Liam McNeeley has a real shot to stick in the Charlotte Hornets lineup, but he cannot just shoot. The rookie spent last year watching from the G League while teammates like Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner got the minutes. Now the team has lost LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, and Miles Bridges. That creates a massive hole in the backcourt that McNeeley needs to fill with his hands, not just his feet. He has the numbers to prove he belongs, but the role has to change.
The Stats Show Potential
McNeeley was quietly effective in the small amount of time he played last season. According to Sports Illustrated, he posted a 6.2 net rating and a 7.2 PIE in those limited NBA actions. Those are strong signs that he can help the team win. However, his assist percentage sat at a decent but uninspiring 12.9%. That number is far below what the top playmakers in the league do. The Hornets are desperate for someone to run the offense now that LaMelo is gone. If McNeeley wants to play, he must become one of the aggregate playmakers the team is hoping to build.
Coach Lee Sees Confidence
Head coach Charles Lee has already spoken about McNeeley’s mindset. Lee called the young wing “consistently confident” when asked about his game. What Lee finds “so impressive” is how McNeeley responds to every single challenge the coaching staff gives him. This is the key. If the coaches challenge him to improve his passing and decision-making, he could become something special. But if he cannot step up, he will just be another capable shooter on a wing that already has too many of them. Knueppel, Brandon Miller, and Grayson Allen all fill that shooting role. McNeeley needs to add a new layer to his game to stand out.
Injuries Open the Door
The timing for McNeeley to make his mark is right now. The Hornets are dealing with a wave of injuries that clears the rotation. According to Heavy.com, Kon Knueppel is sidelined for the full preseason due to a left hamstring injury. Coby White is also out with a strained left calf for the whole preseason. Grant Williams is sidelined with a hamstring issue as well. Given these absences, McNeeley is expected to serve as a crucial rotation piece during the initial one or two weeks of the season. He has to prove he can handle the load before the injured stars return. The first few games are his only chance to show he belongs.
McNeeley could also look to the defense side to secure his spot. His 108.8 defensive rating suggests he has the capability to guard multiple positions. Sion James found his way into the rotation last year by being a defensive stopper. But playmaking is more valuable and likely better suited for McNeeley’s talents. If he can master that, he will play. If he cannot, the door closes fast once the regular season gets going. The team opens on October 21 against Brooklyn, and the clock is already ticking on his opportunity to prove he is the answer.
