The Charlotte Hornets return to the floor to face the Miami Heat after making NBA history in their 109-95 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. The Hornets shot a dismal 8/46 from three-point range (.174), while the Bulls weren’t much better at 14/51 (.275). The combined 75 missed three-pointers set a new league record.
Having lost nine of their last ten games, the Hornets are searching for anything encouraging. The return of Miles Bridges, who scored 14 points after a 10-game absence, offered a glimmer of hope. With Mark Williams and Nick Richards also back in the lineup, the Hornets are inching closer to full strength.
After 25 games, where do the Hornets stand? Which players have stepped up, and who has fallen short of expectations? Let’s dive in.
The Hornets’ Biggest Disappointment
After signing a three-year, $75 million contract in the summer of 2024, Bridges seemed poised for a breakout season. Despite sitting out 92 games due to off-the-court issues, he averaged 21 points last season, fueling optimism for his return. With an offseason focused on regaining his game shape and securing his team’s future, this was expected to be Bridges’ year.
However, Bridges has struggled to adapt to head coach Charles Lee’s system. His offensive production has dipped significantly, with averages of 13.5 shot attempts and 29.7 minutes per game—down from 16.3 attempts and 36.7 minutes in the two seasons before 2023-24. This drop-off has raised concerns about his fit in Lee’s ball-movement-oriented system, which limits Bridges’ isolation opportunities and offensive rhythm.
The Hornets’ Biggest Surprise
Despite reduced minutes in the last three games, Moussa Diabaté has proven he belongs in the NBA. With injuries to Williams and Richards, Diabaté was called upon to contribute and immediately made an impact. After limited playing time in the season’s first eight games, Diabaté seized his opportunity during the Hornets’ 103-83 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Coming off the bench, he grabbed 15 rebounds in 28 minutes. Over the next three games, Diabaté averaged 9.3 points, 13.3 rebounds (6.0 offensive), and 2.0 blocks in 26 minutes. His dominance on the boards earned him a well-deserved starting role, where his contributions only grew. In four games as a starter, Diabaté averaged 11.5 rebounds (6.2 offensive) while playing over 30 minutes per game.
Diabaté’s relentless energy, rebounding instincts, and defensive presence have been a revelation for the Hornets. Regardless of how the rest of the season unfolds, he has already proven to be a diamond in the rough. His emergence not only bolsters the team’s depth but also gives the Hornets a promising piece for their future.
The State of the Hornets
The Hornets find themselves in a challenging predicament. Whether at full strength or missing key players, the team has struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor. Despite a talented roster, issues such as poor defensive execution, inconsistent shooting, and difficulty closing out games have hindered their progress.
Injuries have also played a role, disrupting rotations and forcing young players into larger roles. Yet, bright spots like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Tre Mann hint at the team’s untapped potential. For the Hornets to turn their season around, they must address these struggles and find a way to maximize their talent and cohesion.
In Conclusion
The Charlotte Hornets’ season so far has been a mix of frustration and potential. Inconsistency, injuries, and system adjustments under a new head coach have highlighted the challenges they face. However, flashes of brilliance from players like Moussa Diabaté and the slow return to full health offer reasons for optimism.
To make meaningful strides, the Hornets must find stability, develop better chemistry, and maximize their talent. While the road ahead is uncertain, the foundation is there for this team to turn things around—if they can seize the opportunity.
