Charlotte Hornets: 3 players who must step up in Gordon Hayward’s absence

Brad Wanamaker was acquired from the Golden State Warriors prior to the NBA trade deadline on March 25

The Charlotte Hornets were basically paid by the Golden State Warriors to take Brad Wanamaker in a deal made just before the trade deadline on March 25 but this was no throwaway deal involving a player unable to contribute.

Many rolled their eyes at the Hornets for making the deal for Wanamaker. It had nothing to do with Wanamaker the player, but because he wasn’t a center. After two games of playing extended minutes, fans are starting to change their tune.

The Hornets were in need of another point guard following the potentially season-ending injury to LaMelo Ball. What they got in Wanamaker was a player that could not only run the point but could play off-the-ball as well. Sound familiar?

Wanamaker’s arrival became even more essential with Malik Monk’s injury. He’ll definitely remain in the rotation playing at least 15-20 minutes per game with Gordon Hayward out.

Wanamaker got his first extended minutes of playtime during Thursday night’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets. He played 15 minutes and finished with 9 points and 3 assists on 60% shooting. After Hayward left during the second quarter in Friday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, Wanamaker played 29 minutes and finished with 13 points and 4 assists on 62% shooting.

Wanamaker isn’t going to shoot 60% every game but he is a capable scorer and can also create scoring opportunities for his teammates. The Hornets will be missing both of those abilities with Hayward on the shelf.

Wanamaker is known for being an anything-you-need player. The Hornets will need everything he has to get through this next month.