Michael Carter-Williams is the Charlotte Hornets’ latest reclamation project
As a member of the Charlotte Hornets, MCW is now looking to turn his career around and capture a glimpse of his past potential.
After inking Michael Carter-Williams to a one-year, $2.7 million contract, the Charlotte Hornets are hoping that he can revitalize his career in the Queen City. The team has had some recent success with players who are looking to bounce back after down seasons. MCW is the perfect low-risk, high reward option.
In the past two offseasons, the Hornets have taken chances on players who are reclamation projects in Jeremy Lin and Roy Hibbert. Only one of those gambles paid off as Lin was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate and Hibbert only lasted half a season in Charlotte. They will be hoping that Carter-Williams turns out to be more like Jeremy rather than Roy.
Michael’s short professional career has already been quite the journey. Entering his fifth season, the Hornets will be his fourth team in as many years. This could be his last chance to prove himself as a viable player in the NBA.
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The former Rookie of the Year broke into the league by recording a near quadruple-double (22 points, 12 assists, nine steals and seven rebounds) in his first ever NBA game. After putting up 16 double-doubles and two triple-double during his rookie season, there were very high hopes surrounding the Syracuse product after he averaged 16.7 PPG, 6.3 APG and 6.2 RPG.
In his second season, he was putting up similar numbers but was somewhat surprisingly dealt at the trade deadline to Milwaukee. He only lasted a season and a half with the Bucks before being traded to the Bulls last summer. After averaging career lows across the board, Chicago chose not to extend a qualifying offer, thus making him an unrestricted free agent.
Kurt Helin pointed out that “he’s the first ROY to not have his option picked up.” Despite his poor play, there were a number of teams after Carter-Williams. He picked the Hornets over the likes of Dallas, New Orleans, Houston, New York and Oklahoma City.
With a new team, a hard-working culture, a good coach in Steve Clifford and playing behind Kemba Walker, this is a great opportunity for MCW. Charlotte’s recent success with reclamation projects probably helped them lure Michael. Even with all of his struggles, the point guard is still only 25-years old and is only three years removed from being one of the best up and coming players in the game.
Another thing that helps Cater-Williams is that there isn’t that much pressure on him. While the Hornets are relying on him to be a solid backup point guard, most aren’t expecting him a lot out of him. He could easily surprise a few as this is arguably the best situation for him to revitalize his career.
Looking at his physical tools, MCW measures in at a 6’6″ with an impressive 7’0″ wingspan. That size makes him a good complement off the bench for Charlotte wth his distribution ability and length to defend. While he is a poor outside shooter and has struggled to develop that part of his game, it may not matter with the Hornets’ second unit as Malik Monk, Jeremy Lamb and Frank Kaminsky‘s ability to stretch the floor may be able to overshadow Michael’s major downfall.
Even though the potential to be a star is no longer there for Carter-Williams, there is still the chance for him to make himself into one of the top bench point guards in the league. Considering what he brings to the table, there is no reason why he shouldn’t be at or near that level.
As for the Charlotte Hornets, they took a calculated risk/gamble on MCW. If he is good, they look like geniuses and if he flops, then they don’t look bad because they only gave him a one-year deal with a low salary.
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Even if Carter-Williams never becomes a starter in the NBA or averaged 15+ PPG again, he can still have a solid career going forward if he is able to turn things around with Charlotte. MCW is following in the steps of Jeremy Lin and Roy Hibbert as he attempts to revive his game with the Hornets’ organization.