PJ Washington leads Charlotte Hornets record-breaking win
3. The youth movement is now
Coach James Borrego’s starting lineup consisted of Terry Rozier, Cody Zeller and Miles Bridges — three names that aren’t really a surprise for many Hornets fans as they all had the position locked in from play at the end of 2018-19 or, in Rozier’s case, by default based on experience.
It is worth nothing that Devonte’ Graham took over the point guard duties in the last few minutes of the game.
The other two choices for the final starting spots in the season opener went to rookie PJ Washington and third-year player Dwayne Bacon. The starting lineup had a combined 13 years of experience; Marvin Williams has more years of experience by himself (14).
Bacon may be less of a surprise, as Malik Monk hasn’t shown he’s ready to take a big role on the team just yet and Nicolas Batum has been nursing some small injuries. Washington was a bigger surprise as he stepped it the small forward role.
Keep in mind Borrego has said repeatedly that who starts on opening night could easily change as soon as Friday vs. Timberwolves. This rotation is a fluid situation.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) October 23, 2019
Washington, Bacon and Graham played significant roles in the season opener, with each scoring over 20 points, as Washington led the way with 27 points. Graham is a second-year player and should see a lot of time in giving Rozier some rest, or even playing alongside Rozier if Borrego wants to go small in his lineup.
We may not see this on a nightly basis at the start of the season, but Borrego won’t hesitate to sit his high-priced players on the bench if his younger players are hungry and doing well.