Not much has gone right for the Charlotte Hornets the last few seasons. After a 43-39 record in 2022, many people felt like the Hornets were a young team on the rise. Since then the Hornets have made 2 coaching hires, new ownership, and two injury riddled seasons. The 2023-2024 Hornets finished the regular season with a 21-61 record but there are some things that the Hornets can build on with some of the young players they have. With a new coach in place and the #6 pick in the draft. The Hornets are moving in a new direction
Charles Lee:
Steve Clifford has stepped down after two seasons in his return stint with the Hornets. Clifford will take on an advisory role in the front office. In comes Charles Lee. Lee was an assistant on the Bucks 2021 championship team and has a good chance to win a championship with the Boston Celtics this season. Charles Lee is known for his work with Kris Middleton, which could be a good sign for the Hornets young wing, Brandon Miller. Lee is known to have a good relationship with players, even running with them during practice, but also holding them accountable. Lee comes from winning cultures and will be tasked with establishing a winning culture in Charlotte.
Player Development:
The Charlotte Hornets made the right decision drafting Brandon Miller at #2 in the 2023 draft. Brandon Miller averaged 17 points, shooting 44% from the floor and 37% from 3. Miller looks like a Paul George clone and has the intangibles that you can build around. Miller will get stronger and if he can tighten his handle the sky is the limit as he has shown the ability to score at three levels. The Hornets have some other young players that are intriguing but will need to further develop. Tre Mann finally got an opportunity after being stuck in log jam at the guard position in Oklahoma City. Mann averaged 12 points and 5 assist as a combo guard and is still only 23 years old. It will be interesting to see if Mann can continue to improve with his opportunity. Nick Smith Jr is another young player to watch if the Hornets can develop him. Smith Jr is only 19 years old and didn't really play much in his one year at Arkansas due to injuries. This season for Nick Smith was somewhat a red shirt year seeing how little he played in college. Smith shot 43% from 3 this season and this will be an important summer in his development. Lee has hired Lamar Skeeter as an assistant who is known for player development. Skeeter has spent a decade in Utah under Will Hardy and Quinn Snyder.
Health:
LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams are also key pieces in the young core but both of them missed extended time this past season. LaMelo has had two tough seasons with injuries. LaMelo couldn't bounce back from an ankle injury and it was unfortunate because he showed signs of taking the next step in his game. In 22 games, Ball averaged 24 points, 8 assist, and 5 rebounds before his injury. His health should be this franchises top priority. Mark Williams only played in 19 games this season, being hampered with a back injury. Back injuries are concerning for a young big man. With new ownership expect Charlotte to make changes in their medical staff and strength and conditioning programs.
2024 Draft:
Charlotte will be picking at #6 in the draft this season. It may not be quite where many fans wanted them to be but they can still find a quality player. Several names that have been linked to Charlotte in the mock drafts are Stephon Castle, Donavan Clingan, and Matas Buzelis in most mocks. Scouting will be of utmost importance in this draft where there isn't much of a gap between the top prospects.
Charlotte has some pieces that the team can build around and if this team can stay healthy and put the right systems in place the future could be brighter for the franchise. What the team decides to do with Miles Bridges will be interesting as well. For Charlotte to get back to the postseason they have to nail the off season. North Carolina is a basketball crazy state and people are waiting for the Hornets to emerge.
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