Tyler Hansbrough is latest ex-UNC player to join Hornets
Tyler Hansbrough is reportedly the newest member of the Charlotte Hornets.
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1 min read
At the University of North Carolina, Tyler Hansbrough made a name for himself, and the Charlotte Hornets are hoping the same thing happens with a return to the state. According to the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell, Hansbrough agreed to join the Hornets. Terms of the contract have not yet been announced, but it will more than likely be a one-year, veteran's minimum deal.
Hansbrough spent the last two seasons in a limited role with the Toronto Raptors. He will probably have a similar role with the Hornets as Al Jefferson, Cody Zeller, Spencer Hawes and rookie Frank Kaminsky will be ahead of him in the rotation. His energy and toughness is a valued commodity in the NBA, but his lack of a shooting range and penchant for fouling has caused Hansbrough to be a role player since being drafted from UNC in 2009 by the Indiana Pacers.
The Hornets franchise has had a history of catering to former UNC and Duke players in an effort to energize the fan base. In 2005, after being back in Charlotte as the Bobcats for only one year, the team selected UNC stars Raymond Felton and Sean May in the lottery. In 2009, the Bobcats selected Duke star Gerald Henderson and in 2011 they traded for another Dukie, Corey Maggette. Another Blue Devil, Josh McRoberts had a cup of coffee in Charlotte as well, playing for the Bobcats for the 2013-2014 season. Hansbrough is now the third ex-UNC player on the Hornets' roster as he will be joining Marvin Williams and P.J. Hairston.
So while Hansbrough may not fit a specific role on the court for the Hornets, he does help the team market themselves to die-hard Tar Heels fan in the state.
