Bryce McGowens: Finding His Role
Little things will keep this second-year player on the court
Sophomore Jumps
Coming off a consistent run of games, the second-year pro is trying to carve out a role with the Charlotte Hornets. Bryce McGowens may not jump off your television screen with highlight plays, but he’s doing some of the little things that keep him in consideration for Steve Clifford’s rotation. Last season, McGowens appeared in just 46 games in Charlotte after entering his rookie season on a two-way contract.1
When McGowens was on the court last season, the biggest thing that stood out in his limited play was his aggression in getting to the rim. Of his field goal attempts, 37.1% of his shots came within the restricted area and he averaged 3.1 drives in his 17 minutes of play. One of his better skills last season was the ability to get to the free throw line, drawing 1.5 fouls per game.
As with any player, making the necessary jumps and filling in the gaps is crucial. Over the summer, McGowens took it upon himself to work out with Gordon Hayward, the oldest player on the roster who’s got plenty of knowledge to share. Following a practice, McGowens noted, “We really got into competing, half-court, some full-court things, and just being able to pick up things off Gordon. And it was huge for me.” While McGowens projects to be more of a low-usage slasher, picking the brain of a former All-Star goes a long way.
In terms of his shot distribution, Bryce’s game has looked different this season. There’s been a noticeable difference in his volume behind the arc — attempting close to 75% from three-point range, compared to 40% in his rookie season. He revealed that he and coach Bruce Kreutzer worked on his jump shot over the summer to build his confidence. If he could develop a long-range shot, it would go a long way in adding variety to his aggressive, rim-first nature. He would ultimately give defenses something to think about on a closeout. As of now, he’s a low-mid 30s shooter from three that still needs more sharpening.
One thing that’s been evident with his overall demeanor is pride in effort plays. At 6’6” and 190 pounds, he won’t consistently be out-muscling his opponents so he must rely on positioning and anticipation. He’s been around the ball, contesting shots, and rotating well as a defensive player. Knowing that Steve Clifford is a defensive-minded coach, McGowens is fully aware that he must do the little things on that end to contribute to winning basketball. In regards to defensive impact, he revealed that he needs to “try to make the team better defensively in any way I can.”
Exclusive Interview: Bryce McGowens
This past Saturday, I was able to get a 1-on-1 interview with McGowens following practice. Among other things, I asked him about his offseason workouts with Gordon Hayward, his increased three-point volume, and what he needs to do on the defensive side of the court. For our Buzz Beat Plus subscribers, I have included the full transcript of our conversation below.
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On what his offseasons workouts consisted of with Gordon Hayward:
Bryce McGowens: You know, they're very intense, very detailed. You know, we got after it. Started off with some shots, and some quick twitch ball handling. We really got into competing, half-court, some full-court things, and just being able to pick up things off Gordon. And it was huge for me. Heading into this season, and he's just great.
On any advice, Hayward gave to him over the summer:
BM: Really just his IQ. Just being around him all the time, playing against him, playing alongside him, his IQ is through the roof. He knows where to get his shots, knows how to get to the free-throw line, and knows how to use his body. So, a big thing for me was just how to use my hands offensively and defensively. Offensively just to get shots, get open, movement patterns. And defensively, just being able to try to knock a couple of guys off their spots defensively.
On adding more three-point shots to his profile:
BM: I would kind of say, it just happens. Me and Coach Bruce [Kreutzer], we put a lot of work in over the summer, working on my jump shot. So just that work over the summer, just building confidence in my jump shot and knowing when I'm going to get my touches. Really just running the floor, being ready in the corner, and just moving without the ball.
On what he needs to do to make a consistent impact on defense:
BM: Yeah, really just make those effort plays. Try to get 50/50 balls, crashing the glass, and keeping your man in front of you. And not just one-on-one defense. Also team defense. Try to make the team better defensively in any way I can. So Clifford just being a defensive coach he is, you know just him stressing that and me listening and trying to learn from him.
On what is being stressed from the coaching staff:
BM: Playing the right way, playing hard, playing smart, and limiting transition buckets and limiting the easy, little buckets around the rim, second-chance points, and stuff like that.
McGowens eventually signed a standard NBA contract in February 2023 to fulfill the league-mandated 14-player minimum.