Charlotte Hornets: 5 roster moves they must make this offseason

5. Charlotte Hornets offseason needs: Guarantee Jalen McDaniels

After veteran Marvin Williams was waived, rookie Jalen McDaniels came into his own. He was taken with the 52nd pick of the 2019 NBA draft before being signed to a two-way deal with the Hornets. He was then signed to a partially guaranteed multi-year deal with the team.

McDaniels played the second game of the season, getting just under three minutes of play in a heavy loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He collected two points and a single rebound. McDaniels was then assigned and recalled from the G-League seven times, playing one further game.

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Then it all changed for McDaniels on February the 8th this season. This is the date when Williams was waived and McDaniels was recalled from the G-League for the final time of the season. He then played the remaining 14 games until COVID-19 stopped the season.

What the Hornets saw in McDaniels during this time should be enough to guarantee his $1.5 million deal for next season. For the season the 6’10” power forward averaged 5.6 points, and 4.1 rebounds in just 18.3 minutes per game.

The Hornets are certainly not poised to make a run for the finals next season, maybe not even the season after. They are well placed to make the playoffs next season and then being in a great position to lure a free agent or two in the 2021-22 season.