The Charlotte Hornets’ season has taken a brutal turn, and Tuesday night only made things worse. Their 128-92 loss to the Golden State Warriors wasn’t just another defeat—it was historic. The Hornets are the first NBA team to lose three straight games by 35+ points, marking a disastrous season downturn.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Hornets have also become part of another grim NBA milestone during this streak. Their 53-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday contributed to a new league-wide record for the most blowout losses in a decade. The next night, a 42-point blowout against the Kings tied the record for the most significant combined loss margin in consecutive games.
With their West Coast road trip ending mercifully, the Hornets must face a tricky question. Is this collapse simply the result of injuries, or does it point to something deeper within the team’s future structure?
LaMelo Ball’s Struggles: Reflecting the Hornets’ Decline
LaMelo Ball is the engine that drives the Hornets. When he plays well, Charlotte has a fighting chance. But lately, his struggles have mirrored the team’s overall collapse, raising more questions about his future in Charlotte.
Over his last two games, Ball has posted some of his worst numbers of the season—averaging just 9.0 points on 17% shooting, including a brutal 9% from three-point range. His plus-minus sits at an alarming -25.0, further highlighting his rough stretch.
This season has been anything but kind to Ball. Not only was he snubbed from an All-Star appearance, but injuries have limited him to just 36 games, preventing him from finding any real rhythm. With the Hornets spiraling, the question remains: Can Ball bounce back, or is this a sign of deeper concerns?
Hornets Tanking For Another Young Piece?
Despite being 8.5 games behind the 10th-seed Chicago Bulls, the Hornets show no urgency about making a late-season push. As another year passes without a playoff appearance, should the Hornets shift its focus toward the future?
The 2025 NBA Draft features elite prospects who could alter the course of a franchise. With names like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper headlining the class, the more the Hornets lose, the better their odds of landing a future All-NBA talent. At this point, shutting it down might be their best move.
The Hornets have been in a cycle of mediocrity for years—as they’ve never been competitive enough to make a real playoff push. Fully embracing a tank would allow them to finally break free from that pattern and acquire another franchise-altering player alongside Ball and Brandon Miller. However, tanking isn’t just about losing—it’s about developing players, accumulating assets, and establishing a clear franchise direction.
In Conclusion
The Hornets’ season unravels historically, marked by blowout losses, LaMelo Ball’s struggles, and an increasingly uncertain future. With injuries and inconsistency plaguing the team, their focus may need to shift to securing a top draft pick.
As painful as the present may be, the future still holds promise—if Charlotte plays its cards right. Whether they lean into a complete rebuild or attempt to retool around their core, the coming months will determine the franchise’s direction. The Hornets must keep fighting or embrace the tank and look ahead to 2025.
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