By CLTure News
September 15, 2020
AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli
Good news for the Charlotte Hornets seems to be rolling in since the pandemic cut the season short for the franchise. After the team moved up to the No. 3 pick in the Draft Lottery in August, the NBA announced Hornets rookie forward PJ Washington to the 2019-20 All-Rookie Second Team. Becoming the 12th player in franchise history to receive the honor, and the first to receive the accolade since 2013 (Cody Zeller). Washington joins a list including Rex Chapman, J.R. Reid, Kendall, Gill, Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, and more, who have received the honor.
Among the other notable All-Rookie Second Team players include Rui Hachimura (Washington), Tyler Herro (Miami) Terence Davis (Toronto), and former Tar Heel Coby White (Chicago). This year’s ballot was full of talented future stars with a stacked 2019 draft class that included NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant and phenom Zion Williamson.
Washington got off to a fast start scoring a franchise-record 27 points in his NBA debut against Chicago with his seven three-point field goals also setting a record for NBA rookie debuts. He averaged 12.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 blocks per game, ranking in the top ten for rookies in three-point field goals, rebounds, blocks, steals per game, and three-point shooting percentage.
Although Hornets fans were disappointed in the lack of votes for second-year standout and North Carolina-native Devonte’ Graham’s campaign for Most Improved Player, Miles Bridges earned MVP honors in the Rising Stars game, and the franchise should be able to pick a top-tier player in the NBA Draft. Things are finally looking up for the Hornets.
Check out highlights from 2019-2020 season:
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