Old North Banter
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3 Things Hornets Fans Should be Thankful for this Thanksgiving

By Luke Tucker

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 23: PJ Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during their game at Spectrum Center on October 23, 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 – OCTOBER 23: PJ Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during their game at Spectrum Center on October 23, 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) /

PJ Washington

Aside from Graham, perhaps the biggest on-court surprise this season has been that of this year’s first-round pick PJ Washington. The rookie out of Kentucky burst onto the scene in his first NBA regular-season game, breaking the record for most threes in a debut, as well as setting a new mark for most points in a Hornets debut. Washington has continued to play well, although he’s been on a bit of a roller-coaster ride over the past several contests.

One of the most shocking aspects of Washington’s game has been his ability to shoot the three ball. In college, he was regarded as a decent outside threat, but was seen as more of an inside scorer. It didn’t take long for the NBA to notice his ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Washington is shooting almost 50% from the field, and a team-high 46.3% from three-point range. The one area Hornets fans would like to see him clean up is his free-throw shooting. Through the first 18 games, the 21-year-old is shooting just 66% from the charity stripe.

Immediately after being taken in the middle of the first round, the Hornets made it clear that a G-League stint was very much a possibility for Washington. That all changed when he dominated in the preseason, so much so that he earned a spot in the starting rotation on Opening Night. Washington came into the NBA with doubters, and so far, he’s done nothing but prove them wrong. Hornets fans should definitely be thankful for that.

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