Charlotte Hornets player grades through the first quarter of the season

Hornets player grades through the first quarter of the season: The Rookies

JT Thor, Big – Grade: B+

For a second-round pick who just turned 19 in August and is considered to be a ‘raw prospect’, JT Thor certainly looks like he already belongs on an NBA court. Thor has only featured in four games so far this season, and just recently got his first meaningful set of minutes against the Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers due to half of the roster being out due to health and safety protocols.

In just those two games he has certainly impressed with his defensive versatility and ability to stretch the floor on the offensive end of the court. Thor’s development will be one to keep a close eye on for the remainder of the season. Something tells me we’ll see a lot more of him with the Hornets team.

Kai Jones, Big – Grade: C

The Hornets traded back into the first round to select Kai Jones with hopes that he could develop into their big man of the future. It’s pretty clear that he is one of those “two years away from being two years away” kind of guy, and that’s perfectly fine. Jones hasn’t gotten any meaningful minutes so far with the Hornets and that will likely continue for the remainder of the season as he continues to iron out his game with the Greensboro Swarm.

James Bouknight, Guard – Grade: B-

This would have been at best a C had he not just impressed last night against the 76ers. It was thought that Bouknight could be a regular member of the Hornets rotation but since guys like Martin, Oubre, Jalen McDaniels, and Ish Smith have stepped up, his services just haven’t been needed. However, like Thor, they were needed with half the roster being out in health and safety protocols.

Bouknight had a less than stellar first meaningful game against the Hawks but bounced back strongly when the Hornets took on the 76ers the next night. Bouknight played 22 minutes in that game and came alive towards the end of the game, logging 11 points, 5 rebounds, and this vicious put-back dunk.

It’s clear Bouknight has A LOT of talent that’s waiting to be unlocked and it’s a matter of when, not if, he becomes a regular member of the Hornets rotation.