The return of Miles Bridges and a healthy LaMelo Ball could result in Charlotte returning to the playoffs in 2023-24.
The evolution must always precede any revolution. In that sense, the Hornets are still in the formative stages of a process they hope will pay off big in the near future. Their young players get another chance to take a generous step.
But this team needs more than just LaMelo Ball as a keeper, and they hope to create a solid nucleus by season’s end.
What’s new?
- Charlotte used the No. 2 overall draft pick on Brandon Miller instead of Scoot Henderson, a decision that raised eyebrows and questions.
- Miles Bridges is back after a one-season absence due to legal issues involving a domestic disturbance; two seasons ago, he was a 20-point scorer and top option.
- The Hornets ownership changed hands, from Michael Jordan to a group led by Gabe Plotkin, but the front office and coaching staff remains the same, for now.
How far can the Hornets go?
Conventional basketball belief says the Hornets are better now than last season, if only because they added the best player in college basketball, welcomed back Bridges and should have LaMelo for more than the 36 games he played in 2022-23. This remains a developing team, however. Therefore, the AT&T Play-In Tournament is the roof.
1 player who must take a leap
P.J. Washington. Freshly signed to a 3-year, $48 million extension, he needs to shed inconsistency to justify the financial commitment. The 25-year-old power forward dropped hints of being a reliable player at times last season. Charlotte doesn’t anticipate anything along the lines of the 43-pointer he had last March against OKC, but better rebounding (4.9 last year) isn’t asking too much.
In-Season Tournament
The Hornets are in East Group B. Here’s a refresher on how the In-Season Tournament works.
Upcoming free agents
The Hornets have eight players who will be free agents in 2024:
- Gordon Hayward
- Miles Bridges
- Frank Ntilikina
- Amari Bailey (two-way player)
- Nathan Mensah (restricted)
- Theo Maledon (restricted)
- R.J. Hunter
- Edmond Sumner
Hayward signed a rich extension three years ago but, largely because of injuries, never panned out. The Hornets will likely weigh options before the February trade deadline.
Charlotte’s full roster can be found here.
New uniforms
FLY THEN. FLY NOW. 🐝 For our 35th anniversary, two All-Star point guards introduce our Classic Edition Uniforms. The double pinstripes from 1997-2002 are making a comeback!
Available at the @hornetsfanshop this fall.@MELOD1P x @BaronDavis | #LetsFly35
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) August 23, 2023
* * *
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery.
