Tyler Hansbrough to Hornets: Latest Contract Details, Analysis and Reaction

Tyler Hansbrough is making his way back to North Carolina.

The Charlotte Hornets announced on Wednesday the forward signed with the team: 

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer first reported the news on Tuesday. 

A star for the University of North Carolina from 2005-09, where he helped the Tar Heels win an NCAA championship in 2009, the six-year veteran has spent the past two seasons with the Toronto Raptors. 

During his stay in Toronto, Hansbrough started just 12 games in 138 appearances, averaging 4.2 points per game and 4.0 rebounds in 14.8 minutes. The Missouri native started his career with the Indiana Pacers and received a bit more playing time, but he seems to have found his role in the league as a bench player. 

Charlotte's newest acquisition will provide plenty of help in the frontcourt, as the 6'9" big man brings muscle and tenacious play to a department that needs depth. The Hornets looked to be rolling into the season with Marvin Williams and Cody Zeller, who is nursing a shoulder injury, as their power forwards. 

He will be surrounded by plenty of big men at the center position, though, who could take the pressures of being down low off of his shoulder. The Hornets currently have Al Jefferson, Spencer Hawes and rookie Frank Kaminsky, all 6'10" or taller, vying for playing time at center.

With much attention shifting to them, Hansbrough could have an opportunity to find more space to develop his offensive game. He will have a gifted point guard in Kemba Walker on the floor to feed him the ball if he does find his way open.

Charlotte is going to be quite the physical team down low, and the acquisition of Hansbrough ensures there is no downtime in that department when the starters are off the floor.