We’re a few weeks into the league suspension now. Some teams are growing restless, wondering if they’re going to get the chance for a playoff run, while other teams are probably using the extra time to examine the limited film they have on draft prospects.
Sitting at a record of 23-42 and seven games out of the playoffs, the Charlotte Hornets probably fall into the second category. Now, just because the Hornets aren’t in the playoffs does not mean that the season has been a failure; it’s been quite positive. So let’s take a look at some of those positives this season and how they can build upon them.
Exceeding Expectations
The Hornets came into the season regarded as the worst in the league by most people. You can go back and find all sorts of articles and rankings with them ending as last like this one by Sports Illustrated. Finding themselves at the 10th seed at this point in the year, then, has to be a positive.
The Hornets have had their bumps this season, but have shown competitiveness. We saw this in games like when they beat the Rockets.
If the Hornets can add players this offseason and hopefully earn luck during the draft lottery, they can easily make the playoffs as early as next year.
Electric Backcourt
The biggest surprise this season has to be the performance by their young backcourt of Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham.
Rozier: 18.0 PPG/ 4.4 RPG/ 4.1 APG/ 1.0 SPG
Graham: 18.2 PPG/ 3.4 RPG/ 7.5 APG/ 1.0 SPG
Both of the young guards had their best seasons of their career this year. Rozier lived up to the expectations that came with his new contract after the trade that sent their previous franchise guard to Boston. Graham, by contrast, absolutely came out of nowhere this season, considering he averaged just four points a game last season. However the NBA decides to handle season awards this year, Graham should be a favorite for the Most Improved Award. Both of the guards will definitely be in the team’s plans for the future.
Budding Wings
In addition to their pair of young guards, the Hornets’ duo of young forwards also had solid seasons. Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington showed that they are legit players in this league.
Bridges: 13.0 PPG/ 5.6 RPG/ 1.8 APG
Washington: 12.2 PPG/ 5.4 RPG/ 2.1 APG
Neither flashed star potential, but they both demonstrated they are well-rounded wings that can be starter level in the NBA for years. The Hornets have a solid foundation for the future to build around. And with a solid head coach in James Borrego, they already have the tools in house to become a playoff team.
Looking Forward
With internal growth and maybe a few pieces here and there, this team can become a playoff team as soon as next year. However, the goal of every club is to become a champion, and I don’t think this team has enough tools. They still need a legit star player, and with this upcoming draft, they might be able to accomplish that need while also patching up their biggest hole in their starting five at center. James Wiseman and Onyeka Okongwu are your best bets. This issue is why it’s super important for the lottery balls to be kind to the Hornets when the time comes.
However the draft ends, the Hornets have a solid core that could send them in many directions. At the very least, they have the potential to be a playoff team, but whether or not they can acquire a star player will remain to be seen. However, one certainty is the Hornets’ future is looking a bit brighter right now than people thought before the season.
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