Johnny O'Bryant waited as the potential last seconds of his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets ticked away. Then, the deadline passed - nothing. No news was the best news possible for the veteran big man, whose contract became guaranteed when the August 1st deadline came and went without any transaction. He can switch from focusing on his basketball future to focusing on defensive switches and offensive development for a team that could use him.
Hornets guarantee O'Bryant's contract
Tuesday marked the deadline for O'Bryant's contract, with the Hornets fully guaranteeing it by letting it pass.
He was originally signed to a 10-day contract last season. That led to a second 10-day contract, and eventually, a partially guaranteed two-year deal. The contract was structured to backload almost the entire salary on the second year. He should now cash in on a deal that will be worth around $1.5 million this season.
He'll join a cast of big men who will be competing for playing time in Charlotte this season. Dwight Howard likely has a starting role wrapped up after his acquisition, while Marvin Williams, Frank Kaminsky, and Cody Zeller will compete for minutes. O'Bryant doesn't have a great shot at cracking that group of players for more than a couple of minutes every so often, but could play if an injury occurs.
But he should now have a spot on the 15-man roster, safe and secure.
O'Bryant's career journey
Johnny O'Bryant has taken the road less traveled to Charlotte. He was a star in high school, becoming a four-star prospect and one of the best power forwards in the nation. He went to LSU, where he spent three years living up to the hype, receiving All-SEC recognition twice before leaving for the NBA.
Since then, however, it has been tough sledding for the 24-year old.
He was drafted in the second round by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014. An MCL injury during the preseason caused him to miss the first third of his rookie season with the team. He received more playing time during his second year, but was waived, picked up for a second with the Washington Wizards, then jettisoned to the D-League before getting a couple of 10-day contracts with the Denver Nuggets.
He was a D-League All-Star last season, which helped him get back into the league with the Hornets - he averaged 4.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in four games with the team. O'Bryant will hope to see a little more action now that he has a guaranteed contract with the team.
