Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Charlotte Hornets’ shooting guard rotation looked like one of the team’s most balanced units. The front office splashed by acquiring Josh Green in the blockbuster deal that sent Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks. Pair that with the expected development of young guards Nick Smith Jr. and Isaiah Wong, plus the elite shooting touch of veteran Seth Curry, and the Hornets had a mix of youth, upside, and steady veteran presence.
But as the season unfolded, the team had to lean on that depth more than expected. Injuries to key players forced others to take on larger or unfamiliar roles — and to their credit, the group responded. Despite the added pressure and shifting expectations, the Hornets’ shooting guards delivered a strong campaign.
So, how does this position group grade out for the season? And what role will they play as the Hornets continue shaping their roster and building toward the future?
Incomplete Grades
This group is led by Josh Okogie, acquired in the Nick Richards trade. In 15 games, he averaged 8.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, bringing his trademark energy and taking on challenging defensive assignments.
Wendell Moore Jr. joined after Detroit waived him and contributed solidly in 16 games, averaging 5.4 points on 47% shooting, including 37% from three. His floor spacing and consistency made him a dependable role player.
Damion Baugh played 15 games, averaging 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. While he showed versatility as a playmaker, his shooting (32% FG, 21% 3PT) held him back.
Marcus Garrett, Jaylen Sims, and Jared Rhoden combined for 14 appearances, offering emergency depth during a season filled with roster shuffling.
Seth Curry
In his first full season with the Hornets, Seth Curry proved why he’s a trusted veteran. He played 68 games (14 starts), averaging 6.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game. While the numbers were modest, his efficiency stood out.
After a down year split between Dallas and Charlotte, Curry bounced back by shooting a league-leading 45% from three. His floor spacing and steady presence were key assets in second-unit lineups.
Beyond shooting, Curry brought leadership and professionalism to a young team. He embraced his role and delivered when needed, a valuable asset for Charlotte in the future.
Grade: B-
Josh Green
Josh Green was viewed as a strong fit next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, thanks to his 3-and-D skill set. He played in 68 games (67 starts), averaging 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 27.8 minutes.
His field goal percentage dropped from 47.9% to 42.8%, but he slightly improved from three (38.5% to 39.1%). While his impact varied, Green’s defense and floor spacing made him a steady presence. He’ll be a key part of the Hornets’ offseason plans as a trade piece or a long-term starter.
Grade: C
Nick Smith Jr.
A 2023 first-round pick, Nick Smith Jr. saw increased opportunity in his second season after splitting time with the G League as a rookie. In 60 games (27 starts), he averaged 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. While his field goal percentage was 39.1%, his three-point shooting dipped from 43.2% to 34.0%.
Smith Jr. showed flashes but struggled with efficiency and lacked aggression getting to the rim, attempting just 45 free throws all season. For a guard with scoring instincts, becoming more assertive will be key to his development. His role remains uncertain as the Hornets assess their guard depth moving forward.
Grade: C-
Daquan Jeffries
DaQuan Jeffries made the most of his opportunity in Charlotte, appearing in 46 games and averaging 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 22.7 minutes. He shot 40% from the field and 33% from the three, showing his value as a 3-and-D wing.
Jeffries had ten double-digit scoring games, hitting three or more threes in eight. His defensive versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions — even logging minutes at center during injury-heavy stretches. A midseason pickup from New York, Jeffries proved to be a solid rotational piece with two-way impact.
Grade: C
Isaiah Wong
Isaiah Wong played 20 games for the Hornets, averaging 6.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 13.3 minutes per game. He had a standout 17-point game against the Pistons, hitting three threes.
Wong’s scoring flashes showed potential, but consistency was an issue. After his stint in Charlotte, he signed with Žalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania, continuing his career internationally.
Grade: D-
In Conclusion
The Hornets’ shooting guard rotation was tested throughout the 2024–25 season, and while it wasn’t always smooth, the group held its own. What began as a promising mix of youth and experience evolved into a deeper-than-expected unit that weathered injuries and shifting roles.
Veterans like Seth Curry brought shooting and leadership, while Josh Green and DaQuan Jeffries offered defensive versatility and starting-caliber minutes. Nick Smith Jr. showed glimpses of potential, though inconsistency and inefficiency limited his impact. Depth pieces like Josh Okogie and Wendell Moore Jr. stepped up when called upon, reinforcing the position’s reliability.
As the Hornets look ahead, this group’s performance gives the front office flexibility — maintaining continuity, reshuffling the depth chart, or using pieces as trade assets. The shooting guard position wasn’t the flashiest, but it quietly became one of Charlotte’s most dependable units in a turbulent season.
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