The Charlotte Hornets look ready to mail it in, even though eight games still remain in the regular season. Even fans are counting the days to the offseason to see what the front office plans to do to get the team back into contention.
Roster changes should come unless the Hornets' top brass is banking on internal development and a few more pieces, including at least one rookie, to turn things around. However, it has become clear that some players have worn out their welcome in Charlotte.
Jusuf Nurkic is probably not one of them. The veteran center has continued to make a [strong case to stay](https://swarmandsting.com/2-veterans-made-strong-case-remain-hornets-next-season) with the Hornets this offseason.
Hornets could benefit from having a vet like Jusuf Nurkic
---------------------------------------------------------
The Hornets' intriguing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday showed how Nurkic can help the squad even though he doesn't appear to be a good fit timeline-wise with the rebuilding Hornets.
The bout was a battle between two teams that are looking to secure as many ping-pong balls in the draft lottery as possible. Charlotte lost the game but gained ground in the tankathon, as it has nearly secured a bottom-three ranking in the league standings. It even appeared like the Hornets made the extra effort to go home with a defeat, sitting out some of their key players, including Mark Williams.
It turned out for the better for Nurkic, though, as he got the starting nod and was able to show the Hornets what he could bring to the table if they decide this summer to hold onto him in the long run.
"The Bosnian Beast" secured a double-double while playing just 22 minutes. He also supplemented his 13 points and 12 rebounds with a team-high five assists. He also would've led the squad with two 3-pointers if it weren't for Nick Smith Jr. sinking three shots from beyond the arc.
Some folks have been quick to write Nurkic off because of how his Phoenix Suns tenure ended earlier in the campaign. However, he has proven with the Hornets that he can still thrive as a second-string or maybe even third-string center.
The fact that Nurk can also direct the offense during some possessions and space the floor when needed might [boost his value in Charlotte](https://swarmandsting.com/hornets-unleashed-towering-lineup-vs-raptors-fans-want-see-more), especially if it decides to allot more minutes to Tidjane Salaun and Moussa Diabate moving forward.
Regardless of how the team plans to continue its rebuilding efforts, having an elder statesman with a somewhat all-around skill set and potential to be a positive influence in the locker room could prove to be advantageous.