After a breakout performance with the Charlotte Hornets, Johnny O’Bryant is set to receive a second 10-day contract from the team.
According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, “Charlotte Hornets to sign Johnny O’Bryant to second 10-day contract on Monday, league sources tell ESPN.” The big man appeared in two games under Steve Clifford during his first 10-day deal with the team. With their frontcourt injuries, they need depth up front so it makes sense to sign JOB III to a second 10-day contract.
O’Bryant has made the most of his opportunities during his short time with the Hornets. He was given extended playing time with Miles Plumlee and Frank Kaminsky out against the Denver Nuggets and ended up scoring a career-high 15 points to go along with six rebounds. That performance likely secured a second 10-day deal for him.
The 6’9 big man gives Charlotte some added depth at not only power forward but also at center going forward. After trading Roy Hibbert and Spencer Hawes earlier this season, the team’s frontcourt was a bit thin as they have been searching for an emergency big man to come off the bench in case of injury. They tried out Mike Tobey but it looks as though Johnny might make that role his own.
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If Plumlee and Kaminsky are forced to miss more time over the next week or so, O’Bryant could continue to see added minutes with the Hornets’ second unit. He will get his shot to prove himself with the team and if he plays well enough, Rich Cho and the front office may sign him for the remainder of the season once his second 10-day contract ends.
The 23-year old is averaging 8.5 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game in two outing with Charlotte. Although it is only a small sample size, he is shooting 80% from the field and 50% from the three-point line.Johnny has some NBA experience as he played with the Denver Nuggets earlier this season and the Milwaukee Bucks a few years ago.
A stint with the NAZ Suns of the NBA D-League earlier this season sparked a resurgence in O’Bryant’s career. He began to stall a bit after being hidden on the Bucks’ bench but the D-League gave him new life this year and he now looks to stick with the Hornets’ going forward. A few more outings like the one Johnny had against the Nuggets will surely secure him a spot on Charlotte’s 15-man roster for the rest of the season.
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The Charlotte Hornets may have found a diamond in the rough with Johnny O’Bryant. He showcased his talents against Denver and if he can consistently play with that level of energy, the former LSU player may find a home in the Queen City. We’ll have to wait and see what the team plans to do once his second 10-day deal is up. They will have to make a decision on whether to sign him for the rest of the year or let him go.