The Charlotte Hornets had a season of frustration. They had a few winning streaks, none more than five games, but they had as many losing streaks of a similar length.
The Hornets only had the services of their franchise player, Gordon Hayward, for 49 of the possible 82 games, which had a severe impact on their playoff hopes.
The Hornets tried to improve their interior presence when they traded Vernon Carey and Ish Smith to the Washington Wizards, receiving Montrezl Harrell in return, a player they need to re-sign this offseason.
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Check out the Charlotte Hornets NBA 2022-23 Roster
No. | Player | Pos | Ht | Wt | Birth Date | Exp | College |
Nick Richards | C | 7-0 | 245 | November 29, 1997 | 2 | Kentucky | |
LiAngelo Ball | SG | 6-5 | 215 | November 24, 1998 | R | ||
Dennis Smith Jr. | PG | 6-2 | 205 | November 25, 1997 | 5 | NC State | |
Jalen Crutcher | PG | 6-2 | 175 | July 18, 1999 | R | Dayton | |
Anthony Duruji | F | 6-7 | 220 | July 22, 1998 | R | Louisiana Tech, Florida | |
Jaylen Sims | G | 6-6 | 195 | December 11, 1998 | R | UNC Wilmington | |
Isaiah Whaley | F | 6-9 | 225 | March 26, 1998 | R | UConn | |
Cody Martin | SF | 6-5 | 205 | September 28, 1995 | 3 | NC State, Nevada | |
Bryce McGowens (TW) | G-F | 6-7 | 179 | November 8, 2002 | R | Nebraska | |
Mark Williams | C | 7-1 | 241 | December 16, 2001 | R | Duke | |
P.J. Washington | PF | 6-7 | 230 | August 23, 1998 | 3 | Kentucky | |
Terry Rozier | PG | 6-1 | 190 | March 17, 1994 | 7 | Louisville | |
Kelly Oubre Jr. | SF | 6-7 | 203 | December 9, 1995 | 7 | Kansas | |
JT Thor | PF | 6-10 | 205 | August 26, 2002 | 1 | Auburn | |
Kai Jones | C | 6-11 | 218 | January 19, 2001 | 1 | Texas | |
James Bouknight | SG | 6-5 | 190 | September 18, 2000 | 1 | UConn | |
Mason Plumlee | C | 6-11 | 254 | March 5, 1990 | 9 | Duke | |
LaMelo Ball | PG | 6-7 | 180 | August 22, 2001 | 2 | ||
Gordon Hayward | SF | 6-7 | 225 | March 23, 1990 | 12 | Butler | |
Jalen McDaniels | SF | 6-9 | 205 | January 31, 1998 | 3 | San Diego State |
The Hornets tried to improve their interior presence when they traded Vernon Carey and Ish Smith to the Washington Wizards, receiving Montrezl Harrell in return, a player they need to re-sign this offseason. This was a good move for the franchise. He not only gave them 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, but also a toughness that they were lacking.
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They also signed the offensive talents of Isaiah Thomas, who was good for 8.3 points per game, but it was not enough. They were knocked out of the play-in tournament by the Atlanta Hawks.
The most important member of the franchise moving forward is LaMelo Ball. The second-year point guard has shown how effective he is at running the offense with his ability to be able to create for himself and others. He has yet to develop into the finished product he will become, but his all-around ability sets the Hornets in good stead.
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Ball has two years left on his rookie deal and next season is worth $8.6 million. This is cheap given that he averaged 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 32.3 minutes per game. Securing his service for as long as possible is the smart move for the franchise.
Over the first three seasons of his career, PJ Washington has served the Hornets well. He has averaged 11.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.9 steals in 29.3 minutes per game. It is this ability to fill up the box score which makes him so valuable. Washington is also eligible for his rookie contract extension this offseason. If the Hornets can lock him in for the coming years then they will be in a good place.
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