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Charlotte Hornets: Five players to watch during preseason

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 31: The Charlotte Hornets huddle up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 31, 2016 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 31: The Charlotte Hornets huddle up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 31, 2016 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Isaiah Hicks #37 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Isaiah Hicks #37 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Isaiah Hicks

Looking at Charlotte’s roster, Isaiah Hicks actually has a chance to go from undrafted to holding an NBA roster spot. The Hornets have 13 guaranteed contracts for next season with Treveon Graham’s deal expected to be the 14th with him making the regular season roster. That leaves one roster spot up for grabs between Hicks, T.J. Williams, T.J. Henderson and Luke Petrasek.

The team already has three point guards with Kemba, Michael Carter-Williams and Julyan Stone, not to mention a two-way deal with Marcus Paige, so T.J. Williams is a likely cut. That goes for T.J. Henderson as well because Charlotte already has a number of wings including Nicolas Batum, Malik Monk, MKG, Bacon, Graham and Jeremy Lamb.

With only five big men on the roster (Howard, Marvin Williams, Frank Kaminsky, Zeller and Johnny O’Bryant), that means the final roster spot could be between Hicks and Petrasek. Even though they have Mangok Mathiang signed to a two-way deal, Charlotte could use another young prospect on a cheap contract.

Next: Best and worst case scenarios for Charlotte in 2017-18

Based on their skill set, size and style of play, I think the former UNC Tarheel will get the nod. That is, only if he manages to play well during the preseason as well as training camp. Keep an eye on the Charlotte Hornets’ roster spot as the regular season draws closer. Steve Clifford and Rich Cho could decide to only carry 14 players and leave that last spot open for later in the season.

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