Hornets Make Surprising Move by Waiving an 11-Year Veteran Guard
The Charlotte Hornets made an unexpected decision today, waiving veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie just days before their regular-season opener against the Brooklyn Nets next Wednesday. Dinwiddie, who signed a one-year deal with the Hornets in July, averaged 11 points, four assists, and nearly three rebounds, while shooting close to 42% from the field and over 33% from behind the arc last season for the Dallas Mavericks. Many Charlotte fans saw him as a reliable veteran presence who could stabilize the second unit and provide leadership for a young roster. His release, especially this late in the preseason, caught many off guard and has left some questioning the team’s direction heading into the 2025-2026 regular season.
All Charlotte fans knew a roster cut was coming as the Hornets needed to trim their roster down to the regular-season limit, but many expected veteran guard Pat Connaughton to be the odd man out. Connaughton’s versatility and shooting make him a solid role player, but Dinwiddie’s ability to run an offense and create his own shot seemed more valuable on paper. Choosing to waive Dinwiddie instead suggests that the Hornets’ front office is prioritizing long-term growth and player development over short-term veteran stability. It’s a decision that could pay off if the team’s younger guards continue to progress.
By moving on from Dinwiddie, Charlotte is giving its young backcourt more room to grow. Players like Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, and sophomore KJ Simpson are expected to see increased opportunities, while even rookie Sion James could also earn valuable minutes as a defensive-minded guard. The Hornets’ coaching staff seems confident in the ability of these players to handle larger roles, trusting their youth and energy to help push the pace and build chemistry with franchise cornerstone LaMelo Ball. Although rookie Kon Knueppel may not benefit directly from the move due to his role as more of a shooting guard or small forward, the ripple effect of Dinwiddie’s departure could still open up minutes for him, as well as Josh Green and even fellow rookie Liam McNeeley.
Dinwiddie will now enter free agency and look for a new home before the regular season begins. At 32, he still has plenty to offer as a secondary playmaker and scorer for a contending team in need of backcourt depth. For the Hornets, this move highlights a continued commitment to youth, development, and building around their young core. While some fans may question waiving a veteran so close to the start of the season, Charlotte’s decision signals confidence in its future and a belief that the next wave of talent is ready to step up.
