What Are the Hornets Getting from a 2024 NBA G League Champion?

Yesterday, the Charlotte Hornets announced that they have waived shooting guard DaQuan Jeffries and, in a corresponding move, have signed small forward Keyontae Johnson to the roster with training camp only two weeks away. Jeffries' time with the Hornets was short, but expected due to being traded to the team as part of a three-team deal with the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves that included Karl-Anthony Towns. Jeffries averaged six points, two rebounds, and one assist in his lone season in the Queen City. By signing Johnson, the Hornets bring in another piece that adds depth and length to their small forward position. The six-foot-four forward is known for his versatile scoring and his physicality on defense, to a team that needs a player like him.

Johnson started his collegiate career at Florida, where he played for three seasons. He went on to average 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist in what could have been his breakout junior season. However, on December 12th, 2020, his junior year was cut short due to collapsing on the court in just the fourth game of the season. Johnson went into a medically induced coma for three days before waking up, and he was able to follow commands. This incident effectively ended the small forward’s season. For two years, Johnson could not play college basketball due to his condition as he worked his way back to full health. However, at the end of the 2022 season, after graduating from Florida, Johnson entered the transfer portal and transferred to Kansas State. At KSU, Johnson showcased the skills that made him a star player in the SEC. He went on to average 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists in his lone season with the Wildcats, leading them all the way to the Elite Eight of the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

The 2022-23 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder and signed a two-way contract with them in the summer. Johnson made nine regular-season appearances with the Thunder in the 2023-24 season. He was a part of the Oklahoma City Blue, the OKC Thunder’s G-League team, when they won the championship, Johnson scored 14 points in the championship game. The former All-Big 12 First-Team selection signed with the Charlotte Hornets in the fall of 2024 after being waived by the Thunder. The Hornets immediately placed the six-foot-four forward on their G League Team in Greensboro, NC, the Greensboro Swarm. Last season in Greensboro, Johnson played in 46 games and averaged 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists while shooting 49 percent from the field and 37 percent from the three-point line.

By signing Johnson, the Hornets are preparing to field their team for training camp and the preseason. He is most likely signed on an Exhibit 10 contract, which would make him eligible to receive a bonus of up to $85,300 if he is waived by the team and spends at least 60 days with the Greensboro Swarm. Johnson’s skill set on both the offensive and defensive ends could be a fascinating piece for Charles Lee to watch and see what type of player he has during training camp. If he impresses, Johnson could find himself fighting for a roster spot during the preseason. In the offseason, the Hornets made moves to acquire depth at key positions, such as the guard spot; however, keeping Johnson on the roster would provide another skilled forward if something were to happen to Brandon Miller or Miles Bridges. Keeping the former Florida Gator could be useful at any point in the regular season.