HUGE AGREEMENT: Hornets sign rated crucial star to League agreement
In their initial Summer League games, the Charlotte Hornets have performed well, with big man Jake Stephens standing out. Stephens, a 24-year-old center, played the 2023-24 season in the G League with the Capital City Go-Go, the Washington Wizards’ affiliate, and made a notable impact during his playing time.
Throughout 30 games, Stephens averaged 18.5 minutes per game, contributing 8.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest. He also shot 57.9% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range.
In the Summer League, Stephens has gained significant playing time, starting in one of the three games so far. His performance suggests that he could be a valuable addition to the Hornets for the upcoming season.
Hornets need to sign Summer League standout Jake Stephens
In his three Summer League games, Jake Stephens has averaged 19.0 minutes per contest. He’s been putting up 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 56.5% from the floor and an impressive 50.0% from beyond the arc on 4.7 three-point attempts per game.
Stephens’ game has its strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, he’s an impressive distance shooter, has a soft touch around the basket, and provides a substantial presence at 6-foot-11, 270 lbs. However, he has some drawbacks, including a lack of speed, a need for improvement in defensive positioning, and inconsistency in his three-point shooting last year.
Despite these cons, Stephens has shown potential as a quality three-point shooter, evidenced by his senior season at Chattanooga in 2022-23, where he shot 40.8% from distance on 5.2 attempts per game.
Given these attributes, the Hornets should consider signing him to a two-way or standard contract.
Currently, the Charlotte Hornets have only two centers on their roster: Mark Williams and Nick Richards. Adding Jake Stephens as their third big man could be an intriguing project.
Neither Williams nor Richards is known for their three-point shooting, which makes Stephens a valuable addition. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc would provide the Hornets with a different dynamic at the center position.
Incorporating a stretch five like Stephens would enable head coach Charles Lee to experiment with different lineups. If the Hornets can help Stephens improve his physical conditioning and defensive positioning, he has the potential to become a significant asset.