Is Bismack Biyombo worth $5.5 million to Hornets?

Bismack Biyombo

Position: Center

Contract status: Will be a free agent in July. Hornets can restrict his free-agency by making Biyombo a $5.5 million qualifying offer.

Seasons in the NBA: Four.

Telling statistic: Forty-three of Biyombo’s 101 field goals were dunks. He shot 23 percent on attempts 3-10 feet from the basket and 2 percent from 10-16 feet.

Season review: Whether the Hornets make Biyombo that qualifying offer could be one of the more intriguing decisions of the off-season. Drafted seventh in 2011, Biyombo has been a decent rim protector and rebounder. But his offense has improved marginally.

Coach Steve Clifford chose not to play him early this season, going instead with veteran journeyman Jason Maxiell. Biyombo seemed to get the message he wasn’t always playing with the energy and focus expected of him.

He played regularly the second half of the season, except for 11 games he missed with a bruised knee. He started the last seven games of the season with Al Jefferson out with a knee injury.

Considering Jefferson’s injuries, the Hornets need to go into next season with a solid backup at center. But is Biyombo worth the $5.5 million qualifying offer?

This story was originally published April 18, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Is Bismack Biyombo worth $5.5 million to Hornets?."