We’ve officially hit the doldrums of summer for the NBA. Right now we’re all just sitting around waiting for LeBron James to pick his next team because god forbid he just make a quick decision without holding up the entire NBA offseason and making himself the center of attention. I’m sure there will be a few dominoes that fall behind whatever LeBron decides to do, but no way to know what those could be. In the meantime, there are a few things that have happened for the Charlotte Hornets.
Liam McNeeley was named to the All Summer League Second Team
Last year Kon Knueppel was a All Summer League second teamer (and championship game MVP). This year, it’s Liam McNeeley (though no MVP). McNeeley played in just three games, but his production was eye popping in those games. He averaged 21.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while bombing threes and getting to the free throw line at a torrid pace. He looks like he’s the real deal, and it’s nice to see him get some national recognition, even if it’s just a second team place for the summer league.
The Hornets “have been linked” to Dennis Schroder
With LaMelo Ball going out and a power forward coming back in, the Hornets need someone to slot in behind Coby White as the team’s backup point guard. Christian Anderson wasn’t exactly inspiring in the summer league, and Tre Mann wasn’t exactly inspiring last season (though he weighs 200 pounds now). The only other option on the roster is Grayson Allen, who’s more of an off guard that can moonlight as a combo guard. Schroder is everybody’s favorite “might as well” trade target when they need a backup point guard, and the Hornets could be the 12th team he’s played on. While he’s not the most exciting target, he’s at least capable of running a team’s second unit. Plus he fits the whole German vibe of this offseason.
Zach Kram of ESPN gives the Hornets an A- grade for their offseason
It’s not an A+ so it’s not good enough. But I think an A- is probably a pretty surprising if not annoying grade for Hornets fans to see given the emotions associated with the LaMelo Ball trade. He acknowledges that the team may take a slight step back this season, but it’s worth it for all of the future steps forward they should be able to take. In a separate but related piece, he commended the front office for not overreacting to last season’s success and staying locked in on championship aspirations. He notes that LaMelo Ball “hasn’t made the playoffs in his six-year career, and he’s a borderline All-Star on a max rookie contract extension who faces enduring questions about his shot selection, defensive impact and ability to stay healthy.” He seems to agree with the what the Hornets are doing.
That’s really all we got right now. We don’t have any preseason games to talk about for more than two months, so hopefully we get some more roster moves or something to talk about.
