The Charlotte Hornets look to avenge their disappointing one-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets with a matchup against the Detroit Pistons. These two teams faced off on November 6th, when Brandon Miller’s tip-in secured a 108-107 victory for the Hornets. For the players, that win carried significance beyond just the final score.
During the offseason, Draymond Green criticized the Hornets on the Club520 Podcast, questioning their status as a respectable franchise. Reflecting on the Warriors’ future after Klay Thompson’s move to Dallas, Green discussed possibly leaving if they rebuild.
“I pray to God if [the Warriors] ever feel the need to get rid of me… If they [are] going to send me to any non-winning organization, then send me to Detroit… then Charlotte [Hornets],”
Draymond Green on the Club520 Podcast.
Miles Bridges quickly responded to Green’s comments on Twitter, showing loyalty to the team. Now, with a 5-9 record, the Hornets face a larger question: Have they proven enough to earn respect? Is Green’s criticism still justified?
Electrifying Playmaker Driving the Hornets Despite Flaws
The Hornets’ 5-9 record mirrors their start to the 2023-24 season, which might have some fans feeling uneasy. However, this year’s team has been significantly more entertaining, largely thanks to LaMelo Ball’s electrifying play. The star guard has been the catalyst for the Hornets’ offense, appearing in all 14 games so far and delivering career-best performances.
Ball’s 28.4 points per game rank 7th in the league, with 63 made three-pointers on 174 attempts, ranking 3rd and 1st. His shooting is key to the Hornets’ offense, but his 37.2% usage rate highlights the team’s reliance on him. However, this high usage comes with drawbacks—Ball leads the league with 57 personal fouls and 61 turnovers, ranking fourth.
Watching Ball can be a rollercoaster of emotions for fans. His style of play can dazzle with spectacular shot-making and playmaking or frustrate with erratic decisions. This duality may explain why head coach Charles Lee chose to sit Ball during the fourth quarter of their recent game against the Nets. Although the Hornets needed his shot creation and passing late, his earlier struggles made the decision understandable.
Key Contributors Stepping Up
Beyond Ball, the Hornets’ core players are beginning to make their presence felt. Bridges, who started the season slowly with averages of 12.9 points on 36/23/76% shooting, has found his rhythm. Over his last four games, Bridges has elevated his play, averaging 19.1 points on an efficient 51/51/100% shooting split, along with 6.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Despite dealing with a hyperextended knee, he has delivered consistent performances during this stretch.
Miller, meanwhile, has been impressive since returning from his oblique injury. Over the last nine games, the second-year forward has averaged 17.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. While his shooting remains a work in progress—38% from the field and 32% from three—Miller’s all-around game is starting to evolve, giving the Hornets another versatile weapon.
Role Players
The Hornets’ role players have also stepped up when needed. Tre Mann has become a key contributor off the bench, providing a spark with his scoring and energy. Mann is averaging 14.8 points in 24.8 minutes, frequently serving as the go-to scorer for momentum shifts.
Grant Williams has been thrust into the starting center role due to injuries to Mark Williams and Nick Richards. Despite being undersized at 6’6”, Williams has performed admirably, averaging 13.0 points and 6.8 rebounds on 50/46/84% shooting since joining the starting lineup. His shooting adds a unique offensive dimension, but his size leaves the team vulnerable on the boards.
Enter Moussa Diabaté, who has capitalized on his increased minutes amid the Hornets’ injury struggles. The young big man has been a force on the boards, averaging 7.3 rebounds (2.9 offensive) in just 16.1 minutes per game. His per-36 numbers are even more impressive, with 16.3 rebounds (6.6 offensive), showcasing his tenacity and value as a rebounder in a depleted frontcourt.
In Conclusion
Draymond Green’s offseason comments dismissed the Hornets, but their early performances suggest otherwise. Despite a 5-9 record, this team feels different. LaMelo Ball is playing at a superstar level, while Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, and Tre Mann have stepped up.
The Hornets’ resilience amid injuries, with contributors like Moussa Diabaté and Grant Williams, shows they’re not easily written off. While they’re not ready to silence critics entirely, the Hornets’ growth and competitiveness may soon change perceptions—perhaps even Draymond Green’s.
