Why Charlotte’s Frontcourt Call-Up Deserves a Longer Look
PJ Hall’s recent stretch with the Charlotte Hornets feels like the type of moment that can quietly reshape a player’s career. With Moussa Diabaté, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Mason Plumlee all sidelined by injuries, Charlotte needed immediate frontcourt help and turned to the Greensboro Swarm. Over the past five games, Hall has averaged 6.6 points and 5.4 rebounds, numbers that reflect steady and dependable production. His energy and effort have stood out on a roster searching for consistency. Charlotte has not asked him to be a focal point, but they have needed him to hold his own, and he has done just that.
This opportunity feels more meaningful when viewed through the lens of Hall’s professional journey. Before arriving in Charlotte, he spent time with the Denver Nuggets and their G League affiliate, followed by a stint with the Memphis Grizzlies and their G League team. Those stops came with limited minutes and constant uncertainty, forcing him to stay ready without guarantees. That experience has clearly shaped his approach, as he now plays with patience and purpose rather than pressing for stats. His return to Charlotte feels earned rather than accidental, shaped by lessons learned across multiple organizations.
There is also a sense of familiarity that makes this stint stand out. Charlotte is the closest NBA team to where Hall grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, adding a personal layer to his return. During the Hornets’ undefeated Summer League run this past summer, he was a big piece of that group, consistently impacting games with his athleticism and motor. That stretch helped build trust within the organization and showed what he can provide when given a real opportunity. Seeing him back with the team now feels like a continuation rather than a fresh audition, which matters for both confidence and comfort.
From a basketball standpoint, Hall makes sense as a backup center option for the Hornets. He is a very athletic big man who runs the floor well, allowing Charlotte to maintain pace even when the rotation is thin. His mobility helps him stay involved defensively and avoid becoming a liability in space. He competes on the glass, sets solid screens, and does the dirty work without needing touches. His ability to step out and knock down a three-ball from time to time adds spacing that fits the modern NBA. Whether or not a full contract comes in the near future, it is good to see Hall back with the team, contributing in meaningful minutes and proving he can be a dependable part of Charlotte’s frontcourt.
