Ranking the Hornets’ recent signings based on who could get a roster spot
By Orel Dizon
The Charlotte Hornets recently announced the signing of Marcus Garrett, Keyontae Johnson,
Caleb McConnell, and Joel Soriano to Exhibit 10 deals. The contract doesn't assure any of them a roster spot, as the team only has one slot open at the moment.
It's also unclear if the Hornets plan on handing out a two-way deal to any of those prospects.
In addition to the 14 players on the roster, they have also used up two of three of their two-way roster spots on KJ Simpson and Moussa Diabate, both of whom are expected to suit up primarily, at least initially, for Charlotte's G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.
Ranking the Hornets' recent signings based on who could get a roster spot
Still, if the players manage to impress in training camp, they could give the front office a reason to offer one of them a guaranteed contract.
Garrett, Johnson, McConnell, and Soriano could have more than a month to prove their mettle, as Exhibit 10 deals can be converted to a two-way contract before the start of the regular season.
4. Caleb McConnell
Among them, McConnell might be the most unlikely of the foursome to score an upgraded deal with Charlotte. That's not to say that the swingman isn't talented. However, the team's depth at the wings may leave no room for him on the main roster.
Brandon Miller, Josh Green, Cody Martin, and Tre Mann are expected to soak up the minutes at either the shooting guard or small forward spots. Seth Curry could also figure in that battle, especially since he is arguably the squad's most prolific shooter. Nick Smith Jr. might also find himself in the mix, given that he was entrusted with key minutes last season when the injury bug bit the team hard.
Still, McConnell could get some attention from the front office and coaching staff for his potential to be a disruptive defensive presence. He secured various awards suiting up for Rutgers University, including the All-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Lefty Driesell Award.
McConnell had spent the past campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder's G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, averaging 6.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in the regular season. His playing time dipped in the playoffs, though, where his squad won the championship.
The 25-year-old wing player joined the Hornets' Summer League roster, and he might have done enough for the organization's top brass to bring him in for training camp.