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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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Ish Smith (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Ish Smith (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Reserves: Ish Smith, Nick Richards, James Bouknight

Ish Smith

Grade: D

Had this grade been given in the first few weeks of the season, it would’ve been much higher.

The journeyman and Charlotte-native had a strong start to the season while filling in for the injured Terry Rozier but has fallen off lately and has only received playing time when needed.

Smith is a journeyman for a reason with his limited size and offensive ability but he has had a few nice moments. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been enough to be a regular rotation guy.

Nick Richards

Grade: D+

While he might not be a guy that can be relied on every night, Nick Richards has done what he’s been asked of a lot this season, which is come in the game, play defense and rebound in limited minutes.

Richards honestly shouldn’t be in a rotation right now and has a ways to go if he wants to be in this league a while but he hasn’t been a disaster, which is more than the Hornets could have asked for.

James Bouknight

Grade: Incomplete

Drafted 11th overall in this past draft, James Bouknight has yet to gain the full trust of Borrego and has only seen playing time in lopsided games or when there are a handful of injuries.

The injury of Jalen McDaniels might open up some more playing time but Bouknight has a ways to go on defense and becoming a more consistent player.

In December, Bouknight showed his potential with a 24-point game and he can only hope that he gets more of a chance as the season goes on.

Other incomplete grades: JT Thor, Vernon Carey Jr., Kai Jones

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