After starting the season strong, Charlotte Hornets rookie Sion James has gone cold on offense. Compounding the issue is his frequent indecision with the ball. If he turns into an unserviceable player on offense, minutes might be hard to come by as the campaign progresses.
In his first eight professional appearances, James went 14-20 from long distance, equivalent to 70.0 percent. He was also efficient from inside the arc, making nine of his 17 attempts. However, the previous five games have seen him hit just 34.3 percent from the field overall and 28.6 percent from 3-point range.
The 22-year-old swingman's slump continued in the first half, where he missed both of his 3-point attempts, of the Hornets' affair with the Toronto Raptors on Monday. He couldn't snap out of it after the intermission, finishing the contest with no points and shooting 0-4 from downtown.
Sion James may have hit the rookie wall early
It's understandable for the Duke University product to go cold from the perimeter suddenly. After all, marksmanship wasn't one of his primary strengths coming out of college. His connective passing has also been helpful for Charlotte, although the team may need to design fewer plays where he is the main facilitator or inbound passer.
Still, it would be nice if James does not turn out to be a black hole on defense, as he is currently the Hornets' best perimeter defender. However, without the ability to contribute much on offense, he has become unplayable, particularly in clutch situations.
For instance, they could have used James late in their 110-108 loss to Toronto to help keep the opponent's platoon of stars at the wing positions in check. Instead, they had to roll with a lineup consisting of Collin Sexton, Kon Knueppel, and Miles Bridges. While that combination was able to nearly lift the Hornets to victory, especially after LaMelo Ball checked into the match, a difference-maker on defense might have led to a different outcome.
It remains to be seen if James can find his shot again, or if this is already the norm for the surprising rookie. If that's the case, he might kiss his bid for an All-Rookie selection goodbye.
In his defense, he is hardly Charlotte's only problem, as it has now fallen to a 4-10 record. Other players, mainly the core pieces, also have to step up. There are even times when James has looked more mature on the court than his veteran teammates. And if the Hornets want to turn things around, big changes have to be in the pipeline.