Charlotte Hornets report cards – who’s passes and who fails?

Mason Plumlee: F

Mason Plumlee has put up respectable numbers this season. However, his play has been contrary. He often gives up easy shots in the paint by either poorly rotating out or simply not contesting. When he does manage to hold his position and contests, he does a fine job defending the paint. He has yet to find a way to punish opposing defenses consistently. Inconsistent screen setting and poor cuts to the basket make it hard for him to see many quality looks. In addition, Plumlee still leaves much to be desired regarding free throw shooting. Though he’s hovering around 56% (up almost 23% from 2021-22), he is still a liability from the stripe. Golden State looked to exploit this towards the end of the October 29th contest. They intentionally fouled him until Coach Clifford opted to sub him out. There are several aspects of his game that need improvement, which is what led to the F.

James Bouknight: F

James Bouknight is an interesting case. In a lot of ways, this is his rookie season. That being said, he has struggled severely to put together any offensive consistency. Bouknight isn’t anything to be wowed at on the defensive side of the floor. A smaller frame and subpar lateral movement lead to him getting blown by on the perimeter or bullied down low. Bouknight’s main problem, though, is the offense. He often gets tunnel vision and fails to make the correct pass. He also prefers to dribble the ball a lot rather than passing to keep the ball moving along the perimeter. He’s been his best when he’s acted as a spot-up shooter from the corners and wings; however, we have seen very little of that so far. Bouknight’s failure to put anything positive on the court for more than a game at a time leads to a failing grade.

Obviously, given that we’re only a quarter of the way through the season, these grades are still being determined. Hopefully, those passing can continue and improve, and hopefully, those failing can turn their season around.