Charlotte Hornets Rumor: Team to Sign Johnny O’Bryant for the Remainder of the Season
After completing two 10-day deals with the team, the Charlotte Hornets have decided to sign Johnny O’Bryant for the rest of the season.
According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, “Charlotte Hornets plan to sign forward Johnny O’Bryant for remainder of season.” This news comes after the big man has completed two 10-day contracts with the team. He was originally signed in late-February for frontcourt depth and even though he is currently injured, O’Bryant has done enough to earn a roster spot.
After appearing in four games with the Hornets, Johnny suffered an ankle injury that has kept him out of the last four contests. Despite the somewhat lengthy injury, the 23-year old impressed the front office and the coaching staff during his short time with the team. His 15-point breakout performance against the Denver Nuggets was his defining moment so far this season.
Those 15 points weren’t only a season-high for the 6’9 big man but they were also a career-high. Not only that but it helped Charlotte pick up a big win as they were still in the hunt for a playoff spot at the time. Unfortunately, O’Byrant picked up an ankle sprain just two games later right as he was beginning to find his rhythm with the team.
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Even Steve Clifford began to trust Johnny over the likes of Christian Wood as he was receiving the backup center minutes with Miles Plumlee and Frank Kaminsky out. Although he is currently injured, O’Bryant should be able to return this season and the team will be able to get a closer look at the prospect.
Even though the terms of the deal weren’t released, the Hornets are expected to sign the LSU alum to a two-year deal with a partial guarantee for next season. (Keith Smith) This will allow him to play with the team during the summer league, training camp and even in preseason games. If he continues to impress during that time, O’Bryant could very well earn himself a spot on Charlotte’s 15-man regular season roster for next year.
After playing for the Nuggets and in the D-League earlier this season, JOB has come a long way to earning a spot on the Hornets’ roster. He is now the eighth D-League call-up this year to earn a full contract.
While Johnny isn’t a wildly talented player with star potential, he has made a name for himself with his hard work and energy while on the court. That stood out to Clifford and the fans.
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With the multiple injuries, the Charlotte Hornets have faced this season, especially to their frontcourt players, it makes sense to sign O’Bryant for the remainder of the year. It will be interesting to see how the team uses Johnny this season and going forward.