Swarm and Sting
Fansided

3 Hornets whose stocks are skyrocketing, 2 that are fading fast

By James Mastrucci

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: A detail of Charlotte Hornets jersey against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: A detail of Charlotte Hornets jersey against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Apr 9, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Theo Maledon (9) dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Theo Maledon (9) dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Fading: Theo Maledon

There are certain players on this Hornets roster where the expected contributions are relatively low. Theo Maledon is a player that certainly belongs in this group. The fourth-year guard is entering his second season in Charlotte, and he has not been able to accomplish all that much during this time.

Maledon has not been anything resembling a consistent shooter in his career, as his conversion rate from the field and three-point range has fluctuated heavily over the 166 games played. The former second-round pick has also seen his scoring average drop every season, from 10.1 in 2020-21 to the current 5.5 this season.

What is not helping matters is Maledon’s differential in offensive and defensive rating. Maledon’s -31 is the worst among all players who have appeared in more than one game. This has been a relatively consistent theme throughout his four-year career, as he has never fared better than -10 in this area.

It would be one thing if Maledon was a sharpshooter behind the arc and could find a way to improve one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league. The lack of overall impact and ability to convert from deep points in the direction of someone who may not be long for this Hornets roster.

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