Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Three breakout candidates for the Charlotte Hornets

By Ethan Olson

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks against the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks against the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 24: Cody Martin #11 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Brooklyn Nets during a game at Barclays Center on October 24, 2021 in New York City. “nNOTE 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 24: Cody Martin #11 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Brooklyn Nets during a game at Barclays Center on October 24, 2021 in New York City. “nNOTE 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Cody Martin

After signing a four-year, $32 million contract with the Hornets this offseason, Cody Martin has a different role to fill than Washington. Martin now has the job of anchoring Charlotte’s perimeter defense under the guidance of head coach Steve Clifford.

Last season, Martin averaged career highs in most categories, notably shooting 38.4% from three-point range and improving his assist-to-turnover ratio to 2.93. These improvements in his three-point shooting and playmaking showed that there is offensive upside for Martin. His three-point shooting percentage did cool off down the stretch, as he shot just 27.3% from three-point range in the last 35 games of the season. However, Martin did prove that he can make the open shots created in a LaMelo Ball-orchestrated offense.

Martin can also accompany Ball in the playmaking, proving such when a number of key players missed games last year due to health and safety protocols. Martin had a career year in assists per game (2.5), offensive rating (113.1) and assist to turnover ratio (2.93) and served as the starting point guard for a number of games while Ball, Terry Rozier and Ish Smith missed time.

As of now, the Hornets do not have a true backup point guard on the roster, and it looks as though Rozier and Martin will remain the secondary ball handlers unless a move is made. If this remains the case, Martin has the chance to show even more improvement and cement his place as a key role player for Charlotte.

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