Cody Martin has a chance to start heading into the 2024-25 season, competing with Josh Green and Tre Mann for the starting shooting guard position.
Despite his frequent injuries, Martin might still be the team’s best defender.
While his exact role is hard to predict, I’m optimistic that he will lead the Charlotte Hornets in minutes off the bench.
Martin finally appeared to overcome his long-term knee and hip injuries, looking fully healthy, though a bit rusty, in his 28 games last year.
He played a lot of point guard and had to be more aggressive offensively than usual.
This led to higher-than-usual scoring, assist, and turnover numbers, along with some inefficient shooting percentages.
Next season, Martin will focus more on being a cutter and spot-up shooter on offense, which should improve his offensive efficiency.
He will likely emphasize his defense, which was impressive at times even last year.
Charlotte receiving less-than-stellar grades from various pundits or outlets isn’t exactly surprising.
However, the team not seeking roster changes that would fast-track its improvement is probably by design.
For instance, the trade for a rising 3-and-D player in Josh Green and the acquisition of a veteran Taj Gibson, who can be a positive locker-room presence, deserve commendation.
Other underrated transactions they made include using their cap space to absorb salary dumps in exchange for a couple of second-round picks and creating a room exception that they can benefit from at any point this season.
