When you tune into a Charlotte Hornets game, you kind of understand what you’re getting yourself into. Ever since LaMelo Ball arrived in Charlotte in 2020, it’s been the same old story. The Hornets are a pretty fun team that has never been a real threat to beat anybody that’s serious about winning. Now that questions about Ball have started to swirl, it’s reasonable to wonder if that will change before it’s too late.
If you’re a believer in trends, it doesn’t look good on that front, as Ball hasn’t
played more than 50 games in a year since 2021-22, when he was an all-star. Ball’s shooting numbers have consistently slipped, as well. Last year was the worst shooting season of his career, as he short just 40.5% from the field and 34% from three. At this point in his career, the only generational thing about his game is his shot attempts.
Two things can be true at once, however, and it certainly is here too. The Hornets supporting cast around Ball has never been good, and last year they all got hurt. Charlotte has also invested in adding some adults to this room by bringing in our old friend, Spencer Dinwiddie, along with Pat Connaughton and Mason Plumlee. Will it work?
Charlotte Hornets: Over/Under 26.5 wins (-120/-102)
Last year: 19-63
Additions: Kon Kneuppel (4th pick), Liam McNeeley (29th pick), Ryan Kalkbrenner (34th pick), Collin Sexton, Spencer Dinwiddie, Mason Plumlee, Pat Connaugton
Losses: Seth Curry (Golden State), Jusuf Nurkic (Utah), Josh Okogie (Houston), Mark Williams (Phoenix)
I like a lot of the young pieces that Charlotte got in the draft. Both Knueppel and McNeely are quality shooters and Kalkbrenner can do some good things at the center spot. Adding them to a hopefully healthy Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball could be enough to instill some hope. I like Charles Lee as the coach as well, if given the chance I think he can win there. I just doubt that it will come this year.
