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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Hornets P.J. Washington
Oct 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington (25) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /

Skyrocketing: P.J. Washington

There was a very real possibility that P.J. Washington could have ended up playing for a different team this season. Washington’s excursion into restricted free agency did not go as planned, as he remained unsigned for much longer than anticipated. This led to the 25-year-old forward ultimately re-signing with Charlotte, and it appears to have worked out for the Hornets so far.

Washington is averaging 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds,  and 2.0 assists in 33.2 minutes per game while making 54.7% of his field goal attempts and 40% from three-point range. The scoring contributions and conversion rate are the highest of his career over the first six games of this season. Washington being able to build off a solid 2022-23 campaign that saw him average 15.7 points and 4.9 rebounds while making 44.4% of his shots is an encouraging sign moving forward.

The 12th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft out of Kentucky appears to be establishing himself as a more than solid piece for the Hornets. Charlotte is working on identifying key players for their future and establishing the foundation for their next competitive cycle. It looks like Washington is going to become an essential part of the Hornets’ success down the line.

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