Three games into the 2024-25 NBA season, the Charlotte Hornets’ identity is beginning to take shape. Last season, Steve Clifford’s conservative approach limited the team’s potential, clashing with a roster built for a more dynamic style of play. Starting fresh was the best move the Hornets could have made, reviving the exciting brand of basketball that has defined them in recent years.
New head coach Charles Lee, who spent last season with the defending champion Boston Celtics, has brought a winning mentality to a franchise hungry for success. Under Lee, the Hornets are playing with more pace and freedom—a style that’s been thrilling but challenging to manage.
As they prepare to take on the Toronto Raptors tonight, let’s dive into what’s working for the Hornets—and what still needs improvement.
Why Not Let It Fly?
Offensively, the Hornets are mirroring last season’s Boston Celtics, relying heavily on three-pointers. Through three games, they rank sixth in both makes (16.3) and attempts (43.7) per game. Their 37% accuracy places them 11th in the league, reflecting early success from deep.
However, their focus on threes has come at the expense of interior scoring. The Hornets rank 26th in two-point makes (21.7) and 25th in attempts (46.3) per game. Their 46.8% two-point shooting ranks 28th in the league.
For sustained success, the Hornets need more balance in their offense. While three-point shooting is a strength, over-reliance on the perimeter leaves them vulnerable. Mixing in higher-quality two-point opportunities could diversify their attack and make them harder to defend.
Attacking the Glass
The Hornets haven’t missed Mark Williams as much as expected. Through three games, they lead the league in offensive rebounds (17.3) and rank ninth in defensive rebounding (34.3). Their 51.7 rebounds per game currently top the NBA.
Nick Richards has been the driving force behind their rebounding dominance, averaging 11.0 boards per game (13th in the NBA). But it’s not just Richards—everyone on the roster is committed to crashing the glass. LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each grab over seven rebounds per game, with Cody Martin contributing 5.3 a night.
These numbers are encouraging, especially given the Hornets’ perimeter-heavy offense. On nights when the threes aren’t falling, having a team willing to battle for second and third chances on the glass will be essential.
The Impact of Brandon Miller’s Return
Brandon Miller was viewed as a borderline All-Star entering this season. Unfortunately, he logged only six minutes in the season opener before leaving with a glute injury. The hope is that Miller will return next week, which would be great news for both the organization and its fans.
With Miller back in the lineup, the Hornets gain a dangerous two-man scoring punch alongside Ball. Miller’s defensive versatility also allows him to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player, giving the Hornets’ starting five added flexibility on both ends.
For a team plagued by injuries in recent years, the hope is that this injury is just a minor setback. It would be unfortunate to see a future star derailed by ongoing health issues.
In Conclusion
Three games into the season, the Charlotte Hornets are showing promising signs of progress under Charles Lee’s leadership. Their reliance on three-point shooting mirrors the offensive blueprint of last year’s Celtics, offering both excitement and challenges. While they need to find a better balance between perimeter and interior scoring, their dominance on the glass has been a bright spot, keeping them competitive even when shots don’t fall.
The return of Brandon Miller could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential, giving the Hornets another dynamic scorer and a versatile defender. If the roster stays healthy and continues to grow under Lee’s system, the Hornets have a chance to become a dangerous team in the East. It’s early, but the foundation is being laid for a season that could finally move Charlotte in the right direction.
