Charlotte Hornets: 3 Keys to a Deep Playoff Run

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DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 17: Jalen McDaniels #6 of the Charlotte Hornets goes to the basket against past Bol Bol #10 of the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on March 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Jalen McDaniels should remain in rotation once missing players return from injury

When healthy, the Hornets have a solid group off the bench that includes some combination of Miles Bridges, Malik Monk, and Devonte Graham. While these three have carved out their role in the offense, Jalen McDaniels has struggled to stay in James Borrego’s rotation.

The injury situation that has derailed the Hornets has given McDaniels an opportunity that he hasn’t had yet in his career. Before Charlotte’s April 7th matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he had a season-high of 10 points back in January against the Philadelphia 76ers. Since then, he has scored in double-figures in six of Charlotte’s last nine contests.

McDaniels stepped into the starting lineup in that matchup with the Thunder and has proven that he was ready for the opportunity. In those nine starts, he has averaged 12.6 PPG and 4.8 RPG on 46.1 percent from the field and has shown confidence in his ability to attack the rim and score.

With Ball’s return looming and Gordon Hayward set to return to the lineup near the end of the regular season, McDaniels should not be expected to remain in the starting lineup. However, he can continue his production off the bench.

This recent opportunity has reiterated that McDaniels can handle the ball well and score efficiently. He has looked much more comfortable on the offensive end during this stretch and, once the team gets healthy, could be an important piece to the success of the team in the playoffs.

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