4 Hornets who could leave Charlotte at some point this season

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 02: Frank Ntilikina #44 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during Charlotte Hornets Media Day at Spectrum Center on October 02, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

2. Frank Ntilikina

The logic behind bringing Frank Ntilikina onto this roster made sense. Ntilikina just turned 25 a few months ago, and the Hornets need a quality guard off the bench behind LaMelo Ball. The problem is that Ntilikina just is not very good. There is a reason why the former New York Knicks lottery selection was available for Charlotte to sign him when they did, and it is not because he is a highly valued player, but rather the opposite.

There is a chance that Ntilikina can establish himself as a worthy backup guard for the Hornets once he returns from his injury, but that is not a bet any smart gambler would make. Ntilikina’s career averages of 4.8 points and 2.2 assists per game are not particularly encouraging. It would be a little bit different if Ntilikina was a threat from three-point range, but he averages just over half a three-pointer per game on 32.3% shooting from deep.

With all of this in mind, it would not be surprising to see the Hornets decide to move on from Ntilikina at some point this season. It would be a little bit different if Ntilikina was not injured and was able to contribute early on, but considering their struggles to start the year and the likelihood of trading players away as each day passes, Ntilikina could be one of the players Charlotte decides to move to play other, younger players on their roster.

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