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Charlotte Hornets 2021-22 season preview: JT Thor

By Dylan Jackson

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 07: JT Thor #21 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the fourth period of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Spectrum Center on October 07, 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 - OCTOBER 07: JT Thor #21 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the fourth period of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Spectrum Center on October 07, 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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The Charlotte Hornets took an upside swing when they selected JT Thor with the 37th overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Charlotte Hornets 2021-22 season preview: JT Thor

The Charlotte Hornets made a pre-draft move, taking on Mason Plumlee’s contract to move up to the 37thoverall pick, eventually securing the rights to select JT Thor, a versatile forward out of Auburn.

There’s a lot to like about what Thor brings to the Hornets – although it would be particularly surprising to see him get any sort of consistent minutes this coming season, especially with the newfound frontcourt depth that Charlotte is boasting.

In his lone season in college, JT Thor averaged nine points, five rebounds, and one assist per game on shooting splits of 44/30/74. The aspects of his game which presumably interested the NBA was his length and fluidity as a forward – bringing upside as a 3-and-D combo forward.

Like most young players, expectations surrounding Thor should be tame this season. He’s an incredibly raw prospect – and is more than buried behind Oubre, Hayward, McDaniels, Martin, and Bridges on the depth chart. Unless there are major injuries to several players in that group, it remains unlikely that Thor sees anything other than garbage time minutes in his first season.

That does not mean his development won’t be important though. For James Borrego (and his staff), the Charlotte Hornets have clearly placed a bet on the player development system – and the picks of both Thor and 19th overall pick Kai Jones represent that the most.

That’s not to say that neither of those players are going to see the floor – but more-so that both will take time and patience to develop. Thor in particular has the skills to become an interesting role player in the future – and if his skill set pans out, would work very well alongside LaMelo Ball.

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However, again, I would expect Thor to play most of the season in Greensboro (and that’s okay!). Giving him time to develop rather than thrusting him against 27-year-old men is probably more beneficial to the long term aspirations of both Thor and the Hornets.

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