The Charlotte Hornets finalized their training camp roster by signing four players: guards Marcus Garrett and Caleb McConnell, forward Keyontae Johnson, and center Joel Soriano. These players are all vying for a potential spot on the team, particularly with one open two-way contract available, making the competition fierce as camp begins.

Marcus Garrett, a familiar face within the organization, played for the Hornets’ G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, during the 2022-23 season. Known for his defensive prowess and versatility, Garrett averaged 10.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game for the Swarm. Prior to his stint with Charlotte’s G League team, Garrett was on a two-way contract with the Miami Heat, where he gained valuable NBA experience.

Caleb McConnell brings his defensive skills from the Oklahoma City Blue, the G League team of the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Last season, McConnell averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, making him a key perimeter defender with rebounding ability despite being a guard.

Keyontae Johnson offers the Hornets a scoring punch and athleticism. He spent the previous season on a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder but saw limited NBA action. However, Johnson’s G League performances were impressive. He averaged 19.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game over 38 games with the Oklahoma City Blue, showing his potential as a two-way threat capable of contributing on both ends of the court.

Joel Soriano, the only big man among the group, went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft but made waves during his senior year at St. John’s. Soriano averaged a double-double, with 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, establishing himself as a physical presence in the paint. His ability to protect the rim and control the boards could make him an intriguing option for Charlotte, who may look to bolster their frontcourt depth.

With one open two-way spot available, this group of players will likely battle it out in training camp, showcasing their skills and versatility as they aim to carve out a role with the Hornets for the upcoming NBA season.

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