10/21/19 01:26:00
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10/21 13:24 CDT GM Kupchak: Hornets won't build through free agency
GM Kupchak: Hornets won't build through free agency
By STEVE REED
AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) --- Mitch Kupchak doesn't see the Charlotte Hornets being
major players in free agency as they attempt to build a winning franchise in
the post-Kemba Walker era --- at least not right away.
Instead, the second-year general manager said Monday he anticipates the Hornets
will construct the roster through draft picks and "savvy trades" during the
season, while compiling as many assets as possible.
"We will not be an active player" in free agency, Kupchak said. "I think we can
build a culture here and get enough assets and have a promising enough future
and really attract the kind of free agent you want to spend that kind of money
on --- but I don't think you can do it right now."
So in the meantime, the Hornets will give young players like Dwayne Bacon,
Miles Bridges, Malik Monk, Devonte Graham and even rookie PJ Washington
extensive playing time this season as part of their No. 1 overall goal of
player development after going 39-43 last season and losing Walker, a
three-time All-Star, to the Boston Celtics.
Kupchak said that will take patience, but he and owner Michael Jordan and coach
James Borrego are on the same page.
Kupchak said he won't measure this season's success in terms of wins and
losses, but rather on how the team's younger players continue to progress.
"Win or lose, I want our players to play with energy and our coaches to coach
with energy," Kupchak said. "As the season goes on I want to see improvement.
That's how I'm looking at the season."
Kupchak said that concept may not be easy for Borrego.
"I am hoping he is better than he was last season," Kupchak said with a grin.
"At the beginning of the season last year he took each loss really, really
hard. Hopefully this year he will be able to handle the losses a little bit
better."
Borrego has yet to name a starting lineup for Wednesday night's home opener
against the Chicago Bulls. Point guard Terry Rozier and center Cody Zeller are
locks to start, but the combination of the other three remains a mystery.
That lineup could include Washington, who has impressed Kupchak with his
3-point shooting in the preseason since being selected No. 12 overall earlier
this year.
Originally, the Hornets planned for the former Kentucky forward to split time
between Charlotte's G League team and the NBA to gain maximum playing
experience. But Kupchak said Washington has been the team's most impressive
young player during the preseason and will likely remain in Charlotte, provided
he's seeing 15-plus minutes per game.
"He does have to play, and, based on his production of late, he will play,"
Kupchak said. "... He has worked on his game and has turned himself into not
only a big man that can be productive down in the paint, but in our game today
he can also make 3s."
Win or lose, Kupchak expects the Hornets to use a "fast-paced style of play."
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