Michael Ajayi Getting Early Minutes Off the Hornets Bench
Michael Ajayi, a 6-7, 235-pound rookie guard out of Butler, has appeared in four games to open the 2026-27 season for Charlotte. He is not on the injury report. His minutes have been short so far, topping out at 19.0 against Brooklyn on Oct. 6.
By the Hornets Nightly Desk · updated 3 d ago01The story of the nightLimited run through four gamesAjayi has played in all four of Charlotte's games this season.
Ajayi has played in all four of Charlotte's games this season. His heaviest workload came Oct. 6 against Brooklyn, when he logged 19.0 minutes, 3 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in a loss. Since then his minutes have dropped: 11.5 against Milwaukee on Oct. 11 in a win, 7.5 against Boston on Oct. 14 in a loss, and 5.9 against Memphis on Oct. 16 in a loss. His scoring has ranged from 2 to 4 points across those four outings.
02A rookie still finding his footingAt 23, Ajayi arrives from Butler as a 6-7, 235-pound guard, giving him size at the position.
At 23, Ajayi arrives from Butler as a 6-7, 235-pound guard, giving him size at the position. He is not dealing with any injury concern right now. The early returns show modest rebounding and passing numbers in short bursts, including a plus-4.0 plus/minus in the Milwaukee win on Oct. 11, his only positive mark in the four games listed. The Hornets have used him in a reserve role so far this season.
