Charlotte Hornets reason #3: The Bench is buzzing
This Hornets team is deep. No matter who checks into the game you don’t need to worry about a significant drop-off in skill.
The Bench has outscored teams 187-125 this season. Opposing benches can not keep up with the scoring Charlotte gets from its bench
Ish Smith has been one of the most efficient players off the bench this season. When he checks in the game he runs the offense without turning the ball over and when he gets to his spot at the elbow his shot is wet. He took over and won the team a game in Brooklyn.
"Ish is instant offense,” Borrego said after the Nets game. “He’s always done this. Playing against him all these years, he’s a one-man fastbreak. And we thought he was a great fit for us that way. There’s no drop-off. Sometimes our pace goes up more when Ish is in the game. Melo might do it more with the pass, the kick ahead. Ish does it with his legs and his speed. So for us, there is no drop-off."
Cody Martin has proved he belongs in the rotation. Aside from being the team’s best perimeter defender, he has been useful on offense and has provided scoring when needed.
Jalen McDaniels had a good game against Orlando, hitting big shots from three. Even Nick Richards looked decent when he saw the floor.
When this team gets PJ Washington and Terry Rozier back, expect the bench to be even better with the additions of Washington and Kelly Oubre returning to his role.