Charlotte Hornets rumors: Team could sign Kris Joseph to training camp deal
The Charlotte Hornets, who are still looking to fill out their roster for camp and preseason, could bring in a couple players from their summer league team.
According to RealGM.com, the Charlotte Hornets could sign a player from this year’s summer league to a training camp deal. Keith Smith gave his summer league notes on the Hornets and said that “Anthony Gill was impressive and could be brought to camp, pending what else the team adds. Same with Kris Joseph.” If they did make these moves, it would help round out Charlotte’s roster.
Both players performed well at the Orlando Pro Summer league for the team. Although, Gill has recently signed with BC Khimki in Moscow, Russia. As for Joseph, he played with Enel Brindisi in Italy. Although it is unclear what Kris’ next move is, it looks like a return stateside could be an option.
In five summer league games with Charlotte, the former Syracuse guard averaged 6.6 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per game in 22.2 minutes. He also managed to record 1 steal per game while shooting 38.5% from the field. While those numbers don’t stand out, Joseph was impressive shooting the ball from deep going 7-12 (58.3%).
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The 28-year old, 6’7 small forward played four years at Syracuse and was drafted 51st overall by the Boston Celtics in the second round in 2012. He played a total of 10 NBA games during his rookie season for Boston and the Brooklyn Nets. After playing in the G-League and for three teams in France, a return to the NBA could be in the books for Kris.
The article also notes that the Hornets weren’t going to risk playing Malik Monk who sat out all five summer league games with an ankle injury. Plus, the team was impressed with Dwayne Bacon, Treveon Graham and Johnny O’Bryant. Smith said that Charlotte “believe O’Bryant can become a Brandon Bass level player.”
That essentially guarantees Jonny O’Bryant’s spot on next season’s roster meaning he won’t be waived before August 1st.
There are still plenty of questions surrounding the team’s roster including Briante Weber who was “a disappointment” at the Summer League and who will start at center to begin the 2017-18 season. When asked, the Hornets were “non-committal” to either Cody Zeller or Dwight Howard.
On the other hand, Charlotte’s “very excited” with the addition of Michael Carter-Williams.
Next: Why Treveon Graham deserves more minutes
If the Charlotte Hornets do sign Kris Joseph to a camp deal, it will only be just that. It is very unlikely that he makes the 15-man regular season roster but he could find a way to stick in the G-League, potentially with the Greensboro Swarm.