Arnoldas

Kulboka

After Saturday morning’s devastating COVID news out of Charlotte that will impact LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Mason Plumlee, the Hornets are calling in reinforcements. Kulboka has a chance to make his NBA debut this week but that’s about it.

Kulboka was the 55th pick in the 2018 draft by the Hornets and was always expected to be stashed overseas initially. He was hopeful of joining the Hornets for the 2020-21 season, but the pandemic changed those plans. He’s coming off a shaky season in the Liga ACB, shooting just 38.5% from the field and averaging 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 1.9 triples.

He’s expected to remain in Europe for two more seasons and is somewhat limited, struggling with a handle and defense. He’s a draft and stash, meaning the Hornets won’t have to pay him. He may never play in the NBA.

The Hornets drafted Kulboka 55th overall pick in the 2018 draft. “We had earmarked him as the only player that we thought might be available to take at 55 ...” Kupchak said after the draft. “He’s 20 years old; he’s got one really, really good skill — he can really shoot the ball.” As long as Kulboka stays overseas, he won’t take up a roster spot.