Charlotte Hornets Sign Top D-League Prospect in Ray McCallum
The Charlotte Hornets have decided to make good use of their open roster spots as they have signed a top D-League prospect to a 10-day contract.
Only a day after trading for Miles Plumlee, the Charlotte Hornets continue to make moves in rapid succession. Shams Charania of The Vertical is reporting that “Charlotte plans to sign guard Ray McCallum of Grand Rapids in the D-League to a 10-day contract, league sources tell The Vertical.” They also signed Mike Tobey out of the D-League to a 10-day contract recently.
McCallum is a 6’3 point guard with NBA experience as he previously played for the Sacramento Kings during his first two years in the league. He was also with the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzles last season. Ray also appeared with the Detroit Pistons this preseason. He is currently rated as the #2 overall prospect in the NBA Developmental League.
In 30 games with the Grand Rapids Drive of the D-League this season, Ray is averaging 18.2 points per game, 7.5 assists per game, and 6.0 rebounds per game. In 37.9 minutes, he is shooting 45% from the field, 32.1% from three, and 78.7% from the free throw line. He is also getting it done on the defensive end averaging 2.4 assists.
More from Swarm and Sting
McCallum ranks third in the D-League in assists per game, fourth in steals per game, and 12th among guards in rebounds per game. Despite recently making a trade and signing another D-Leaguer, the Hornets still had an empty roster spot from when they waived Aaron Harrison earlier this season. They needed to replace that emergency guard spot and they decided to give Ray a chance on a 10-day deal.
It isn’t quite clear what the intentions are of this move at the moment. Charlotte may just be adding point guard depth but with McCallum on the roster, it gives them four point guards in Kemba Walker, Ramon Sessions, and Brian Roberts. Steve Clifford usually only carries three so a possible trade could be in the works to move Sessions or Roberts.
It is a bit of a surprise that the team would give Ray a call-up when they have talented guards on their own D-League affiliate in the Greensboro Swarm. Xavier Munford and Archie Goodwin are both talented prospects that could have easily been called up but the Hornets decided to go in another direction. McCallum is more of a prototypical point guard that can not only score but mainly looks to create for his teammates.If you recall, the team did the same thing last season with Jorge Gutierrez when they needed point guard depth. He ended up receiving a contract for the remainder of the season after his two 10-day contracts expired.
If you recall, the team did the same thing last season with Jorge Gutierrez when they needed point guard depth. He ended up receiving a contract for the remainder of the season after his two 10-day contracts expired. We may see the same thing happen with Ray if he can impress the team enough during practice and in games.
One thing is clear, the Hornets are making moves and there will be new faces next time they take the court. Charlotte’s in need of a spark and McCallum could be a just what they need off the bench.
It will be interesting to see if any other moves are made in the coming days and if McCallum will see any playing time. After the 10-day contract is up, the Charlotte Hornets will have the chance to either give him another 10-day deal or try out another prospect.
