Swarm and Sting
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Report Card: Grading the Charlotte Hornets midway through the season

By Jason Huber

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Miles Bridges #0, Terry Rozier #3 and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets look on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 19, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Miles Bridges #0, Terry Rozier #3 and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets look on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 19, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Kelly Oubre and PJ Washington. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Kelly Oubre and PJ Washington. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Unit: Kelly Oubre Jr., P.J. Washington, Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels

Kelly Oubre Jr.

Grade: B+

The consistency of Kelly Oubre can be frustrating at times but overall, he’s been a huge free-agent addition for the Hornets this season.

Oubre has had some big scoring games this year, including an NBA record-tying nine 3-pointers made in a quarter earlier this month, and he’s filled the void of Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk swimmingly.

The only problem is his defensive struggles and shooting inconsistencies. He can be red hot one game and ice cold the next. But since he’s exceeded expectations, he gets this grade.

P.J. Washington

Grade: C-

Last year, P.J. Washington regressed from his rookie season, and this year, he’s continued to struggle, even in a bench role.

Washington has only played in 30 games due to injuries and COVID but is averaging less than 10 points per game and just hasn’t stayed consistent enough.

Washington has had some very solid spurts, including a 20-point game against the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, but it hasn’t been enough to give him a higher grade. He might be a key trade chip before the trade deadline.

Cody Martin

Grade: B-

Nobody expected Cody Martin to play as well as he has this season and because of that, he’s in the B range. The only thing keeping him from a higher grade is a limited offensive game.

Overall, Martin has been one of the biggest weapons on Charlotte’s bench with his defensive ability.

Martin has also been asked to spot start a few times this season and has stepped up in a big way. He hasn’t been perfect and could be expendable in a trade but right now, he’s been a glue-type of guy.

Jalen McDaniels

Grade: D+

Unfortunately, Jalen McDaniels suffered a bad sprained ankle last week and will likely miss some time.

The good thing is that it might open up some more minutes for rookie James Bouknight.

McDaniels hasn’t been anything special this year, averaging just under seven points per game in 39 games and hasn’t been consistent.

He was shooting almost 50 percent from the field which is impressive but he’s been replaceable.

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