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

2. Jalen McDaniels needs to step up for the Charlotte Hornets

While a proven commodity like Hayward is hoping to recapture some former glory, 6-foot-9 forward Jalen McDaniels aims to prove he belongs. The 24-year-old hasn’t been given much opportunity to this point in his young career. In fact, his minutes per game average was the lowest it’s ever been at 16.3 in the 2021-22 season. But with major gaps in the lineup and others having to fulfill key positions, he may finally have his chance.

McDaniels’ strongest growth has been in his 3-point shot. He nailed 38% of 108 3-point attempts last season including an impressive 41.5% on triples from above the break. He’s learning to be more effective off the ball, which is hugely important for a role player in a lineup with dominant guards and wings creating much of the team’s offense.

Up to this point, McDaniels has been an energetic rebounder who competes for loose balls and has a great second hop to fight for offensive boards. He’s also a versatile defender because of his intriguing mobility and aptitude for contesting shots both on the perimeter and in the paint, where he earned an A- rim protection grade from Basketball Index.

Serious minutes were vacated at the forward positions, just in time for McDaniels to prove his value ahead of unrestricted free agency next summer.