With Kemba Walker set to undergo surgery, the Charlotte Hornets are left with a major question mark at the backup point guard position.

Former backup, Brian Roberts, will now assume the starting role. Last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Roberts started 42 games and played serviceably. In those games, he averaged 12 points and four assists while shooting 43 percent from the floor.

Roberts will be a welcomed presence in the starting lineup. While he lacks the play-making ability of Kemba Walker, he can score and does a good job of getting his teammates involved.

Being able to turn to a guy like Brian Roberts is a huge bonus for a team facing injuries. The issue, however, lies with the backup point guard duties.

Currently, Gary Neal is on slate to assume the relief duties. There problem here is that Neal is a shooting guard, so the offensive play-calling will need to be simplistic. Luckily for Neal and the Hornets, they’ve had a three day stretch without a game to help prepare.

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer has said that the organization will analyze the play of Neal and currently injured point guard, Jannero Pargo, before making a move for outside help.

Rich Cho and Steve Clifford told me they'll see how things go (Pargo's recovery, Neal as the backup point) before any possible roster move. — Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) January 28, 2015

That being said, just about anyone can tell you that if the Charlotte Hornets are still thinking playoffs, an additional point guard will have to be brought in.

One possible target is veteran free agent, Nate Robinson.

Robinson has been a relative journeyman during his NBA career, but he can bring valuable assets to the table. At only 5’9, Robinson brings a level of grit and determination that those in Charlotte should be familiar with from the days of Muggsy Bogues.

His minutes and numbers have been down this season, but for his career, Robinson has averaged 11 points and three assists per game while shooting 42 percent from the floor and 36 percent from beyond the arc.

Robinson would bring a play-making element that Gary Neal could not provide at the point guard position. He would also supply much-needed guard depth, as he can play the shooting guard position as well.

The biggest question is whether or not Nate Robinson would want to play in Charlotte.

Since it was made clear that Boston would buy him out, he has made it known that he would prefer to play in a L.A. Clippers uniform. The Clippers have since traded for head coach, Doc Rivers‘, son, Austin Rivers, so many question whether they would want to add another guard.

If the Clippers are content with their current situation at point guard, Robinson may look at other options.

Now that the Detroit Pistons’ point guard, Brandon Jennings, is out for the season, they will be in the market for a point guard and may look to Robinson as well. This is Robinson’s tenth season, so one would think he would want to play for the team that is most likely to win. In this case, it would be Charlotte over Detroit.

It will be interesting to see how Gary Neal looks in an extended role at point guard. He’s been in a slump lately, so maybe seeing things from a new perspective will give him a boost.

Either way, the backup point guard saga in Charlotte is something to keep an eye on.

Should the Hornets target Nate Robinson? No

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