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After selecting Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets had back-to-back second-round selections, Nos. 33 and 34 overall. Charlotte used the first of those picks to select Knueppel's teammate at Duke, Sion James. Like Ryan Kalkbrenner, James played five collegiate seasons and entered the NBA as one of the older rookies in his class.
However, James didn't appear inexperienced, especially on the defensive end, as the rookie was one of 18 NBA players to appear in all 82 regular season contests. In those games, James averaged 5.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, two assists and 0.6 steals. While James' strength and perimeter defense were much needed, his field goal percentage (37.1%) was disappointing to say the least. Moving forward, it appears as though James will have a spot in Charlotte's rotation, but the guard could earn more minutes with increased shooting efficiency.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets 2025-26 player grades: Sion James
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However, James didn't appear inexperienced, especially on the defensive end, as the rookie was one of 18 NBA players to appear in all 82 regular season contests. In those games, James averaged 5.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, two assists and 0.6 steals. While James' strength and perimeter defense were much needed, his field goal percentage (37.1%) was disappointing to say the least. Moving forward, it appears as though James will have a spot in Charlotte's rotation, but the guard could earn more minutes with increased shooting efficiency.
Overall grade: B+
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets 2025-26 player grades: Sion James
Continue reading...
