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Charlotte Hornets sign Isaiah Wilkins to training camp deal

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - DECEMBER 16: Isaiah Wilkins #21 of the Virginia Cavaliers dribbles in the first half during a game against the Davidson Wildcats at John Paul Jones Arena on December 16, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia defeated Davidson 80-60. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - DECEMBER 16: Isaiah Wilkins #21 of the Virginia Cavaliers dribbles in the first half during a game against the Davidson Wildcats at John Paul Jones Arena on December 16, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia defeated Davidson 80-60. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets have added ACC Defensive Player of the Year Isaiah Wilkins to their training camp roster.

According to Michael Scotto of The Athletic, the Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a training camp deal with Isaiah Wilkins. The former Virginia Cavalier was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year this past college season. He will now look to impress the Queen City team enough to earn a roster spot for the 2018-19 campaign.

Wilkins averaged 6.0 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals for the University of Virginia. He also managed to shoot 48.5% from the field, 17.6% from three and 75.6% from the free throw line. Isaiah led the Cavaliers in rebounds and blocks while being second in steals.

He ranked first in the ACC in defensive rating, defensive win shares, and defensive box plus/minus.

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Prior to the 2018 NBA Draft, Wilkins only worked out for the Charlotte Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks. After going undrafted, he was expected to join the Houston Rockets‘ summer league team in Las Vegas but was removed from their roster without reason.

The 6’8 power forward isn’t a prolific scorer but is a hustle player that isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. He is an athletic player with great defensive instincts. At 22-years old, Wilkins doesn’t have immense potential and is probably pretty close to reaching his ceiling.

With only two* other power forwards on the roster in Marvin Williams and Frank Kaminsky (it remains to be seen if Miles Bridges will be a power forward or a small forward for new head coach James Borrego), there may be a chance that Wilkins could earn a regular season roster spot for Charlotte. The Hornets currently have 14 players under contract for the 2018-19 season and have one open spot left.

The more likely scenario is that he is just an extra body to bring into training camp. Most expect him to join either a G-League team or play overseason this season. Still, if he plays well enough, he could surprise everyone and earn an NBA contract for the 2018-19 regular season. Charlotte could also add him to their G-League team in the Greensboro Swarm as an affiliate player.

NBA teams are allowed to bring in 20 players to training camp but must trim their roster to 15 for the regular season. They are allowed to retain up to four of the players that they waive and Wilkins could be one of them. (Gleague.NBA.com)

An interesting note is that Isaiah is the stepson of NBA Hall of Famer Dominque Wilkins.

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While Wilkins is a longshot to make an NBA roster this season, he has the chance to prove himself with the Charlotte Hornets this summer. Along with training camp, he will likely play in a few preseason games with the team. That should be enough time for James Borrego and company to finish scouting Isaiah after bringing him in and taking a look at him prior to the 2018 NBA Draft.

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