The Charlotte Hornets made a roster move on Wednesday, waiving forward Drew Peterson. It’s a tough break for the 26-year-old, who’s had a winding journey through the NBA ranks since going undrafted in 2023.
Peterson, a product of USC, carved out a reputation in college as a skilled wing with a smooth shooting stroke and a feel for the game that translated well in spurts at the pro level. After going undrafted, he got his first taste of NBA action with the Miami Heat in the Summer League and eventually landed with their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. His path then took him to Charlotte, where he signed a Two-Way contract in July.
While his time with the Hornets' main roster was limited - just six games this season, averaging under a point in 10.7 minutes per night - Peterson did show flashes of his skill set in the G League. With the Greensboro Swarm, he averaged 14.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over nine games.
Those are numbers that speak to his versatility - a wing who can score, rebound, and facilitate. He may not have had the opportunity to showcase that in Charlotte’s rotation, but the production was there when he got consistent minutes.
Peterson also carries the experience of being part of a championship-winning roster with the Boston Celtics in 2024. While he wasn’t a major contributor, appearing in a career-high 25 games that season, being in that kind of environment - around elite talent and high-stakes basketball - is valuable experience for any young player trying to stick in the league.
Ultimately, this move clears a spot on the Hornets’ roster, but it doesn’t necessarily close the book on Peterson’s NBA hopes. He’s shown he can produce in the G League, and in a league always on the lookout for wings with size, feel, and shooting touch, he’ll likely get another look - whether that’s another Two-Way opportunity or a return to the G League with an eye on a call-up.
For now, Peterson will look to build on what he’s shown in Greensboro and continue grinding for his next shot.