With the 2024-25 All-Star festivities now over, teams are shifting their focus to the second half of the season. For the Charlotte Hornets, that means playing out the final 30 games of what has been a challenging campaign. Sitting at 13-39, the Hornets have been plagued by injuries and constant lineup shuffling, preventing them from building any real momentum.
With the postseason no longer a true possibility, the Hornets can use this final stretch to assess their roster and strategize for the future. Whether they choose to reinforce their core or pursue trade opportunities, these remaining games will play a key role in shaping their offseason decisions.
Miles Bridges Future
One player potentially playing for his future with the Hornets is Miles Bridges. After returning from off-the-court issues during the 2023-24 season and averaging 21.0 points per game, Bridges was rewarded with a three-year, $75 million extension. However, his inconsistent play this season raises questions about his long-term fit with the team.
Following a slow start, Bridges has recently found his offensive rhythm. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaged 22.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. At first glance, those numbers suggest he’s turning the corner, but a deeper dive into his shooting efficiency tells a different story. During that stretch, he’s shooting just 41% from the field and 25% from three, with a +/- of -4.1.
The remainder of the season will be crucial for Bridges. The Hornets need to determine if he can be a reliable offensive option. While he puts up solid counting stats with a high usage rate, the question remains: Can he be a true complementary piece to the team’s primary stars?
The Young Guns
With injuries thinning the roster, the Hornets’ young players have stepped into larger roles they may not have expected. Some have taken advantage, with Moussa Diabaté standing out the most. His strong performances earned him a standard contract and validated his impact on the court.
As the season winds down, the team will closely watch Nick Smith Jr., Tidjane Salaün, and Damion Baugh. Aside from his recent ejection, Smith Jr. has shown his scoring ability. Over his last six games, he has averaged 16.7 points while shooting 52% from the field and 43% from three.
Salaün has struggled to find consistency in his rookie season. His last five games reflect his challenges, as he is averaging 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds. However, his shooting efficiency remains low at 30% from the field and 31% from three.
Baugh made an instant impact in his season debut against the Magic. He scored 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three. His strong start was an encouraging sign as he looks to earn a regular role.
With 30 games remaining, this stretch is crucial for the Hornets’ young core. They must prove they belong in the team’s long-term plans.
In Conclusion
With the playoffs out of reach, the Hornets must shift their focus to evaluating players and planning for the future. Veterans like Miles Bridges need to prove they can be long-term contributors, while younger players such as Nick Smith Jr., Tidjane Salaün, and Damion Baugh must capitalize on their increased opportunities to secure their roles.
Despite the challenges this season has presented, these final 30 games offer Charlotte a valuable chance to assess its roster and establish clearer roles. The front office must determine whether to strengthen its core or continue reshaping the team. How the organization navigates this stretch will significantly influence its approach to the offseason and the franchise’s direction moving forward.
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