Ranking the Hornets’ recent signings based on who could get a roster spot
By Orel Dizon
3. Joel Soriano
The only rookie among the Charlotte Hornets' latest signees, Joel Soriano might have a steep hill to climb in order to join the team's primary roster. Still, he appears to be a promising big man despite going undrafted earlier this summer.
However, Charlotte's roster already features Mark Williams, whom the front office noted as a part of the franchise's core nucleus, and Nick Richards, who was its main starting center in the 2023-24 season. Also projected to patrol the paint are Taj Gibson and probably Grant Williams in small-ball lineups. Fellow rookie Tidjane Salaun could see action as the Hornets' pivot as well.
So, Soriano appears to have a long shot at getting promoted. On the other hand, Williams' concerning injury history could factor into that decision.
He has also shown promise as a stretch big man, averaging 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in his final season in college playing for St. John's University. From behind the 3-point line, Soriano shot 43.8%, although he attempted just 16 shots from long distance.
Interestingly, signing the Dominican American would be in keeping with the organization's penchant for adding big men of Caribbean descent. Richards hails from Jamaica, while former embattled center Kai Jones was born in The Bahamas.