The Charlotte Hornets have officially waived former Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton, the team announced Tuesday. Connaughton, who joined the Hornets in the offseason after several productive years in Milwaukee, will now enter free agency as he seeks to continue his NBA career elsewhere. This move marks a significant roster adjustment for Charlotte as it looks to refine its lineup ahead of the regular season.
Hornets Part Ways with Former Bucks Guard Pat Connaughton Amid Roster Reshuffle
The Charlotte Hornets have officially waived Pat Connaughton, marking a significant shift in their offseason roster strategy. The move comes as the team focuses on restructuring its guard rotation and creating more flexibility under the salary cap. Connaughton, who joined the Hornets after his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, contributed with his versatile defense and athleticism but was ultimately deemed expendable amid the Hornets’ push to develop younger talent.
This roster reshuffle highlights Charlotte’s intent to prioritize emerging players while opening opportunities for new acquisitions. Connaughton’s departure leaves open questions about who will fill the backcourt roles this season, leaving fans and analysts anticipating further transactions. Below is a summary of Connaughton’s recent performance and impact with the Hornets:
| Season | Games Played | PPG | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 34 | 6.2 | 3.8 | 1.7 |
- Defensive versatility: Valuable in perimeter defense and transition.
- Limited offensive role: Primarily a role player rather than a primary scorer.
- Roster flexibility: Clearing his contract helps maneuver cap space.
Analyzing Connaughtons Impact During His Tenure with Charlotte and Milwaukee
Pat Connaughton’s tenure with both the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks showcased his versatility and steady contribution as a guard/forward. With the Hornets, Connaughton provided valuable perimeter defense and reliable three-point shooting, traits that helped stabilize a young and evolving roster. His role, often coming off the bench, allowed Charlotte to maintain offensive spacing and defensive intensity during critical stretches of games. Although his numbers were modest, his impact in key moments earned praise from coaching staff and teammates alike.
In Milwaukee, Connaughton’s growth was more pronounced as he became a vital cog in the Bucks’ championship-contending rotations. Known for his hustle and basketball IQ, he regularly contributed in:
- Defensive setups guarding multiple positions effectively.
- Corner three shooting that stretched opposing defenses.
- Transition plays capitalizing on fast breaks and secondary assists.
Below is a snapshot comparison of Connaughton’s key statistics from his seasons with both teams:
| Team | Points Per Game | 3PT % | Steals Per Game | Minutes Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | 6.3 | 36% | 0.8 | 18.5 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 8.7 | 39% | 1.1 | 22.4 |
What the Hornets Need Moving Forward to Strengthen Their Backcourt Depth
As the Hornets continue to refine their roster after the recent waiver of Pat Connaughton, the backcourt remains an area requiring urgent reinforcement. The team must prioritize acquiring versatile guards who can provide consistent perimeter shooting and defensive tenacity. Depth beyond the starting lineup is crucial, especially in the Eastern Conference, where bench production can be the difference between playoff contention and early exit. Adding guards who excel in pick-and-roll situations and can serve as reliable secondary playmakers will help alleviate the offensive burden on LaMelo Ball.
Key focuses for the Hornets’ backcourt enhancement include:
- Defensive agility: Guards capable of guarding multiple positions to improve team switchability.
- Three-point efficiency: Supplemental shooters to stretch opposing defenses.
- Playmaking depth: Secondary facilitators to maintain offensive flow in critical moments.
With these criteria in mind, scouting undervalued free agents and utilizing the G-League pipeline could unearth impactful contributors. Below is a comparison of backcourt characteristics the Hornets should target versus their current bench profiles:
| Attribute | Target Profile | Current Bench |
|---|---|---|
| 3PT Shooting % | 40%+ | 33% average |
| Defensive Rating | Below 110 | 115+ |
| Assist-to-Turnover Ratio | 2.0+ | 1.4 average |
| Versatility (Positions Guarded) | 1-3 | Primarily PG/SG |
