4 players who need to step up for the Charlotte Hornets this season

1. Gordon Hayward needs to step up for the Charlotte Hornets.

These first two seasons of Gordon Hayward’s Charlotte Hornets career have been a bit of a rollercoaster, but not because of his performance. He’s been a net positive for a streaky team, scoring 17.6 points per game while shooting above 40% from 3-point land. Underrated from the onset of his career, Hayward impacts the game with unselfish, fundamental passing and activity on the glass.

The downfall, however, has been the same issue plaguing his career since departing from Utah: health. Hayward has not played more than 50 games in either of his seasons with Charlotte and in turn, his role has been downgraded.

That’s about to change with Bridges removed from the rotation as more ball-handling opportunities and field goal attempts open up for the 32-year-old. Despite only making the game one time in his career, Hayward is being paid like an All-Star and now, he’ll need to perform like one if the Hornets are to reach the postseason.

Hayward scored 20 or more points 15 times last season, but only made 10 or more field goals six times. His volume is sure to increase, so this is Hayward’s chance to show that he’s still the player Charlotte signed him to be in the 2020 offseason.