His sophomore season offered a glimpse of what could be. Earning a starting role, playing in 19 of Charlotte’s first 20 contests, the big man played 26.7 minutes per game, averaging, 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Unfortunately, a back contusion ended his season, putting him on the shelf for the final 62 games of the 2023-24 campaign.

For years, the Charlotte Hornets lacked a true center. They had big men, but no one that really solidified themselves in that position. It was arguably their bi