The NBA today has put a lot of premium on outside shooting, and the Charlotte Hornets have also benefitted from it in a couple of their previous seasons.
For instance, the team had just one season with an above-.500 winning percentage in the past eight years. That took place in the 2021-22 campaign when it was shot lights out from long range, finishing in the top six in 3-pointers made and 3-point field goal percentage.
So, the recipe for success for the franchise certainly involves heavy scoops of 3-point shots.
Blake Hinson would be a great training camp addition
For that reason, the Hornets should consider picking up Blake Hinson, a former two-way player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was recently released to free up a roster spot for the Lakers' decision to add big man Christian Koloko.
Hinson joined the Lakers in July after going undrafted this year. At 6-foot-8, he has incredible length for a wing player, and his shooting would have benefitted the Purple and Gold. However, he was a casualty of its search for a big man. Interestingly, the Lakers have used all their two-way spots on centers.
What would Hinson bring to the table, though, if he joins Charlotte for training camp?
For one, his efficiency from the perimeter during college was outstanding. In his senior year playing for the University of Pittsburgh, he shot 42.1% from beyond the arc. And impressively, it came at a high volume, as he attempted 7.3 3-pointers per game. He also had some excellent performances playing for the Lakers' Summer League crew.
The Florida native could give the Hornets needed help from 3-point land, especially after they finished 21st in the league last season in efficiency from that range.
Of course, the squad already has several marksmen who have the potential to improve further from long distance, including Nick Smith Jr., Brandon Miller, Grant Williams, and Tre Mann. That foursome shot at least 36.4% from deep in the 2023-24 campaign. In addition, fans shouldn't forget Seth Curry. The hometown hero experienced a slump last year but is a career 43.1% shooter from the 3-point area.
Charlotte is also looking at Keyontae Johnson, who signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the organization and is the most likely of his fellow recent acquisitions to land a roster spot with the Hornets.
Even so, Hinson could be worth weighing up in training camp because the Hornets, like all NBA teams, can never have too many shooters.