Five Things We Learned About The Charlotte Hornets

Nov 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) dunks over Charlotte Hornets forward Jason Maxiell (54) in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Maxiell is done as an effective player in the National Basketball Association. His late season run on the court, during a time in which the Charlotte Hornets desperately needed him to step up, has proven that fact.

In the month of March, right as the injury bug hit Charlotte, and they were fighting just to stay in the playoff race, Maxiell played in 12 games, on the court for 167 minutes total. In those games, he averaged just over two points and three rebounds while shooting 35.5% from the floor.

His plus/minus rating during March was minus-16.7. He had absolute gems in the month, like on March 23rd, when he played over 11 minutes, scored zero points and committed six personal fouls. He ended the game minus-12.

April 3rd in Indiana, Maxiell played more than 18 minutes while scoring zero points, committing three fouls, and ending the contest at minus-24. In fact, in his last 12 games with the Hornets, Maxiell has failed to score even a single point six times.

His high in scoring during that time was six points in 17 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he still managed to have a minus-4 in the Charlotte victory.

Maxiell is done in the NBA. I say that with no malice, it is just a fact. He has not taken care of his body and that has led to his increased inefficiency. While it is possible that Maxiell could re-dedicate himself to basketball and come back next year in better shape, I think it might be better for himself and the league if he transitions into a life after athletics.

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