Five takeaways from the Hornets’ homestand
By Luke Tucker
![CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 05: Teammates Malik Monk #1 and Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets react after a play against the Indiana Pacers during their game at Spectrum Center on November 05, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 05: Teammates Malik Monk #1 and Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets react after a play against the Indiana Pacers during their game at Spectrum Center on November 05, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/35ff4333a81e2ff247c6aea66095e648de0b1b6426a03a8e5b2c6e4d8d9d73b0.jpg)
Cody Martin has carved out a meaningful role
After scarcely seeing the court for the first handful of games of the season, another rookie Hornet, Cody Martin, has begun to carve out an important role in Charlotte’s rotation. Martin’s string of solid contributing performances actually began in the final game of the California road trip at Golden State, where he came up with a clutch defensive play and offensive rebound in the closing seconds. Since then, he has played no less than 16 minutes in each game.
Martin has been filling in for the injured Nic Batum, however, if he continues to play well, head coach James Borrego will be faced with an interesting proposition when Batum’s broken finger is healed. On one hand (no pun intended), Batum, who is making north of $25 million this year, would represent the more experienced, reliable option. On the other, Martin has already proven his worth on the defensive end, as well as rebounding and spreading the ball around. Another option would be to trade Batum. Regardless of what happens, Cody Martin’s performance over the past several games has done nothing but justify his place in the Hornets’ rotation.