Who is the most underrated player on the Charlotte’s roster?

For this week’s edition of Charlotte Hornets on SI During the roundtable, our team chooses who they consider to be the most underrated player on the Hornets roster.

Nick Richards is a prime candidate for the most underrated player on the Charlotte Hornets roster. His efficiency around the basket and rebounding presence (a career-high 8.0 rebounds per game in 2023-24) often deserve more credit. Richards has the physical tools and athleticism to be a disruptive force on defense, especially with his blocking abilities. While he is still developing some aspects of his game, he has shown improvement on offense, particularly in his aggressiveness when attacking the basket. He is averaging a career-high 9.7 points per game while shooting a career-high 69.1 percent from the field. Richards’ contributions may be overshadowed by the Hornets’ more prominent players, but his efficiency, energy, and defensive abilities make him an invaluable piece of the puzzle. His true impact on the team could come as he continues to evolve and mature.

He’s played so little in recent years due to injuries, I think people have forgotten his impact on the game. Hornets on SI’s own X pollMartin received the fewest votes behind Mann, Richards, and Grant Williams for most important bench player, which shows how low his standing is among fans. Martin is still the best perimeter defender on this team and brings an infectious energy to the court, he can play PG, SG, or SF, showing his versatility. I still wouldn’t rule out Martin being a part of the Hornets starting five before Josh Green arrives in the offseason.

Is it crazy to think Williams could take a leap forward in the LaMelo Ball/Brandon Miller “face of the franchise” conversation this season? Probably. But as the NBA shifts toward versatile big men, Williams has the opportunity to solidify his place in the upper echelon of the NBA hierarchy with an impressive (and healthy) third season. His rim-protecting and play-finishing abilities will be invaluable to a Hornets team that wants to play tough defensively and offensively from the outside in. I expect Williams to take a big leap forward in the Charles Lee era, and if that comes to fruition, he won’t be underrated for long.

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