CHAPEL HILL, N.C. _ Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego had no obligation to seek his players' blessing to pivot to a youth movement this season.
But he did need to be transparent: To let each of 20 players _ several of them owed eight-figure guaranteed salaries _ know where they fit heading into training camp and what he expected of each one.
"J.B. has been amazing for us older guys. He's been straightforward with us, he told us the direction he's going in, and what he wants from us. That's all you can ask," power forward Marvin Williams said Wednesday following practice at the Smith Center.
"We understand the situation. When we get our opportunities, we'll make the most of it."
Borrego has said repeatedly he's committed to playing the young guys this season, as the Hornets rebuild following All-NBA point guard Kemba Walker's departure for the Boston Celtics. There's a perception among some Hornets fans this means freezing out veterans such as Williams and Nic Batum. But that's not the plan.
Rather, when it's a close call, Borrego will play the younger option. But if a veteran clearly beats out one of the kids, the minutes will reflect that.
"If I'm going to be a coach who says, 'Competition is the No. 1 thing on my board,' then I have to give (veterans) the ability to compete for minutes," Borrego said.
"I'm not strictly handing minutes to young guys. The young guys have to go earn this."
Borrego had discretion over playing time his first season as coach a year ago. But now he's clearly asserting that; in September he told the Observer he doesn't view it as his job to worry about who has the longest contract, the highest salary or how highly a player was drafted. What he sees in practice and games are the only factors in doling out playing time.
That could make for some awkward situations. Forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 draft, said Monday he didn't really know what his role would be on this team. When asked what he'd been told regarding that, Kidd-Gilchrist replied, "No comment."
There are four veterans with seven or more seasons of NBA experience on this roster making more than $10 million this season: Williams, Batum, Kidd-Gilchrist and Bismack Biyombo. Kidd-Gilchrist and Biyombo might struggle this season to be in the rotation. But youth movement or not, Borrego needs Williams and Batum, whether as starters or reserves.
