The standings and trends of the 2022-23 NBA season are setting into place as we now sit over a quarter of the way through the schedule.
One trend that already has many fans looking toward the draft is the losing ways of the Charlotte Hornets.
It hasn’t been all negative, however. There are many things for Charlotte Hornets fans to be excited about. So, who passes and who fails as we sit roughly a quarter of the way through the season?
Steve Clifford: B
Steve Clifford has been very solid so far this season. Despite the injury bug the team is hit with, He has the defense playing respectably. They’re hovering at a defensive rating of 112.8, which is good for 16th in the association. The offensive struggles are very well documented; however, this could be attributed to the injury bug. With LaMelo Ball missing all but three games, the team’s offensive engine has been absent. Even with players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Dennis Smith Jr. stepping up, the car can’t run without the engine. Coach Clifford earns a solid B due to his excellent work with an injured defense.
Nick Richards: A
Nick Richards earns an A and he earns it comfortably. He went from getting next to no playing time in the 2021 season to being the best center on the roster in 2022. He plays his role as close to perfection as can be asked. He sets strong screens, rolls, cuts to the basket hard, and is active on defense. His efficiency from the field and stripe is nothing to scoff at. Richards is currently shooing 60% from the field, and 74% from the free-throw stripe, equating to a true shooting percentage of 65.3%. His ten points and seven rebounds in less than 20 minutes per contest show he has earned every bit of playing time and more. Richards easily makes an A.
P.J. Washington: C+
P.J. Washington has been inconsistent. His highs have been pretty high, but his lows have been almost equally low. Despite the inconsistency, Washington is putting up a career-best sixteen points per contest while grabbing around five rebounds. Coach Clifford has trusted Washington to create for himself more than ever. Washington is showing the willingness and ability to finish around the rim, attack the paint, and create for himself in the post. His defense has been pretty good as well. Washington is working with the highest usage rate of his career while also having the lowest turnover rate. If he finds some consistency, The C+ could rise significantly.
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.
Dennis Smith Jr: A
Kelly Oubre Jr.: B
Theo Maledon: B
Terry Rozier: B-
Jalen McDaniels: C+
Gordon Hayward: C-
JT Thor: N/A
LaMelo Ball: N/A
Cody Martin: N/A
Mark Williams: N/A
Kai Jones: N/A
Bryce McGowens: N/A