NBA 2018/19: 3 centers that the Charlotte Hornets should target

Since re-branding as the Hornets back in 2014, the Charlotte franchise has been to the playoffs on just one occasion. Their lone postseason appearance came in 2016, and the team was eliminated in the first round. Since then, the Hornets acquired a number of high profile names such as Dwight Howard, but the franchise continues to struggle in a historically weak Eastern Conference.

As we approach the midway point of the 18/19 NBA season, the Hornets remain in playoff contention. The team has a 19-20 record, and despite being under .500, the Hornets currently sit 7th in the East standings. Nevertheless, the current roster is riddled with bad contracts, and much of the team's success this season is owed to the form of All-Star Kemba Walker.

The Hornets also still have a weakness at the center position, and the franchise is currently paying huge amounts of money to underwhelming performers such as Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo. The Hornets evidently need to solve their woes at center, and here we will look at three players that the team should target this month.

#3 Hassan Whiteside

While Hassan Whiteside's ability to lead an NBA team is still questionable, there is no question that the 29-year-old would represent a major upgrade over the centers currently on the Hornets roster. The Miami man is currently playing just 26.2 minutes per game, however, he is still managing to post an incredibly impressive double-double.

Whiteside is undoubtedly one of the best rebounders in the NBA, and despite never being called up to an All-Star game, the center represents the calibre of player that the Hornets need to be targeting. A huge move for Whiteside may help to convince Kemba Walker to stay, although the North Carolina native is currently locked into a multi-year huge contract, and the Hornets will need to first offload the likes of Cody Zeller.

#2 Nerlens Noel

Oklahoma City Thunder v New Orleans Pelicans

Nerlens Noel entered the 2013 draft after playing one season of college basketball with the University of Kentucky. Upon entering the draft, Noel was projected by many to be the first pick, although he was eventually selected third by the New Orleans Pelicans. Nevertheless, the center was quickly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent three seasons with the team, averaging a near double-double.

After an injury-hit 17/18 season, Noel completed a surprise move to the OKC Thunder, and he is currently signed to a contract worth just $1,757,429 for the season. Noel was acquired by Oklahoma City to be a solid backup to Steven Adams, and while Noel has done this, he is only averaging 13.9 minutes-per-game.

Noel will be able to opt out of his deal at the end of the season, and the 24-year-old would be a major improvement over the Hornets' current pool of centers.

#1 Dewayne Dedmon

Dewayne Dedmon went undrafted during the 2013 NBA draft, although he had spells with the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic during his debut season. Dedmon's career path has followed his chaotic rookie season, as the player has never managed to stay with a team for more than a few years.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old has enjoyed the best spell of his career since joining the Atlanta Hawks back in 2017, and for the first time in his career, Dedmon has established himself as a regular starter. The center has also improved his game on both ends of the court, and Dedmon is currently averaging 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

Despite this, Dedmon is set to once again become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. After making a 12-27 start to the season, the Hawks have nothing left to play for this year, and the franchise will likely be happy to trade the veteran in return for a draft pick.