Lauer Sounds Off: Mo Might Be NBA’s Best Trade

By Scott Lauer, hornets.com


Scott Lauer is the radio play-by-play voice of the Charlotte Hornets. His column will appear on hornets.com on Thursdays throughout the season. The opinions expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Hornets organization.

There were a flurry of trades at the NBA deadline nearly three weeks ago, and the deal that came earlier than most and was overlooked by many, may prove to be the most impactful.  Yes, I’m alluding to the Mo Williams deal to the Hornets in exchange for Gary Neal (to Minnesota).  Charlotte also acquired Troy Daniels in the move.  The contracts of both Williams and Neal expire this summer.

In seven games with the Hornets, Williams is performing like an All-Star.  The 32-year-old, 12-year veteran, is averaging 22 points, and nine assists!  He’s drained 23 3-pointers in that span, which is precisely the outside shooting that the team lacked.

With Kemba Walker in the midst of missing about six weeks (we’re hopeful for a return next week), this team NEEDED help at point guard, as Brian Roberts was the only true person to man that position recently.  Gary Neal had his moments in his 12-month Hornets career, but not only does Williams fill a greater need of getting a point guard, but he’s been a much better shooter than Neal.  Williams hits better than 35% of his 3’s and 85% of his free throws.  He’s obviously a better ball handler and assist man too.  The kicker is that a reunion was formed with one of his best friends, Al Jefferson.  Both are Mississippi natives, who have known each other for 15 years.  They played together with the Utah Jazz as well.  I think that it’s breathed more life into Jefferson’s game, having familiarity and instant chemistry with Williams.  He gives Jefferson more space as well, being a 3-point shooter. 

Last night in Brooklyn, Williams logged another double-double, with 14 points and 14 assists (only one turnover).  He’s playing so well that Coach Clifford has categorically stated that even when Walker returns from the left knee injury, Williams will play alongside him.  It’s conceivable that you’ll see a tightened 3-guard rotation of Walker, Williams and Henderson soaking up most of the minutes in the backcourt as we head down the final five weeks of the season that includes 23 games.

Here are statistics of a few point guards on their new teams, who were traded last month:

The Thunder acquired Enes Kanter, D.J. Augustin, Kyle Singler and Steve Novak in February.  Their chief loss in the trades was Reggie Jackson (to Detroit).  Oklahoma City added strong depth and their moves may catapult them deep into the playoffs.  That may also prove to be a deal that can’t be ignored, but impacts are all relative, and for us, it’s about getting to the playoffs. Williams has enhanced those chances greatly. 

Now winners of three in a row and in the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race, the Hornets control their own destiny in the remaining 23 games and will have Williams paired with Walker often as they make this finish an exciting one.