When Bismack Biyombo was selected with the seventh pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, he had extremely high expectations. Hailing from Congo, Biyombo surged on the international basketball scene at the 2011 Nike Hoops Summit, where he recorded the first triple-double in Summit history with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks.

Since then, Biyombo has been quiet for the most part, especially last year when he averaged a career-low 14 minutes per game. He has career averages of four points and six boards per game, but has played well in the preseason and in the limited minutes he’s received this year.

In my last article, I wrote about how Marvin Williams is the problem in the Charlotte Hornets‘ front court. Williams has failed to produce much of anything this season, and Biyombo needs to be seriously considered as the starting four from here on out.

In only 14 minutes last night, Biyombo had 11 points and 10 rebounds. If he could do that in less than 15 minutes per game, could you imagine what he would do with starter’s minutes?

The only other option for the Hornets would be to insert Cody Zeller into the starting lineup, who has looked increasingly confident and aggressive throughout this young season. He is averaging a modest nine points and five rebounds per game this season, but has yet to consistently knock down the mid-range jumper that was automatic for him in college. Zeller would be a solid choice to get more minutes, but Biyombo is the player with the most potential — he may be one of the most raw players in the NBA.

According to head coach Steve Clifford, Biyombo hasn’t played well enough in practice to warrant substantial minutes.

“In the preseason he just didn’t play very well. When he has the right energy level and thinking defense and rebounding, he has nights when he plays well. When he doesn’t do those things, the team doesn’t play as well when he’s out there.”

From what I’ve seen, Biyombo has had the right energy and has done the right things. It’s time for him to see the court.