Thomas

Welsh

Welsh was added to the Hornets’ preseason roster in August, but he was never likely to earn a full-time spot. Maybe he’ll earn an NBA deal if he tears up the G League -- he averaged 10.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists there last year.

Welsh, who was selected with the 58th overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 2018 NBA Draft, appeared in 11 games as a rookie campaign. He averaged 10.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the G League last season. As a senior at UCLA, he averaged 12.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 2017-18.

Welsh’s deal wasn’t guaranteed and the Nuggets have plenty of depth in their frontcourt, so this was a fairly easy call for management.

This was all about garbage time for the rookie. He’s the third center on the roster, so he would need Nikola Jokic or Mason Plumlee to miss time before he sniffs the rotation.

Welsh was the 58th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He played four seasons at UCLA, and averaged 12.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 blocks and 1.4 treys as a senior. He is not on the fantasy radar, as he’s expected to spend most of next season in the G-League.

He did have to go to the locker room yesterday with an arm injury. The Nuggets were planning to give him the day off today or Monday, so it doesn’t sound like there is much concern.

Welsh played all four years at UCLA and finished No. 3 on the Bruins’ all-time career rebounds list. He added a 3-point shot to his arsenal during his senior season, finishing with averages of 12.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 blocks and 1.4 treys. He’ll likely spend a lot of time in the G-League because the Nuggets have plenty of depth up front with Nikola Jokic and Mason Plumlee at the five.