Hornets Summer League: 10 Takeaways

The 2023 Hornets Summer League team should never have been this bad. Despite having seven draft picks, including the 2023 2nd overall pick the team's 1-6 finish was disappointing. The only game Hornets won was the final contest against Minnesota where Charlotte's key players were rested. A combination of undrafted free agents and the 2022 Greensboro Swarm roster performed excellently, providing a timely reminder there's a lot of work to do for Charlotte's young players. In spite of the disappointing level of play, we can still draw some lessons about Charlotte's young core. In an effort to be fair, I will offer an equal dose of positive and negative in my "10 Takeaways".

1) Bouknight + Jones Trending Down - If you're a 3rd year player still in summer league and struggling, that's not a worry. Both players are at risk of being lapped by more recent picks and look a distance away from contributing to a winning NBA rotation. The all-round play of both players felt worse on the eye test that their previous summer league appearances, so let's see if the per36 numbers back that up.

Progress in some areas, regression in others, overall the whole picture looks to be trending down when you take into account their age and experience. The Charlotte Hornets have until October 31st to decide on the 4th year rookie-scale options for Kai Jones ($4.69 million) and James Bouknight ($6.04 million). It's rare but not unheard of that team's decline these options for top 20 picks. Recent examples are the Suns parting ways with Jalen Smith, Pistons with Sekou Doumbouya and the Spurs with Luka Samanic.

Bouknight, due to his larger salary, off-court issues, and the recent drafting of Smith Jr and Bailey, appears to be at the greatest risk. However, Kai Jones is not entirely safe either. Although he was always considered a project pick, he has not made the progress the team would have expected and his once enticing shot making ability has failed to materialise. Both players face a crucial 2023 training camp where they will need to perform well to secure their NBA careers.

2) Brandon Miller Impacts The Game - Miller has significantly impacted the game despite his overall efficiency being underwhelming (FG 35% 3FG 26%). However, Miller found ways to impact the game outside of just his widely lauded shooting. He excelled in transition and help defense, with several blocks and deflections (2.3 Stocks per game). When teams doubled or collapsed on him, he moved the ball quickly and creatively creating opportunities for others.

Despite being physically disadvantaged, he rebounded exceptionally well pulling down 8.3 per game. Although he had some difficulties finishing at the rim, Miller drew fouls at an impressive rate (5.0 FTA) and demonstrated his skills with mid-range floaters and surprising with three athletic transition dunks. His ability to impact the game outside of his scoring sets him apart as a top level prospect.

3) Point Guard Imperfections - Everybody complained about the Hornets roster construction lacking a veteran point guard, but tell me what exactly is Justin Robinson? He's 25 years old, has played 43 NBA games for five different teams and is your prototypical summer league point guard. While clearly he failed to fulfil the role effectively, fans are taking it a step too far when they claim the team didn't consider the issue. Nick Smith Jr and Amari Bailey have shown that they are not ready to take on lead guard responsibilities yet, with Smith Jr showing to be the closer of the two to seeing the NBA floor soon. Both guards were guilty of contributing to Charlotte averaging just 12.8 assists per game in their first six game of summer league, one of the worst team averages on record.

If the team are looking for a backup for LaMelo Ball next year, it would be better to scour the free agent and trade market or rely on "Point Terry". The rookies simply aren't ready yet. Personally, I would like to see Frankie Ferrari, an undrafted free agent from 2019 who has great playmaking skills and a fantastic name, in the summer league next year. Although if the front office want to prioritise playing time for their young players you could be looking at a starting back-court of Smith Jr and Bailey at the 2024 Summer League.

4) James Nnaji is Closer Than You Think - Throw away the box scores, James Nnaji played at a level few were expecting. At 18 years old he's one of the youngest players in Summer League, not that you would know it from his barrelled chest and hulk like arms. I'm surprised US customs didn't ask for an age certificate. Nnaji had every reason to look out of place. Youth, language, style of play, inexperience, limited minutes. None of that mattered, he slotted into Charlotte's defensive system showing a more advanced understanding of team defense than Charlotte's other front court players. Nnaji plays extremely hard, tries to rebound everything (Per 36 14rpg), has extremely nimble and agile feet for someone who can also protect the rim (2.2 blocks in 18mpg). Nnaji ranked 5th in blocks per 36 minutes in Summer League ahead of the likes of Chet Holmgren.

Nnaji will likely spend 23-24 with Barcelona, it looked like he was set for a larger role but the recent signing of former Hornets Willy Hernangomez could cast doubt over that. As long as Nnaji is getting consistent minutes for Barcelona, it's a perfect spot for him to continue to play and develop. I can't wait to see him in the 2024 Summer League already.

5) Amari Bailey is Fun But Flawed - Bailey was one of the few bright spots in the California Classic, getting to the rim at well and finishing or drawing fouls at an impressive rate for an 19 year old guard despite not being an exceptional athlete. Bailey uses his strong core, dribble craft and body control to finish over and around defense, even taking it right at Victor Wembanyama at one stage. Bailey's defense also pops, he plays with good aggression and physicality, but at this stage his skillset is incomplete. The three point shot was expected to be a work in progress (37.5% but on very low frequency), his favoured mid range game also abandoned him in Las Vegas with some bad misses. Bailey recorded just 4 Assists to 14 Turnovers looking unready to be a lead guard. A season in Greensboro on his two-way contract where he's able to get more opportunities running the point will be the right spot for his development.

6) Nick Smith Jr's Signature Skill - Nick Smith Jr's shot making off the catch and dribble looked as cultured and developed as a long time NBA veteran. A professional shot maker, his role in the NBA looks clear from day one, an off the bench volume scorer who if he's "On" can turbo boost your offense. For him to graduate from that role, he need's to improve defensively or develop a more advanced playmaking skill set. Smith Jr's maturity and attitude stood out during interviews and through his on-court body language, count me in as more of a believer since having him ranked 33rd on my bigboard. I see Smith Jr being a similar archetype to Gary Trent Jr, Patty Mills and Cole Anthony, all volume shot makers who play with good energy. Smith Jr is one of the smoothest and explosive rookie scorers selected outside the lottery I've seen at Summer League, that alone is enough to show there's clearly talent to work with.

7) Bryce McGowens' So-So Impact - After being the sole bright spot from the 2022 Summer League, McGowens' second time round wasn't quite as productive. Outside of his 19 point performance against the Pelicans where he went 4-7 from three, he struggled to make his impact felt on the game. He did show improvement in attacking the rim and getting to the basket, but his shooting three point shot at 29% and midrange game went missing, at times he became a one-dimensional downhill driver. Perhaps that was the role McGowens was asked to play, as we have seen a much more well-rounded game as a creator during minutes in Charlotte and Greensboro over the past year. Defensively McGowens was a guilty offender of casually jogging back in transition defense and making mistakes in coverage. One example is when McGowens jumped at a pump fake to give up an open 3 to clinch the game for Portland. For Bryce McGowens to make the rotation, he needs to be much improved on both ends than he showed in Las Vegas.

Shaedon Sharpe using the hand-offs and movement to get himself open and hit the clutch 3 for the Blazers pic.twitter.com/lqBvloksYT
— Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) July 12, 2023

8) Systemic Losing - Whether its the NBA, G-League or NBA Summer League the Charlotte Hornets organisation seem powerless to stop losing. As hard as it is for fans and media to handle the losses piling up, its more exhausting for the players and staff. While winning may not be the top priority in the development leagues, continued losses can have a negative impact. Players' confidence can be affected, and they may become accustomed to losing and not embedding those winning habits which can hinder future success. Other teams like Memphis, Oklahoma City, and Utah find ways to compete and develop simultaneously across all competition formats, so it begs the question of why it is challenging for the Charlotte Hornets?

9) Where were the Hornets veterans? We have become accustomed to Hornets veterans showing up in Vegas to support their young guys. From my recollection Rozier, Washington, Martin and Plumlee attended last year, I'm sure there were others too. This year there was an appearance from Miles Bridges, but that was it? In the NBA world this is at the bottom of the worry list, but it can hurt when other teams like the Magic and Clippers have almost their entire roster in attendance bonding with each other and showing support.

10) Best 3 Highlights - I decided to rummage through social media to find my favorite three Hornets highlights from all of Summer League.

1st Overall - Amari Bailey's 360 Spinning Layup

Amari Bailey with the 360 spin and finish 🌪️ 👀 pic.twitter.com/LT9Kv1ahIk
— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) July 15, 2023

2nd Overall - Nick Smith Jr's shot making in the 4th quarter vs New Orleans

Still thinking about these buckets from Nick Smith Jr in the 4th quarter last night… filthy pic.twitter.com/bPJ4eHeHdd
— Israel (@iohandles) July 12, 2023

3rd Overall - Brandon Miller's transition block and go ahead pass

Brandon Miller with the big block in transition and then the early transition pass to McGowens who draws the foul. Great effort to get back and make a play pic.twitter.com/WFp4qhnzLQ
— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) July 8, 2023

Facebook - All Hornets

Twitter - @All_Hornets and James Plowright