and hitting three-pointers, it gets the crowd really excited. Then you’ve got Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, a lockdown defender, and Willy Hernangomez, a walking double-double if given the minutes. It’s a really good lineup.


10 games is a small sample size, so I’d like to see this lineup do this consistently as the season goes on before I call it a top-five bench. However, I do think they have the potential to be a top-five bench. The bench will be vital to the Hornets success this season, and will provide good depth in case of injury.

[amcoolio]

Yes. Which is why I would not mess with them and find a way to improve Marvin/Zeller without messing up the bench rotation so our starters aren't 8-10 points down when the bench comes in. Got to be some deal out there with our 1st round pick and Frank/Lamb/Marvin/Cody as trade pieces

[HornetJail]

Easily. Parker was the missing piece.

[Hornet Mania]

They deserve to be in the conversation, although I don't think many realize it, but if Monk/Bridges keep improving the rest of the league will catch on soon enough. I'm just happy we don't hemorrhage leads anymore when Kemba is on the bench.

[Braggins]

Easily. Parker was the missing piece.

Borrego was the missing piece.

[Eoghan]

One of the better benches I can remember since the time the Hornets had Baron and Ricky Davis, and Eddie Robinson.

[316Hornets]

I'm not convinced. They've beat up on tanking teams benches which doesn't say much since those players are barely above G league level. We are probably average.

[fatlever]

better, but not top 5. we are healthy, that makes a huge difference. [knocks on wood]