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Dwayne Bacon looking to become complete player in Charlotte

By Kelvin Hunt

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Dwayne Bacon #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots in front of Mike Scott #30 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Dwayne Bacon #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots in front of Mike Scott #30 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Dwayne Bacon could be one of the biggest steals of the 2017 NBA Draft. He’s looking to make sure that’s the case going into his second season.

The Charlotte Hornets selected(traded from NO) former FSU standout Dwayne Bacon with the 40th overall pick of the second round last year and it looks like it was a great selection after one year.

Bacon played in 53 games (six starts) and averaged 3.3 ppg, 2.3 rebounds and shot 80 percent from the free throw line.

He struggled from three-point land (25 percent), but that was never his strong suit while at FSU either where he shot 31 percent from long-range.

It looks like his biggest contributions came on the defensive side of the ball where the 6’7″ 220 pound athlete with the length to affect offensive players.

Now, Bacon wants to get back to getting buckets the way he did at FSU where he led the team in scoring his sophomore season at 17.2 ppg. Here’s what he said after finishing his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets:

"“I feel like coming into this season, I have a lot that I didn’t show… that I can do. I got tremendously better on the defensive end, but I have a lot I didn’t show on the offensive end. This summer, that’s what it’s all going to be about. I’m just going to come back a different type of player. A dog mentality like I’ve had in college and high school and just bring it back. This time it’s going to be on both ends, locked in and ready because I want to get better and that’s my goal this summer.”"

Thoughts

One of the biggest things for Bacon at FSU was shot selection. His strength is getting to the basket, yet he would settle for long jump shots or three-pointers that we’ve discussed he isn’t efficient at making.

In fact, 22 percent of his total shots this past year were from beyond the arc. He’s always been a decent to good free throw shooter so it would be in his best interest to use his size and athleticism to get to the rack or force opposing defenders to foul and make a living at the free throw line.

Bacon is the type of player that can play in the league a long time if he plays to his strengths offensively. He’s already willing and good at defense which is a plus.

Next: Should FSU Be Worried About Early Hype In 2019?

Bacon will play in the NBA summer league with games beginning in July.

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