Our Take: Javin DeLaurier has a chance to make the Hornets final roster, here's how

Former Duke player Javin DeLaurier went undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, which was expected. But looking at his size an athletic ability, there's no doubt that given the right situation, he could be a potential rotational piece coming off the bench in the NBA. Emphasis on potential. He just needs a team to believe in him and he needs to do the work to earn a spot.

About two hours from where he played his college ball in Durham, he's getting that shot for the next couple of weeks. The Charlotte Hornets have signed DeLaurier to their training camp roster, along with three other undrafted players, all fighting for the last spot on the roster.

Looking at DeLaurier's stats from college, you won't be super impressed. He never averaged more than 3.8 points per game and in an NBA landscape that puts a high priority on perimeter shooting, he only shot 12.5% from three in four seasons at Duke. But in his defense, DeLaurier played along side Zion WIlliamson, Vernon Carey, Marvin Bagley III, RJ Barrett, Jayson Tatum, just to name a few, he wasn't needed to score - or shoot three's. He just needed to play good defense and protect the paint. At 6'10" and with his leaping ability, that's exactly what he can bring to the table in the NBA if he can keep himself out of foul trouble.

But with the Hornets he has an uphill battle to prove he can make that team. Hornets Head Coach James Borrego loves 'small ball' and wants multiple ball handlers and shooters on the court at the same time - a strike against DeLaurier.

Of the Hornets 14 players, 4 already fit the power forward/center role for the team - DeLaurier's position: Cody Zeller, Bismack Biyombo, Vernon Carey and Nick Richards.

Right now, there are only four guards guaranteed to make the roster: Devonte Graham, LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Malik Monk. The rest of the team is made up of wing/forwards: Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, Caleb & Cody Martin, PJ Washington and Jalen McDaniels - all of which are listed at 6'7", besides McDaniels who is listed at 6'10".

If the Hornets want to play small ball, it would seem like that 15th and final roster spot would belong to a guard. But, out of the three other players DeLaurier is competing against for that final roster spot, only one player is a guard - Missouri State alum Keandre Cook. Kahlil Whitney and Xavier Sneed are both listed as forwards. This could be an advantage for DeLaurier, especially if he's used his time since March to improve any parts of his game.

"I hope somebody puts that pressure on us. out of those four kids there's talent there, there's experience there," Hornets Head Coach James Borrego said. "If one of them fits into that 15th position for us, great, if not we have flexibility."

Hornets General Manager Mitch Kupchak previously stated that the team is not looking to immediately fill that 15th and final spot to keep their options flexible. That's another strike against DeLaurier; The Hornets aren't expecting to sign either of the four players after training camp has concluded. That doesn't mean all hope is lost for for former Blue Devil.

The Hornets are looking to push the pace in their games. Borrego has continuously said he wants the player that gets the defensive rebound to be able to take the ball and push it up the court. DeLaurier moves very well as a big man and can fit a system like that - if he's been working on his handling. If he were to make the roster, he'll need to come in and play maybe 10 minutes or less and simply rebound, set screens, protect the paint and handle the ball with care. We know he can run, jump out the building and block shots, but handling the ball will be key to his success if he's going to make the final 15-Man roster.

"The message is, there's an open spot," Borrego said. "Separate yourself from the group and go get it."

Even if making an NBA roster in the next couple of weeks isn't in the cards for DeLaurier, the experience of being on a training camp roster is something he can take with him if he chooses to expand his game in the G-League or overseas. His athleticism got him in the door. If he can improve on handling, finishing around the rim and develop a consistent jump shot (preferably a 3-point jump shot), there's no doubt that we will eventually see DeLaurier in an NBA uniform.