The Charlotte Hornets added 23-year-old forward Wyatt Fricks on an Exhibit 10 contract this summer, giving the former Marshall University product a chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp. Fricks spent all four years of his college career at Marshall, opting to stay despite modest early production, and his loyalty mirrors the work-ethic the Hornets value.
Fricks was not a high-volume scorer in his first two seasons, averaging five to six points per game and seeing limited minutes. In his senior year he logged career-highs in games played (32) and minutes (29.2 per contest) while leading the Thundering Herd in scoring. His analytical profile highlighted an efficient 62.7 effective field goal percentage, the ability to block shots, limit turnovers, and space the floor. Notably, he was the only player in the NCAA last season to record both 50 or more dunks and 50 or more made three-pointers.
That blend of skills fits head coach Charles Lee’s preferred “connector” archetype. Lee looks for players who can contribute without dominating the ball, protect the rim, move without the ball, and create scoring opportunities for teammates. Fricks’ versatility, able to guard multiple positions, finish at the rim, and stretch defenses with his three-point shooting, aligns with the Hornets’ emphasis on defensive discipline and fluid offense.
An Exhibit 10 contract is non-guaranteed but guarantees a training-camp invitation. Should the team waive Fricks before the regular season, he would be eligible for a bonus if he spends the required time with the Hornets’ G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. The arrangement provides the Hornets with a low-risk opportunity to evaluate his game at the professional level while offering Fricks a clear pathway to continue his development within the organization.
Fricks will finish out Summer League with the Hornets, including a consolation-bracket game against the Sacramento Kings. Afterward, he heads to training camp where he will compete for a roster spot or a role with the Swarm. His patience and belief in his own process were summed up in his own words: “There was going to be a time that eventually my opportunity would come... I wasn’t the most productive guy my first couple of years, I averaged five, six points a game... I felt like it was the right thing to do for myself.” That mindset, coupled with his unique statistical profile, makes his next steps worth watching.
