P.J. Hairston was benched Sunday for another unexcused absence
P.J. Hairston can't seem to get out of his own way.
The Charlotte Hornets rookie shooting guard was benched Sunday for skipping a weight-training session, the second time this season he's been benched for an unexcused absence.
Can't be out here skipping legs day, man.
It's a disappointing albeit minor setback for Hairston, who has struggled to get playing time in head coach Steve Clifford's rotation after flashing some potential earlier in the year. He made just a single appearance in February, scoring 16 points in 27 minutes on Feb. 10. On the season, he's averaged 5.6 points in 15 minutes in the 35 games he's played.
While the Hornets are deep on the wings, Hairston's lack of playing time could be due to issues like the missed weight-training session. Along with a $5,000 fine for flopping and the two benchings, Hairston has struggled to rehabilitate his reputation after being suspended from UNC last season.
The Hornets used the No. 26 pick on him in hopes some time in the D-League had straightened him out some, but he was connected to some trouble with Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon in the summer and hired an uncertified agent.
None of these issues on their own represent a major red flag, but the consistent pattern of minor issues is somewhat concerning.