By Chalien Dantes 

Spencer Dinwiddie’s time with the Charlotte Hornets is over before it ever really got going. 

The team waived the veteran guard on Thursday, less than three months after signing him in free agency, trimming the roster ahead of next week’s season opener. Dinwiddie had joined Charlotte on a one-year deal back in July, bringing over 11 seasons of NBA experience and a reputation as a steady floor general. But with the regular season just around the corner, the Hornets decided to move on, clearing his salary and making room to finalise their lineup.

The 32-year-old saw limited action in preseason, suiting up for two games. In last Saturday’s win over Dallas, he logged 19 minutes, posting six points, four assists, and three rebounds on an efficient 2-for-3 shooting. Even with that solid showing, the Hornets opted to reshuffle their backcourt plans. Dinwiddie came to Charlotte after a full season with the Mavericks, where he put up averages of 11 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds across 79 games. He shot just over 41% from the floor and played around 27 minutes per night. While not flashy, his experience and control were expected to add depth behind the team’s younger guards.

Now, Charlotte turns the page once again, leaning into its youth movement while still figuring out the balance with returning vets. Head coach Charles Lee and his staff are clearly looking for the right mix, and Dinwiddie no longer fits into that puzzle.

The Hornets are riding high after a 145–116 preseason win over Memphis and will wrap up their exhibition schedule Friday night at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks. The regular season tips off Wednesday at home against the Brooklyn Nets.

As for Dinwiddie, he heads back into the free agent pool just days before the season begins. Whether another team picks him up remains to be seen but for now, he’s looking for his next landing spot in an already busy basketball landscape.