Charlotte Hornets: Devonte Graham is ready for larger role next season
With Tony Parker’s retirement and Kemba Walker’s departure, the Charlotte Hornets should expect to get more production from their NBA sophomore, Devonte Graham.
In June, the Charlotte Hornets learned that their backup point guard Tony Parker had retired from the league. This retirement left a gap in the team’s depth chart for the point guard position.
If that wasn’t enough, Charlotte would then go on to lose Kemba Walker at the start of free agency. The Hornets were able to land Terry Rozier, who will likely start for the team.
With the signing of Rozier, it has left Devonte Graham as the second point guard on the team. Graham saw big minutes at times last season when Parker was injured, and he’s set to have a larger role next season.
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During one of Charlotte’s Summer League games, Coach James Borrego hinted that Graham would have a more significant role heading into next season. Borrego believes a lot of his younger players will see more playing time next season.
Graham is likely going to be the backup point guard to Rozier, who is the likely starting. Graham will be heading into uncharted territory because he did not start the season as the team’s backup guard last year.
In his rookie season, Graham would average 4.7 points and 2.6 assists per game. He finished the season stronger than how he started it, and he saw a majority of his playing time toward the end of the season.
Graham spent most of his rookie season coming off the bench, but he did manage to start in three games last season. As a starter for the Hornets, Graham averaged 9.3 points and 4.7 assists per game.
His numbers were dramatically better as a starter, and Graham showcased his improvement as a starter for Charlotte during Summer League. Graham finished Summer League by averaging 14.3 points, 5.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game.
Graham looks as if he’s improved from last season, and he seems ready to take on his new role. It will be exciting to see him shoot from the perimeter also, as he seems to have improved this part of his game.
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Unless Charlotte goes out and makes a huge signing, Graham is 100% going to be the Hornets’ backup point guard. Graham’s growth is looking good, and he may be poised for a huge sophomore season.