Charlotte Hornets working to make Julyan Stone their third string point guard
Even though Julyan Stone is under contract with a team overseas, the Charlotte Hornets still trying to make him their third string point guard.
According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte Hornets are still trying to sign veteran guard Julyan Stone who is under contract with Reyer Venezia. If Stone’s agent can work out a compromise with the Italian club, Julyan could sign with the Queen City team and “would be the Hornets’ third point guard.”
Sportando originally reported that Charlotte was offering the 28-year a two-year deal. Although he recently signed a two-year extension with Reyer Venezia, Stone is trying to make a return stateside. His father’s health problems being the main reason for the potential move.
If signed by the Hornets, Julyan would backup Kemba Walker and Michael Carter-Williams. Although the situation is still pretty sticky, it seems to be moving along with all sides working towards and wanting a resolution.
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According to the article and Stone’s agent, Charlotte has been “super supportive.” The 6’6 guard is in a tough spot as he wants to continue his basketball career but also be close to his father. Luckily, the Hornets are giving him the opportunity to do both.
The UTEP product has played in 47 total NBA games over the course of three seasons with the Denver Nuggets and the Toronto Raptors. He has a career average of 1.3 points per game, 1.1 assists and 1.0 rebounds. After his short stint in the League, Julyan played in the G-League, Italy and Turkey.
Stone’s agent is hopeful that a deal will be made with the 2017 Italian Champions this week. If that happens, expect him to sign a two-year, veteran minimum contract with Charlotte and join the team in time for training camp.
Although he wasn’t one of the eight free agent point guards the Hornets worked out in July, the Virginia native has seemingly impressed the team enough to earn a potential roster spot for next season.
Julyan has the size of a shooting guard but he is more of a combo guard. He possesses great vision, playmaking ability and is also a strong defender.
Next: How deep can Charlotte go in the playoffs?
After letting Brian Roberts, Ramon Sessions and Briante Weber walk this summer, the Hornets have a hole at point guard. Although they signed Marcus Paige (two-way deal) and T.J. Williams (training camp deal), neither of those players will be on the final 15-man regular season roster. Hopefully Stone and Reyer Venezia come to an agreement on his buyout and Charlotte can sign him.