The Charlotte Hornets waived Drew Peterson on December 23 after he appeared in just six games on the two-way contract he signed in July. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 0.8 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 10.7 minutes per game while shooting 12.5 percent from the field and 0 percent from three. He spent most of the season with the Greensboro Swarm, posting 14.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.9 steals in 32.1 minutes.

Peterson never carved out a role on a Hornets roster built around athletic wings who can switch and attack in space. His 12.5 field-goal percentage in limited NBA action highlighted the gap between G League creation and NBA physicality, especially when asked to operate off the ball alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Two-way deals carry almost no cap weight, yet Peterson delivered negative value when he could not punish defenses for loading up on Charlotte's stars.

Charlotte will use the open two-way slot on a more explosive athlete or a specialist shooter who can contribute immediately in spot minutes. Peterson heads to the waiver wire with a chance to join a G League contender or a team with greater developmental patience. His brief Hornets chapter ends with a reminder that translating from the minors remains the hardest step.