Hoops Habit
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: Ranking all 5 starters for the 2021-22 season

By Holden Walter-Warner

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 08: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets react after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 08: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets react after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images /

Charlotte Hornets starters ranked: 5. PF P.J. Washington

P.J. Washington ranks at the bottom of this list because he faces the fiercest competition to hold on to his starting job. Miles Bridges is another candidate to fill this role and the two could tussle for the starting spot all preseason long.

Washington has been solid, if not spectacular as the starting power forward for the Hornets. Last season, he averaged 12.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, shooting 44 percent from the field.

Washington’s marks improved across the board during his second season, although not drastically. For instance, his scoring only jumped 0.7 points per game from the previous season. His three-point shooting jumped to 38.6 percent, creating the possibility that he can space the floor even more.

The best part of Washington’s game last season was his ability to swat away shots. The big man averaged 1.2 blocks per game and sported a 4.0 block percentage, both ranking in the top 15 of the NBA.

Still, Bridges might very well be coming for his spot. Bridges is a good sixth man for the team, but he has the ability to play power forward at a high level. He also came on strong at the end of last season, averaging around 20 points and seven rebounds per game over the last 19 contests.

If Washington is to hold on to his starting spot, he needs to bump his scoring and rebounding up. He also needs to show more consistency.

Home/Charlotte Hornets