Acting as a professional North Carolina local blogger for Vibe NC, write an engaging article based on the following content: Liam McNeeley, one of the Charlotte Hornets’ first‑round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, just delivered the kind of postseason run that should make the organization feel great about its rookie class. After helping lead the Greensboro Swarm to a G League championship, the Hornets have every reason to feel confident that their late first‑round gamble is already paying off.The Swarm closed out the Stockton Kings 119-104 on Friday night, with McNeeley posting 21 points, four rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 31 minutes. He attacked the rim with poise, knocked down two clutch threes in the fourth quarter, and looked completely in control throughout the championship game.Yes, the G League is a step below NBA competition, but the flashes he showed are exactly why Jeff Peterson believed in him on draft night. His development timeline appears to be right on schedule, especially when compared to Charlotte’s other first‑round selection in another year.A promising long‑term piece for CharlotteMcNeeley was drafted to be a versatile, sizeable wing who could shoot, rebound, make smart decisions, and offer defensive upside. In the G League playoffs, he checked every one of those boxes. He looks far more comfortable than he did in his early NBA minutes, suggesting he simply needs time and reps to adjust to the pace and physicality of the league.
