Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: 3 Surprises from the first 2 months of the season

By Shawn Simmons

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the fourth quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2021 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. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the fourth quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2021 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. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Charlotte Hornets, Devontae; Graham
Charlotte Hornets Devonte’ Graham. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets’ Devonte’ Graham and PJ Washington have struggled so far this season.

The two big surprises from the Charlotte Hornets last season were the big leap from year one to year two by Devonte’ Graham and the stellar play in his rookie season by PJ Washington.

After his rookie season where played minimally, Graham burst onto the scene last season, and combined with the early struggles of Dwayne Bacon, he earned a spot in the starting lineup. After shooting only 28.1% for three during his rookie season, Graham improved to 37.3% in his second season. With his improved three-point shooting, all of a sudden opponent defense had to game plan for Graham.

Overall during his second season, Graham averaged 18.2 points and 7.5 assists per game, while shooting 38.2% overall from the field. This season Graham has regressed. He was dreadful from the field during the first month of the season, and while he’s improved, his percentage from the field is still not where it needs to be. This season so far, Graham is averaging 13.7 points and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 35.2% from the field and 34.7% from three. Graham has shot under 36% from the field in 14 of the 25 games he has played this season. He has also shot 33.3% or worst in 14 games this season.

Graham may have already lost his starting spot in LaMelo Ball. He needs to improve soon to solidify his spot in the Hornets’ future plans entering his restricted free agency in the offseason.

Washington’s struggles are a little less concerning than Graham’s in my opinion. Yes, his numbers have slipped but I expected him to struggle in his second year playing in a new role. The acquisitions of Ball and Gordon Hayward have taken the ball out of Washington’s hands. Also, the attempt to play Washington at the center position has failed. The Hornets need to solidify the center position and play Washington primarily at the four position. With the ball out of his hands more than last season, the Hornets will need to make an effort to involve and create offensive opportunities for Washington. Often times he just seems out of place. The responsibility is not on others alone as Washington will need to step up and take advantage of opportunities to create offense for himself when he does have the ball or on second-chance opportunities.

Washington will be a big part of what the Hornets do in the future, he has plenty of time to get past this sophomore slump and has the tools and talent to do so.

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