Hornets Venom GT: Rigby Takes Temporary Leave

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: A general view of the NBA 2K League Draft at Madison Square Garden on April 4, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: A general view of the NBA 2K League Draft at Madison Square Garden on April 4, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Hornets Venom GT, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, received some unfortunate news at the start of March. Rigby, the team’s leading scorer and debatably best player, will be away from the team for a temporary period of time.

There is no timetable for his return to the team at the moment. In his place, Venom has signed GlennRatty to a temporary contract. While no one can replace what rigby brings to the virtual hardwood, GlennRatty is an elite-level scorer and capable of playing either guard position.

If rigby is forced to miss extended time, GlennRatty can bring more than enough offense in his place. Defensively, Venom would have to adjust, but with Crown and DJ manning the front court, there would be plenty of stopping power on the back end.

For GlennRatty this marks a return to the 2K League after a one-year departure. After a mediocre season with Heat Check Gaming in 2020, he was not retained when Heat Check brought Sav in via trade.

With a redemption arc at his back, GlennRatty may be with Venom temporarily, but if he gets ample playing time, he may find a season-long contract for 2022. Whether with Venom or any number of 2K League squads, he could prove to be a diamond in the rough at the start of the season.

The Tip-Off Powered by AT&T is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, April 5. This annual season-starting tournament will kick off the fifth season of the NBA 2K League.

As of now, rigby is not with the team, but if he returns in time for the Tip-Off, Venom could be in line to win their second in-season tournament in franchise history. It is certainly winnable without rigby in the lineup, but an All-Star player like rigby would certainly make things easier for Hornets Venom GT.