Charlotte Hornets start, bench, cut: Gordon Hayward, Brandon Miller, Cody Martin

Charlotte Hornets: Cut Cody Martin

After participating in 71 regular-season games in the 2021-22 NBA season, Martin’s 2022-23 run was cut short due to a knee injury. While injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, Martin will be returning to a Hornets team that is far deeper than the one he last played on.

Assuming Miller is given a starting spot and Hayward comprises a bench role, there will be no room for Martin in the primary rotation. However, the North Carolina native should remain with Charlotte. There will be times when an injury, suspension, or even load management creates opportunities for him to step into a bigger role, and the Hornets already know he can be relied on.

Cody Martin should remain patient 

Martin is entering the second year of his three-year $31.6 million deal and certainly wasn’t expecting to potentially be pushed out of the rotation by the time he entered the middle of his contract. However, given the questions surrounding Hayward’s future in Charlotte, any demotion to a backup role could be short-lived.

Martin could also find playing time by deputizing for Terry Rozier as the backup shooting guard if the Hornets decide to roll out bigger lineups. Nevertheless, Clifford will likely try to find minutes for the reliable wing, even if they’re not in his preferred position, at least while Hayward is still on the payroll.