Charlotte Hornets Summer League Takeaways
Charlotte Hornets Summer League Takeaways
The Hornets’ Summer League run in Vegas is over after back-to-back losses ended any shot at the tournament title, but the individual performances left plenty to unpack. Although they still are set to play the Kings in a final matchup on Friday July 17th.
The biggest storyline was Liam McNeeley. The second-year wing looked like a completely different player through three games, torching Orlando’s defense by knocking down seven of eight three-point attempts in the opener.
Beyond the shooting, McNeeley showed real growth as a driver varying his attack angles, using ball fakes to shake defenders, and finishing through contact with either hand. With Charlotte’s wing rotation crowded after a busy offseason, McNeeley may have just forced his way into the conversation.
Backup point guard remains a question mark. Sion James has struggled to run offense against ball pressure, though his rebounding and defense have stayed strong. Rookie Christian Anderson Jr. has been up and down, battling his frame on interior finishes but flashing real promise as a passer, including a highlight-reel pick-and-roll read against Boston.
Elsewhere, two-way signee Michael Ajayi has impressed with hustle, rebounding, and smart, low-usage playmaking — the kind of role-player traits that could carve out a real NBA niche. Rookie big man Hannes Steinbach has shown off polished passing out of split-action sets, pairing well alongside center Ryan Kalkbrenner, even in a quieter stretch after a hot start.
Tidjane Salaun continues his slow, steady climb, trading chaotic footwork for more disciplined defense and confident scoring drives. And Kalkbrenner has simply been Kalkbrenner, a steady rim protector and screener who didn’t need Summer League to prove his role.
Vegas didn’t deliver a title, but for a Hornets team searching for answers, it delivered something more valuable: clarity on who’s ready to take the next step.
