The unknown here with Ball could be whether or not there’s another interest in him around the NBA. is three years younger, and such little eval time could mean it’s the ultimate reason he’s chosen over Richards in the event Ball makes the roster. Richards averaged 1.0 blocks per game in the Summer League in four games played, but the outlier and metaphorical “straw that breaks the camel’s back” is age. The Hornets’ G-League Affiliate Greensboro Swarm only played 15 games last season, with most evaluation for both centers coming from the small G-League sample size combined with only five Las Vegas Summer League outings.Ĭan Charlotte feel confident parting ways with either sophomore who both play a position of need with one true center on the roster in Plumlee to make way for Ball? Richards (23) is already older than Ball (22) and is nowhere as polished offensively as Carey Jr., but his 7-foot frame and 7’4″ wingspan screams rim protector, something Charlotte needs with the departure of Bismack Biyombo. early in the same second round of 2020, and neither has had an incredible amount of showcase time. verifies that the head turns of fans and media alike weren’t vain after taking two centers in the second round.Ĭharlotte traded up in the back half to grab Richards and took Carey Jr.

Iwundu has started 50 games over his four-year career and, barring a horrific training camp showing, should find himself on the final roster through experience alone.Īt the very least, today’s narrative over who should stay between Richards and Carey Jr. Iwundu, who was acquired in after-the-fact details from Graham’s New Orleans Pelicans sign and trade along with a protected first-round pick, sits in a strange spot with little time in front of coach James Borrego’s staff but has starting NBA experience under his belt contributing for three NBA teams (Orlando, Dallas, New Orleans). General manager Mitch Kupchak has a decision on his hands: bring the publicity and “Ball Brothers” attention apparent in brief Las Vegas Summer League action which warranted previously mentioned boos for first time Vegas head coach and Hornets assistant Gaitely, or move on from one of Wes Iwundu, Vernon Carey Jr., or Nick Richards to ensure LiAngelo a spot. Both two-way contracts are filled by Arnoldas Kulboka and 21′ second-round pick Scottie Lewis, leaving only two remaining spots with four available candidates.

Washington, Mason Plumlee, Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier, Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels, Kelly Oubre Jr., Ish Smith, James Bouknight, Kai Jones, and J.T. With 17 spots available, Charlotte has LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Nepotism hasn’t been the issue - roster spots have. Any player making headway for Dutch Gaitley rotational boos, Ball brother or not, should logically fill into the Charlotte Hornets’ final 15-man roster spot swimmingly.įor the middle brother - LiAngelo Ball - the task hasn’t been mundane as expected, even with his youngest brother LaMelo earning GQ Magazine features as the poster boy of Charlotte basketball’s future.

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