Through the Charlotte Hornets' first 24 games this season, they have barely been able to field plus-defenders at the wing. Things probably would have been different had they created a roster opening to retain Josh Okogie, who has been a valuable rotation piece for the Houston Rockets.
Sion James has performed admirably as a perimeter stopper. However, he has been unplayable in some possessions due to his underdeveloped offensive skills. He started the 2025-26 campaign with remarkable shooting efficiency, but his percentages may have already regressed to the mean.
The Hornets are still awaiting Josh Green's return, and we cannot discount the possibility that he could be the catalyst behind their rise in the standings.