After he dealt with an ankle injury during his lone college season, some Charlotte Hornets fans were unsure how league-ready Liam McNeeley would be. But if you paid any attention to his high school track record or took even a brief look at his Summer League performance in Las Vegas, the story becomes a lot simpler: McNeeley can play. And that is exactly why his doubters were wrong from the start.
Charlotte was able to snag McNeeley after trading for the 29th pick, a selection that is already looking like it may end up as one of the better value picks of the first round. It is not every day that a 6-foot-7 wing with a strong shooting resume and legitimate defensive effort falls that far. Health concerns played a part, sure, but the skillset has never been in doubt for those who watched him closely.
Before he arrived at the University of Connecticut, McNeeley was known as one of the more reliable shooters in his class. That reputation did not just vanish. He still gets into his shot smoothly and understands how to move without the ball. Add in his willingness to compete and his feel for the game, and it is not hard to see why Charlotte’s front office felt confident in handing him a standard rookie contract.
Liam McNeeley looks more than ready
Summer League only strengthened that belief. McNeeley held his own and then some in Las Vegas, showing poise and an ability to make plays without needing to dominate the ball. That is a trait that should translate well next to creators like LaMelo Ball, especially as the Hornets look to balance out their roster with more shooting and ball handlers off the bench.
The fit is what makes this even more intriguing. Charlotte does not need McNeeley to be a high-usage guy from the start. What they need is a reliable wing who can space the floor, defend his position, and play smart team basketball. That is a role McNeeley looks more than capable of filling, and if his ankle holds up, there is no reason to believe he cannot become a regular in the rotation this year.
For whatever reason, the narrative around him dipped too far south over the last several months. But the Hornets may have found themselves a gem late in the first round, and Liam McNeeley is in an excellent position for his talents to continue shining.