Former Charlotte Hornets players to keep an eye on in Orlando

There are still quite a few former Charlotte Hornets out there that will be playing in Orlando.

This next group of players haven’t played for the Hornets in some time, but are still with teams in the hunt for an NBA title.

Dwight Howard – Los Angeles Lakers

Dwight only played for the Hornets back in the 2017-2018 season, but he did so very well for a guy with his mileage and was often the second option behind captain Kemba Walker. In L.A., he’s been a serviceable inside presence, mainly asked to clean up down low or provide solid minutes while Anthony Davis and LeBron James do their things. At age 34, he’s putting up 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per night.

D.J Augustin – Orlando Magic

The journeyman point guard last played in Charlotte back in 2012, but he’s carved out a nice little role in Orlando, being the primary playmaker off the bench. Averaging 10 points and 5 assists, Augustin is contributing to an Orland Magic team looking to make some noise in their home town.

Courtney Lee – Dallas Mavericks

It might shock some Hornets fans to see that Lee is still in the league, but he’s still going at nearly 35-years old. Having last played for the Hornets back in 2016, he was a major contributor to that team making the playoffs. He’s scoring 4.5 points per game this season with the Mavs.

Christian Wood – Detroit Pistons

Wood played just 13 games for the Hornets back in the 2016-2017 season, but with Detroit, he’s become a very solid power forward, putting up 13 points and 6 rebounds a night while hitting nearly 39% of his threes and over 56% of his overall shots. It’s nice to see former G-League talent blossom, even if it does sting that he’s in a different uniform.

Michael Carter-Williams – Orlando Magic

Yes, MCW is still in the NBA. I know it may shock some people, but the former Rookie of the Year is playing a decent game in the magical kingdom, putting up 7/3/2 with a PER of almost 16. He last played for Charlotte in 2018, but for some reason, it seems like it’s been longer.

Troy Daniels – Denver Nuggets

Another former Hornet many might not realize is still in the league, Troy is still getting it done. He was averaging 4 points for the Lakers before they waived him. Denver then signed him just before the season was put on hold. He’ll be looking to help a Nuggets squad that is trying to prove it belongs with the big boys in the Western Conference.

So, there you have it. There are more players in the NBA that have passed through the Queen City, of course, but they’re on teams that are also on the outside looking in. Here’s hoping next year is the year the Hornets get back in the playoff mix.