Hornets Make Roster Decisions as Season Approaches

As the Charlotte Hornets brace for the start of the regular season next week, they face a roster crunch that has led to a surprising decision: the team will waive veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie. This announcement comes from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who noted that Dinwiddie had signed a one-year deal with the team just this past July.

The move reflects the Hornets' need to trim their roster, as they were one of three NBA teams, alongside the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards, to have more than the permissible 15 players on standard contracts. With 16 players currently signed, the Hornets had to make tough decisions to adhere to league rules.

Speculation had arisen around other players, including Pat Connaughton, who was rumored to potentially be released due to his $9.4 million salary. Acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks primarily to create cap space, Connaughton’s retention could also be strategic, as his expiring contract may hold trade value later in the season. With a history of effective shooting, including a 38.5 percent success rate from three-point range from 2020-2021 to 2021-2022, Connaughton could bolster the squad's offensive capabilities.

The release of Dinwiddie may seem counterintuitive, especially considering the injury history of star player LaMelo Ball. Ball has consistently struggled to stay on the court, with only one season exceeding 51 games in his first five years. By waiving Dinwiddie, the Hornets appear to have confidence in Tre Mann, their first-round pick from 2021, to step in as the primary backup or even as a starter should Ball face injury challenges again.

Dinwiddie's last season in the NBA (2024-25) saw him playing 79 games for the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 11.0 points and 4.4 assists per game. As the Hornets move forward, all eyes will be on how this decision shapes their upcoming season.