The Charlotte Hornets have bolstered their roster for the 2025-26 season by signing Antonio Reeves to a two-way contract. This addition aligns with the Hornets’ clear offseason strategy to improve their three-point shooting, addressing a critical weakness identified during the 2024-25 season.
After finishing near the bottom of the league in three-point accuracy last year, the team under Charles Lee and Jeff Peterson aggressively pursued sharpshooters through the draft and free agency, culminating in the recent Reeves signing to strengthen their long-range scoring options.
Addressing Long-Range Shooting Deficiencies
During the 2024-25 campaign, the Hornets demonstrated the ability to attempt many three-pointers, ranking 11th most in the league and even reaching seventh in attempts between October and February when their roster was relatively healthy. However, their struggle was clear in converting those attempts, as they finished 28th in the league for three-point accuracy, a glaring weakness that needed urgent correction.
To remedy this, the Hornets made significant roster moves. They selected promising shooters Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley in the first round of the draft. Additionally, through free agency and trades, Charlotte added established shooters including Collin Sexton, Pat Connaughton, Liam McNeeley, and Spencer Dinwiddie. Reeves’ signing continues this targeted approach toward enhancing perimeter shooting.
Evaluating Antonio Reeves’ Skill Set
Antonio Reeves, a former University of Kentucky Wildcat, impressed with his three-point shooting in limited NBA action last season. While appearing in 44 games with New Orleans, Reeves shot 39.5% from beyond the arc. His G-League performance was even more notable, as he shot an impressive 48.5% on 7.3 attempts per game over nine contests.
Reeves is versatile in how he creates shots. Though not known for flashy ball-handling moves, he displays the ability to shoot off the dribble. His pull-up jumper, while stemming more from attacking mismatches than advanced handles, is an effective weapon when needed. Most dangerous, however, is Reeves when catching and shooting from a standstill, where his rapid release allows him to score quickly and consistently.
Reeves had a memorable moment late in the previous season, when he converted three consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter during a win against Charlotte, showcasing the kind of instant scoring burst a reserve guard can provide to shift game momentum.
“It would make sense for Charlotte to use their last two-way slot on a big, but Reeves is an interesting target. He finished the season on a heater that started with a nice game against the Hornets. https://t.co/wMRNJBOeAE pic.twitter.com/Ulu9PuN3Jb” — Matt Alquiza, NBA Analyst
Role and Playing Style with the Hornets
During his tenure with New Orleans, Reeves primarily operated in simple roles, such as spotting up in transition corners or creating space for early offense while serving as a link in half-court sets. He is a dependable decision-maker who rarely stalls possession. Coaches often emphasize that players should
“drive it, shoot it, or move it,”
and Reeves consistently moves the ball quickly and decisively.
While he lacks the flashy playmaking to dazzle crowds, he is a reliable passer who fits well within a team-oriented offense. Reeves does not possess dynamic driving skills and tends to score in paint mostly during transition or cutting plays rather than creating his own shot. This means he depends on teammates to generate scoring opportunities, especially beyond the arc.
Defensively, Reeves brings hustle and activity, particularly off the ball. His slight frame makes him rely on quick lateral movement rather than physicality, and while his aggressive hands generate some activity, he is not a primary defensive playmaker. His defense is solid but unspectacular, mirroring his fundamentally sound offensive game.
A Strategic Investment in Development
The two-way contract with Antonio Reeves is a thoughtful move by the Hornets’ front office, signaling their commitment to cultivating a shooter who has already demonstrated NBA-level talent. At 23 years old, Reeves has room to grow, particularly if he develops more all-around offensive skills and adds strength to better handle on-ball defense and driving opponents.
Given Charlotte’s deep guard rotation, Reeves is expected to spend substantial time with the Greensboro Swarm in the G-League during the 2025-26 season. This arrangement is designed to accelerate his development. Many Hornets players have benefited from time in Greensboro, returning with enhanced skills and contributing more significantly to the senior team.
Reeves’ late-season shooting surge made the Hornets confident enough to invest in his potential, and his addition fits into the broader strategy pursued by Lee and Peterson to make Charlotte a more dangerous threat from distance in the coming seasons.
Hornets’ Summer Strategy Reinforces Commitment to Sharpshooting
The Charlotte Hornets’ offseason efforts have been intensely focused on upgrading their perimeter shooting, a vital element for modern NBA success. Antonio Reeves joins a growing list of shooters, including the drafted rookies Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley, and veterans like Collin Sexton, Pat Connaughton, and Spencer Dinwiddie. These moves collectively aim to strengthen the team’s offensive efficiency and floor spacing.
This renewed emphasis on three-point accuracy reflects lessons learned from last season’s struggles and represents a hopeful shift in team identity. With Reeves added to their system, the Hornets expect to improve in clutch scoring moments, especially from the bench, where instant shooting bursts can change game outcomes.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Hornets are poised to benefit from a deeper, more developed guard corps and sharpshooting skill sets that could elevate their competitiveness in a tough Eastern Conference.