SEPTEMBER 15TH, 10:35am: The signing is official, the Hornets announced via press release. Charlotte also sent along a copy of its training camp roster, a move teams usually make when they’re done with additions for the preseason. The Hornets are carrying 18 players, two shy of the preseason limit.
AUGUST 15TH, 5:04pm: The Hornets intend to sign undrafted free agent forward Sam Thompson, Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders reports (Twitter link). The terms of the deal are not yet known, but Kennedy refers to the pact as a training camp deal, which is almost assuredly a minimum salary arrangement, though that is merely my speculation.
The 22-year-old former Buckeye appeared in 35 games for Ohio State last season, notching averages of 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists to go along with a shooting line of .466/.262/.688. His career marks through four NCAA seasons are 6.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 1.1 APG.
The addition of Thompson would give Charlotte a roster count of 17 players, including 14 fully guaranteed contracts, making it a long shot for the forward to make the opening night roster.
I watched his highlights on youtube…he appears to be a dunk specialist without a jumper. Highly athletic…but you’ve got to be a reliable shooter in the NBA.