Liam McNeeley registered a double-double on Friday to tip off the NBA Summer League, helping the Charlotte Hornets defeat the Utah Jazz in Las Vegas, Nevada.
McNeeley produced a team-high 22 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in the 111-105 victory at the Thomas & Mack Center. He went 7-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, in 28 minutes of work off the bench.
The 29th pick showcased each element of his game in the contest, from his floor spacing to his ability to make plays for others. He crashed the glass hard and immediately looked to push the pace off each missed shot by the Jazz throughout his time on the court.
“I know I can only control two things, and that is my attitude and my effort,” McNeeley told Dave McMenamin of ESPN after the game. “But if I have a great attitude and I give all my effort, that is all I can do.”
Liam McNeeley shined under the Las Vegas sun!
☀️ 22 PTS
☀️ 12 REB
☀️ 6 AST
☀️ 3 3PM pic.twitter.com/7xobN5E70c
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2025
McNeeley is part of a crowded draft class for the Hornets, joining Kon Knueppel (five points, four assists), Sion James (eight points, three rebounds) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (10 points, five rebounds). The group contributed well in its first action together in a competitive setting.
The Hornets will play at least four more games after beginning their stint on Friday. The exhibition serves as an excellent opportunity for their incoming rookies to begin building chemistry with current roster players like Tidjane Salaün, KJ Simpson and Damion Baugh.
The organization was impressed with each player during the predraft process and believes they can play pivotal roles for coach Charles Lee, beginning next season. McNeeley is aiming to help the group improve upon its 19-63 record from a season ago.
“Winning every game that I can, that’s the goal every game to get a win,” McNeeley said. “Play together with the guys and then hopefully make the playoffs, that’s my goal.”
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets news: Liam McNeeley posts double-double in summer league debut