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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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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 10: Isaiah Whaley #5 of the Connecticut Huskies looks on during the quarterfinals of the Big East Basketball Tournament against the Seton Hall Pirates at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 10: Isaiah Whaley #5 of the Connecticut Huskies looks on during the quarterfinals of the Big East Basketball Tournament against the Seton Hall Pirates at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Isaiah Whaley

Age: 24

College: Connecticut

Position: PF/C

Height: 6-9

Weight: 225 lbs.

2021-22 Stats (Connecticut): 7.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.2 BPG, 51.1 FG%, 29.1 3PT%

Another North Carolina native, Isaiah Whaley will look to bring his defensive versatility to the Summer League. During his five-year stint at UConn, Whaley was known for his mobility and defensive prowess. The Defensive Player of the Year in the Big East in 2020, Whaley has also tried to implement a three-point shot to his game over the past couple of seasons.

Offensively, Whaley is at his best when running the floor or finishing off passes in the pick-and-roll. He is a live body that can finish above the rim and has decent touch around the basket. He is also comfortable in catch-and-shoot scenarios in the mid-range, where he ranked in the 82nd percentile this past season. He has been expanding his range over the last two seasons but has struggled to shoot the ball well from three-point range. He ranked in the 35th percentile from three=point range this past season and still needs continuous repetition and work on his mechanics before becoming a consistent shooter from deep. He needs to work on keeping his elbow in on his release as sometimes it can flare out. He also must work on his balance when shooting, especially on the way down from his release. He sometimes fades away or leans in one direction, causing misdirection of his shot. Consistent landing patterns and jumping straight up and coming straight down will help him progress.

Another element of his offensive game that is lacking is scoring in the post. Whaley has choppy footwork and does not possess any post moves.

Defensively, Whaley has proven to be a terrific, winning the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020. He has good length, great mobility for someone his size, and can protect the rim with his verticality and timing when blocking shots. Whaley can switch onto guards with his mobility and can be a solid defender when he keeps the ball in front of him on drives. He uses his length to contest jump shots and shots around the basket. Where Whaley must improve is his physicality. Whaley struggles against stronger perimeter players on drives and can be moved off his spot when stronger players drive into his chest.

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