With the 2023 NBA season ending, It’s time to assign final grades for the season. Similar to the first quarter grades, players will be assigned a grade based on Impact, availability, basic box score, and advanced stats.
The requirements for this are simple; the player must have played at least 40 regular season games and log at least 10 minutes of play per contest to be eligible to receive a grade. The notable players this excludes are Cody Martin, LaMelo Ball, and James Bouknight. Jalen McDaniels and Mason Plumlee will also not be included, as they are no longer part of the Hornets roster. Any grade below a C is considered a failing grade.
Notable Grades:
Mark Williams (41 games played): A+
Mark Williams has been nothing short of sensational this season. Since becoming a regular part of the rotation, Williams has been both an offensive and defensive juggernaut. Boasting a whopping offensive rating of 123 and a defensive rating of 111, Mark Williams has been everything the Hornets have needed out of a center. Williams had a good stat line of almost 9 points per game, 7 rebounds, and 1 block; though his impact on the court alone earned him a passing grade, the production easily earns him an A+
Nick Richards (63 games played): A
Nick Richard’s situation is one that is very similar to that of Mark Williams. After playing for less than ten minutes per game his first two seasons, Richards was rewarded with almost twenty minutes per game this season. Nick Richards took advantage of this opportunity and had a breakout season. Richards had one of the highest offensive rebound percentages in the league this season, as well as a staggering offensive rating of 130. His box score is as solid as they come, with 8 points and 6 rebounds per game. Richards solidifying himself as one of the best backups in the NBA easily earns him an A.
Dennis Smith (54 games played): B+
Dennis Smith sparked his resurgence in Charlotte. His comeback story is truly inspiring. He went from being out of the league and preparing to play football to one of the more quality guards in the NBA. Dennis was one of the better defensive guards in the NBA this season, which is something that The Hornets desperately needed. Dennis was just as good coming off the bench as he was in the starting rotation, providing good defense, solid scoring, and playmaking, and lead ball-handler skills. Dennis is someone The Hornets should prioritize bringing back.
PJ Washington (73 games played): B
The 2023 NBA season was that of growth for PJ Washington. His 16 points and 5 rebounds per game give him the most productive season of his young career so far. Washington also scored a career-high 43 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Washington also had the most position stab slitty of his career, playing 95% of his minutes at power forward. This was also his most balanced season in terms of shot selection, with 56% of his shots coming from inside the arc. Though it was an inconsistent campaign, Washington’s growth earns him a solid grade of B.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (48 games played): B
Kelly Oubre had arguably the best season of his career. He scored a career-high 20.3 points per game on a respectable 53.4% true shooting. His jump in scoring is due in part to his improved shot selection. He shot over 58% of his shots from inside the arc, up from about 41% the prior season. His best stretch of the season came between February 24th and March 23rd. In those 13 games, he scored 20.5 points per game on 46% shooting from the field. Oubre has made it clear he wishes to stay in Charlotte, and management should prioritize bringing him back. Due to the growth we saw from Oubre, he easily earns a grade of B.
Terry Rozier (63 games played): B-
Terry Rozier is the same player that we’ve grown to know in Charlotte. He is a shoot-first guard who can score with the best of the league. The reason for the lower grade is because of his efficiency. His true shooting took a nosedive from 56% to 51%. Other than his efficacy dip, Rozier is the same player he’s been since The Hornets acquire him. Even though he scored a career-high 21 points per game, his efficiency dip was too much to overlook, earning him a B-.
Gordon Hayward (50 games played): C
Gordon Hayward was solid when he was able to play. But for another season, Gordon Hayward’s ability to play consistently has gotten in the way of success on the court. Hayward attempted fewer threes per game this season than the prior season yet had a lower three-point percentage. Despite the dip in 3p%, Hayward still had a very respectable tree shooting of 56%. That being said, Hayward is still an iffy defender who struggles to stay on the court. For that reason, he earns a C.
These Players ended the season strongly, and it boosted their grades.
JT Thor: C+
Bryce McGowens: C+
Theo Maledon: B-
Kai Jones: C+
Too confusing to grade: Steve Clifford.
Coach Clifford had his fair share of ups and downs. The Hornet’s defense took a noticeable step forward, but the offense took a step back. That being said, Clifford was dealt bad cards. A season full of injuries and inconsistent lineups would make coaching hard on almost anyone. A case can be made for Clifford to receive a failing or passing grade. For this reason, he won’t receive a grade.