Charlotte Hornets adding Shelvin Mack off of waiver wire

Reports say recently waived guard Shelvin Mack will be joining the Charlotte Hornets after the team claimed him off waivers this afternoon.

So, the Charlotte Hornets finally used that last roster spot after waiting for the right opportunity 55 games into the regular season.

After not making any trades prior to the trade deadline, I figured the Hornets would be aggressive on the buyout market. I was correct, as the team is bringing in Shelvin Mack, in what should be a very good addition to a team with playoff aspirations. Shams Charania of The Athletic broke the news first.

Mack signed with the Grizzlies during the off-season, and had played really well for them. Memphis ultimately decided to trade the guard from Butler to Atlanta on deadline day, but the Hawks quickly waived him.

He has officially signed with the Charlotte Hornets.

https://twitter.com/hornets/status/1094744453628248064

So, here comes Mitch Kupchak and the Hornets swooping in to claim him off waivers. I wasn’t sure the team would be looking to add a guard, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.

Tony Parker has had an awesome season backup up Kemba Walker at the point guard spot, but being that he is 36 years old, he’s getting the occasional rest day and has dealt with some injuries throughout the year, like his current back injury that’s kept him out of action.

Mack will come in and solidify himself as the third-string point guard. He’s now probably one of the best third-string guards in the entire league. Mack has made a name for himself as being a really reliable option off of the bench.

He is averaging 7.9 points and 3.4 assists in 22.7 minutes per game this season.

This move isn’t good for rookie Devonte’ Graham, who is now moving further down the depth chart. He’s going to lose playing time, but getting an experienced veteran who has played in the playoffs before is more important right now.

Mack has been to the playoffs on four different occasions, with the most recent being with the Jazz in 2017. He played an important role for that ball club, backing up their starting point guard at the time, George Hill, who was often injured.

I think this is a great move by Kupchak. Mack is a really solid player who has had a good career thus far. He has a deadly floater, is improving from the perimeter and is a solid defensive player as well.

It gives the Charlotte Hornets some extra depth that they will need as they look to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The next big thing for the Charlotte Hornets is figuring out what to do with Frank Kaminsky, who has been rumored to be a buyout candidate. Mack is an excellent signing, though. I expect this move to pay off.