The Hornets are making a move to shore up their frontcourt depth, signing center PJ Hall to a two-way contract-a move that could prove timely given their current injury situation. Hall, a former All-ACC standout during his college days at Clemson, has spent the past two seasons bouncing around the NBA on two-way deals, first with the Nuggets and then with the Grizzlies.
While his NBA minutes have been limited-just 66 minutes in 19 games for Denver last season and 27 minutes over seven appearances for Memphis this fall-Hall has made a stronger impression in the G League. After being waived by the Grizzlies in November to make room for Jahmai Mashack, Hall joined the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s G League affiliate, and has quietly put together a productive stretch.
Across 14 combined games for the Swarm and the Memphis Hustle, Hall has averaged 14.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks in just under 28 minutes per game. At 6'8", he brings a physical presence and a high motor-two qualities that could earn him spot minutes in Charlotte’s rotation, especially with the Hornets battling injuries at the five.
Both Ryan Kalkbrenner (left elbow sprain) and Mason Plumlee (right groin strain) were sidelined during Charlotte’s recent win over Washington, leaving Moussa Diabate as the team’s only available center. Diabate stepped up in a big way, racking up 12 points, 18 rebounds, and posting a +38 in 36 minutes. But the drop-off was noticeable when he sat-the Hornets were outscored by 21 in the 12 minutes he was off the floor.
That’s where Hall could come in. He’s not being brought in to be a savior, but he offers a viable option off the bench to help stabilize those non-Diabate minutes. His G League production suggests he can rebound, protect the rim, and provide some scoring punch in short bursts-exactly what Charlotte needs right now.
To make room for Hall on the roster, the Hornets waived two-way forward Drew Peterson.