Joe Chealey’s agency, Edge Sports International, announced that the former Two-Way player has signed a new contract with the Charlotte Hornets.
It’s been a quiet free agency period for the Charlotte Hornets after landing Terry Rozier in a sign-and-trade from the Boston Celtics. The roster, for the most part, is set, but they still have some things to do on the back end of the roster. One player from last years team, Joe Chealey, could be on his way back to Charlotte.
Chealey, a client for Keith Kreiter and Edge Sports International, may have a new deal with the club. The agency tweeted out the news yesterday. Nothing from the team themselves has been reported just yet.
Kreiter represents multiple players in the NBA and overseas, incluidng Chealey’s former college teammate, Jarrell Brantley, who recently signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz after being drafted 50th overall.
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Last season, Chealey was on a two-way contract with the Hornets. The undrafted guard from Charleston appeared in just one game during the regular season, where he scored his first NBA field goal. His season was cut short due to meniscus surgery in March.
Charlotte’s second two-way player from last season, J.P. Macura, recently signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now fully healthy, Chealey played in Summer League for the Hornets, where he was able to put together some solid outings. The 23 year old averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in Las Vegas for Charlotte.
To me, Chealey was very good for the Greensboro Swarm in the G-League last season. If they continue to develop him the right way, I think he can be a solid third-string point guard in this league one day. He averaged 16.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists for the Swarm during the 2018-19 season.
I graded Chealey’s season in the G-League here.
He has solid size for his position, and is capable of putting up all-around numbers when on the court. He still needs to become a more consistent shooter and defender, but he’s got upside.
It’s unclear as to what kind of contract Chealey will sign. The Hornets have one two-way contract slot open next to Robert Franks and three regular roster spots open. However, they are expected to sign Cody Martin and Jalen McDaniels at some point. They were Charlotte’s two second round picks in June’s NBA Draft.
With the Hornets having only two points guards on the roster, Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Chealey make the team on a guaranteed contract. Chealey has shown that he can run an offense, but still has a lot of developing to do. He would likely serve as the third-string point guard with the way the roster is currently constructed.
Not a ton of people know about Chealey, but he’s a good player. We’ll see if he makes the roster going into the regular season, and if he does, here’s hoping he can get into some more games as a second year player for the Charlotte Hornets.