The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2024 season at a crossroads. With a roster full of promise and potential, their success hinges on several key factors that could propel them to new heights or leave them struggling to find their footing. Health, development, and adaptation are all in play as the Hornets look to break through in a competitive Eastern Conference. As fans gear up for what could be a defining season, let’s explore the critical elements that will shape their journey and determine if this is the year they finally turn potential into reality.
Urgency Levels For The Hornets’ Success This Season
High Urgency: Maintaining a Healthy Season With Key Guys
The Hornets’ success this season hinges on the health of LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams. Since his All-Star appearance in 2022, Ball has played only 58 games over the past two seasons. When he’s healthy, Ball’s playmaking and leadership are crucial for the Hornets in this point-guard-driven league. On the other hand, Williams has shown flashes of becoming one of the league’s most promising young centers. Williams could anchor the Hornets’ defense, providing rim protection and addressing perimeter weaknesses if healthy.
Medium: Development Of The Young Guys
Brandon Miller is expected to take a significant step toward stardom this season. However, the development of Tidjane Salaün and Nick Smith Jr. will be crucial for the Hornets’ long-term success. Smith Jr. struggled in the Summer League, shooting just 34% from the field and 28% from three-point range, which raises concerns about his readiness. With new head coach Charles Lee guiding the team, Smith Jr. must prove he’s worthy of a spot in the rotation.
Meanwhile, Salaun, the Hornets’ 6th overall pick, showed promise in his three Summer League games, averaging 9.0 points and 7.0 rebounds. Though less pressured than Smith Jr., Salaun must improve as a top-10 pick to secure his future in the rotation.
Low: Adapting To A New Coaching System
Under Steve Clifford, the Hornets ranked 27th in points per game and 29th in offensive rating over the past two seasons. Lee’s former teams, the Bucks and Celtics ranked fifth in points per game and sixth in offensive rating. With Lee’s focus on spacing and movement, players used to Clifford’s slower, grind-it-out offense must adjust to a faster-paced system. For a successful transition, the Hornets must improve their 21st-ranked 35% three-point shooting percentage for a successful transition.
In Conclusion
The Hornets’ season hinges on several crucial factors: LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams’ health, the promising development of Brandon Miller, Nick Smith Jr., and Tidjane Salaün, and successfully adapting to Charles Lee’s faster-paced system. Balancing these elements will be crucial to their success.
