It seems that Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford plans to implement a similar tactic that became the key to the Golden State Warriors' previous NBA title run by using resident star guard Kemba Walker and new recruit Jeremy Lin at the same time.
The Hornets are aiming to bounce back from a dismal season with a team filled with new faces like Lin. And somehow they have a roster that could pretty much be similar to what the Warriors have, although they have some advantages in the center position with big man Al Jefferson.
With Lin and Walker playing at the same time, the head coach explains that the tactic could give opposing teams defensive nightmares. The Hornets stand to have two good pick-and-roll players on the floor at the same time who can also put up some points on the board when they are free.
The move could also free up their shooters as well. With Nicolas Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist possibly waiting in the wings, Walker or Lin could kick out when needed.
Such also frees up the inside for Jefferson who has been known to be a dominant big man who plays pretty well around the paint.
Doing so could however pose some problems on the defensive end. Lin and Walker are a bit undersized when going up against bigger guards from opposing teams. That is somehow offset in the middle by Jefferson whose presence could limit opposing teams to settle for outside shots.
Other players who could spell Walker or Lin include Jeremy Lamb. Up front, Clifford has Cody Zeller, Spencer Hawes, and Tyler Hansbrough whom he could rotate as well.
The rotation of the players is something pivotal and the success of the new Hornets strategy will be something interesting to see in the coming season.
Will the Hornets sting their opponents or be stung from what Clifford has planned?
