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Charlotte Hornets: NBA Summer League Roster Guide

By David Hendren

Aug 8, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Kai Jones (23), Charlotte Hornets forward LiAngelo Ball (8), and Charlotte Hornets guard Scottie Lewis (16) are pictured on the bench during an NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Cox Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Kai Jones (23), Charlotte Hornets forward LiAngelo Ball (8), and Charlotte Hornets guard Scottie Lewis (16) are pictured on the bench during an NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Cox Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 22: LJ Figueroa #12 of the Oregon Ducks shoots against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 22, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 22: LJ Figueroa #12 of the Oregon Ducks shoots against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 22, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

LJ Figueroa

Age: 24

College: Oregon

Position: SF/PF

Height: 6-6

Weight: 200 lbs.

2021-22 Stats (Santa Cruz Warriors): 16.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 49.2 FG%, 32.1 3PT%

LJ Figueroa, a product from St. John’s and Oregon, is coming off a successful G-League season with the Santa Cruz Warriors. A physical forward with a big frame, Figueroa is known for his scoring ability and size at the forward position. He also is a very good rebounder for a small forward.

From an offensive standpoint, Figueroa is a unique prospect. He spent last season in the G-League playing the small forward position. Figueroa was used a lot as a screener and roller within the Santa Cruz Warriors’ offense. Figueroa showed his ability to catch and finish off dump passes and was very effective in short-roll scenarios, where he displayed great touch on his floater.

He also was used effectively at the elbow in dribble-hand off scenarios, where he would either hand the ball off and screen or fake the handoff and drive. He excelled as a cutter off the ball and moves well without the basketball. Figueroa always seems to find the gap in the defense and plays well in space. He fills lanes correctly in transition as well and does a good job of finding easy offense within the flow of the game. Where Figueroa must improve is his pull-up game from the mid-range and catch and shoot scenarios from three, where he ranked in the 46th percentile, according to Synergy Sports.

Defensively, Figueroa has the measurables and length to be a decent defender at the next level. Where he must improve defensively is his motor and attentiveness, both on and off the ball. He tends to play high on defense and does not seem engaged when guarding the ball. However, he does possess decent lateral quickness and good length to become a solid perimeter defender if he wants to be. The main issue with him defensively is his ability to stay in front of quick guards on switches. This must improve if he wants to have an increased role at the next level.

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