GM: Hornets to rely on draft, player development, not free agency

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Hornets are projected to have approximately $40 million in salary cap space this coming offseason, but that doesn't mean owner Michael Jordan's club will be big players in free agency come July.

Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said Charlotte's focus moving forward will be on drafting well and developing its young players.

"I don't think that is something that we can bank on as a small market team -- I just don't," Kupchak said Friday of Charlotte's ability to land elite players in free agency. "The way we are going to get better is through the draft and player development. And then if we get lucky, make a couple savvy trades. ... We are a small market…