1. Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are one of the most interesting teams in the NBA. Charlotte has fairly decent talent and was part of the play-in tournament this season and has the potential to be even better next season and beyond.
That potential is because of LaMelo Ball, who was better than many expected in his rookie season. Ball was not just good, he was not just better than his brother, but he was a legitimate offensive difference-maker who has the necessary skills to carve out a long career in this league.
Charlotte has a moderate amount of practical cap space heading into the offseason and has one spot to fill at shooting guard. Ideally for the Hornets, the team brings back Malik Monk on a cheap deal as he had his moments last season.
Add Caruso into the mix and the Hornets would have one of the best young backcourts in the entire league. Ball and Terry Rozier make up the point guard position while Monk and Caruso would make up the two-guard spot.
Caruso would be extremely beneficial as he would greatly help the Hornets’ perimeter defense. The Hornets were a below-average defense team overall that ranked 14th in opponents’ three-point percentage last season.