In a surprising move last Saturday, the Charlotte Hornets made a significant roster shakeup by releasing three players — Davis Bertans, Bryce McGowens, and Aleksej Pokusevski — after re-signing the controversial Miles Bridges, a key rotation player for the team. This decision has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the motives behind these moves.
One player affected by this decision is Davis Bertans, whose $16 million salary for the 2024-25 season was only partially guaranteed. At 31 years old, Bertans may not have fit into the team’s rebuilding plans, especially as a 3-point specialist whose playing time would be limited in the frontcourt. Despite his shooting prowess, his lack of defensive skills and leadership qualities may have contributed to him being deemed as an overpriced asset.
Both Bryce McGowens and Aleksej Pokusevski, although not household names in the NBA, showed promise with their length and guard skills. However, with the arrival of new head coach Charles Lee, it appears that they did not align with his vision for the team. McGowens and Pokusevski’s defensive weaknesses, coupled with their lack of strength and explosiveness, may have ultimately led to their release from the roster.
One interesting storyline that emerged from this roster decision is the fate of Aleksej Pokusevski, a Serbian forward who was once highly touted as a prospect. Selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Pokusevski demonstrated his versatility on the court by averaging nearly double-digit points, along with impressive rebounding and defensive stats. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc also caught the attention of scouts, making him a player to watch out for.
Overall, the Hornets’ recent roster moves have sparked a debate among fans and pundits about the direction of the team and the impact it will have on their performance in the upcoming season. With the emphasis on defensive play and a renewed focus on team chemistry, it remains to be seen whether these decisions will pay off in the long run. The NBA world will be watching closely as the Hornets navigate through this transition period and strive to make waves in the league once again.
