Liam McNeeley scores team-high 17 points vs. NOP

The Hornets have been without Kon Knueppel all preseason as he recovers from a hamstring injury, and he’s unlikely to be ready for the October 21 season opener. While Liam McNeeley (seven points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one three-pointer vs. Boston) was the replacement in the first three exhibitions, O’Neale did the honors on Wednesday. The veteran wing is most valuable to managers needing three-pointers and steals, and he provided the former in Beantown. O’Neale’s negative was his team-high five turnovers. Charlotte visits Memphis in its preseason finale on Friday; that game should answer who is best positioned to start for Knueppel when the regular season begins.

With Kon Knueppel (hamstring) ruled out for the entire preseason and likely unavailable at the start of the regular season, the Hornets have a hole in their starting lineup. Could McNeeley be in the conversation? After an underwhelming rookie season marked by an ankle injury and limited minutes, the former UConn wing has started both of Charlotte’s preseason games. McNeeley led the team with five assists and shot 3-of-8 from deep. He isn’t a must-draft player, but keep an eye on Charlotte’s rotation in their remaining preseason games.

McNeeley was a star in his two summer league performances last year, but he didn’t contribute much during his rookie season. However, he showcased that same shooting touch that he had in Las Vegas last summer once again. He was just 2-of-10 inside the three-point line, which is concerning, but his strength is his deep-range shot. If he’s going to crack the Hornets’ rotation this year, it’s going to be because of his shot.

Neither player’s status affects fantasy basketball, but Connaughton could slide into the back end of the Hornets’ rotation. That was unlikely to be the case for McNeeley.

McNeeley is a late addition to the Hornets’ injury report. His availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as the rookie has been out of the rotation for most of the season.

While McNeeley is available to appear in an NBA game for the first time since late January, the rookie has not been part of the Hornets’ rotation when healthy.

Salaün and McNeeley’s continued absences do not affect fantasy basketball, as neither has been a consistent member of the Hornets’ rotation when healthy. Both should only be rostered in dynasty leagues.

McNeeley has not appeared in a game since January 28. Fantasy managers, who should not have the rookie rostered, must operate under the assumption that McNeeley is out indefinitely.

McNeeley has not appeared in a game since January 28, and he isn’t in the Hornets’ rotation when healthy. The rookie’s absence does not affect fantasy basketball.

McNeeley continues to miss time with a sprained left ankle. His continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as he has not logged consistent rotation minutes when healthy.