Hornets Notes: McNeeley, James, Kalkbrenner, Steinbach, Salaun, Ajayi

While teams typically focus on their incoming rookies at Summer League, the Hornets were equally interested in the progress of last year’s draft class, writes Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer (subscription required). The coaching staff had specific areas of improvement for Liam McNeeley, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner during their five games in Las Vegas.

McNeeley was given control of the offense and was asked to show that he can handle being the main facilitator. James also saw time in that role as the Hornets search for a reliable backup to Coby White.

“Obviously (McNeeley’s) been our primary creator and his ability to score the ball at all three levels has done a great job on that end of the floor,” Summer League coach Blaine Mueller said. “But I’d highlight, too, his defensive effort, particularly against New Orleans. He had some incredible one-on-one possessions in terms of understanding guys’ driving tendencies and what he needs to do from a technique standpoint.”

Kalkbrenner was also used as a play-maker at times out of the post and proved to be a vocal presence on defense, frequently shouting out coverages on pick-and-rolls.

“Another guy who’s protecting the rim, adjusting between coverages pretty, pretty frequently,” Mueller said. “Obviously, want to see him around the rim with more force. I think we’ve seen that, too. Had a couple finishes in traffic and-ones. Stuff where he’s a little bit more physical, a little bit more on balance, understanding what he needs to do around the rim when he’s in traffic.”

There’s more on the Hornets, all from Boone:

• First-round pick Hannes Steinbach capped off a successful week in Las Vegas by posting 22 points and 11 rebounds on Friday. Charlotte opted to remake its roster this summer, placing more of an emphasis on size and physicality, which the 6’11”, 248-pound center is happy to provide. “Yeah, I just love playing physical, love to make contact,” he said. “So, I think it’s just bringing that to every game, every time I play.” Boone notes that Charlotte used some twin tower lineups with Steinbach and Kalkbrenner on the court together.
• Tidjane Salaun was back for another year at Summer League, as the sixth pick in the 2024 draft tries to earn a spot in the Hornets’ new-look rotation. Boone states that Salaun’s playing time will ultimately depend on his ability to improve in the areas that Charlotte’s coaches have outlined. “Executing his role defensively,” Mueller said. “I think he’s made great strides with his one-on-one defense. Continuing to look for him to improve in terms of his coverage execution and understanding what we’re in and whether he’s on the ball or on the screener. And then offensively, keep it simple. Closeout reads, after actions, being quicker into those when he doesn’t have shot, drive, or pass against closeouts.”
• Michael Ajayi, who signed a two-way contract after going undrafted out of Butler, might be an under-the-radar player to watch coming out of Summer League, according to Boone. The 6’7″ forward impressed coaches with his ability to guard multiple positions. “I think Mike has done a great job in terms of accepting his role offensively,” Mueller said, “and then really mastering his role defensively in terms of being so versatile.”