Did the Hornets Find a Second-Round Draft Steal from This Year’s Draft?

When the Charlotte Hornets selected Sion James with the 33rd pick in the second round, not many people were paying attention. Most draft analysts didn’t expect him to go that high, and second-round picks often take time to find their footing in the NBA. Yet after just seven games, James is already turning heads. He has become a reliable contributor and a bright spot on a young Hornets roster, showing glimpses of what makes him so special.

James has been averaging over nine points per game while shooting an impressive 60 percent from the field and nearly 70 percent from three. For a rookie taken in the second round, those numbers are outstanding. He plays with a quiet confidence that makes him seem far more experienced than he actually is. His decision-making and efficiency have quickly earned the trust of his teammates. This is exactly the kind of production teams hope to get from a late pick.

His journey to the NBA was not typical. James spent four seasons at Tulane before transferring to Duke for his graduate year. That move gave him the chance to play on a bigger stage and helped Duke reach the Final Four alongside fellow Hornet Kon Knueppel. The experience of performing under pressure seems to have prepared him well for the NBA. Now he is translating that preparation into immediate results for Charlotte.

In college, James was known as a steady, reliable player who contributed on both ends of the floor. Over 153 career games, he averaged 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and three assists while shooting nearly 48 percent from the field and 36 percent from three. He wasn’t flashy, but his consistency and smart play made him a valuable teammate. That same reliability is now showing up in Charlotte, where he fits seamlessly alongside the team’s stars and strengthens the rotation.

The former Duke guard’s breakout moment came this past Sunday against the Utah Jazz when he scored a career-high 15 points. That was his third double-figure game in just seven appearances, something very few second-round rookies achieve. He did it efficiently, taking smart shots and making plays without forcing the action. His ability to contribute so effectively in limited minutes has already caught the attention of Hornets fans and analysts alike.

On a team led by LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller, James is quickly finding his niche. He defends, makes plays, and steps up to shoot and score when the team needs him. His calm presence allows Charlotte’s stars to shine while still making an impact himself. He is quietly becoming a key part of the rotation, and that balance is exactly what a young team needs to grow and succeed.

It is still early in the season, but James is showing that talent can be found outside the lottery. His production, efficiency, and poise indicate that the Hornets may have landed the best draft steal of 2025. Charlotte found a player who was overlooked but is already making a difference on the court. If he continues on this path, James could become a cornerstone of the team’s future and a player fans will remember for years to come.