JT Thor’s ceiling and what he has shown in limited action for the Hornets
Before the season started, JT Thor was viewed as a young foundational piece for the Charlotte Hornets to groom through their G-League affiliate. However, due to multiple injuries within the team, such as Gordon Hayward, Jalen McDaniels, and Cody Martin, minutes have become available at the wing position. Thor has been given an opportunity to play and has capitalized fairly well, especially on the defensive end.
Over the last four games Thor has played in, Thor has accumulated an overall plus-minus of +23 and even accumulated a +17 effort in the comeback effort against the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Basketball-Reference. Even though on the stat sheet Thor hasn’t been very noticeable, Thor has made an impression on Head Coach James Borrego.
Here is a quote mentioned by Sports Illustrated’s Schuyler Callihan, from Coach Borrego on the minutes Thor gave during the contest against the Memphis Grizzlies.
"He found his way to impact this game. He’s got my full attention right now. I love his length, his size, his instincts, his defensive tenacity. Even the first play I put him in the game they tried a lob and he just deflected it and I think he got a foul on the first play. But he’s at least participating on the weak side trying to make a play at the rim, never giving anything easy. I’m looking for that. If he can sustain that, there’s minutes there for him, clearly. I thought he played poised, yet aggressive at the same time."
As Borrego mentions, Thor has many unique characteristics as a player, especially on the defensive end. He has incredible length, with a wingspan listed at 7’3’’, has good lateral quickness and natural athleticism, and can guard 1-5. He is the player on the roster besides Miles Bridges who can guard 1-5. Thor is a lot longer than Bridges and is a rim-protector/shot-blocker which gives him an edge. If Thor wants to get minutes going forward, it will be due to his defensive versatility and unique athletic traits.
To demonstrate Thor’s defensive instincts and skillset here is a great clip from Brian Geisinger. In this play, Thor helps on the soft-roll and prevents Memphis’ Brandon Clarke from driving to the basket, then recovers to Desmond Bane in the corner and blocks the shot.
Offensively, it all comes down to reps for Thor and growing as a decision-maker. He can play above the rim, he can shoot spot-up 3s, and is a decent ball-handler for a hybrid forward. However, Thor still struggles when deciding to pass and when to shoot. The G-League will provide him with great experience to be a feature role in an offense and to grow as a ball-handler and decision-maker.
Overall, Thor has so much potential. His athletic traits and improving skillset combined with him only being 19 years old give him plenty to work upon to become a consistent contributor at the next level. Right now, the minutes will come from effort and the defensive end.
Now is a great time for Thor to get reps with the Hornets with injuries starting to pile up on the roster.
