'I’m Not Picking Charlotte': Paul George Rips Hornets for Lack of Winning Culture

Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George did not hold back when discussing one franchise he would avoid in free agency. During a recent episode of his podcast with former All-Star Baron Davis, George pointed to the Charlotte Hornets as a team he wouldn’t consider joining — not because of the city, but because of what he described as a lack of organizational direction.

“If I’m in free agency, I’m not picking Charlotte, just because there’s no winning culture there alone,” George said. “Regardless, Charlotte is an amazing city, would love to play for [the Hornets] because of the city, like I could see myself living there. But in terms of a basketball standpoint, my career’s over with if I’m going there.”

George made it clear that his comments were not a reflection on the city itself, which he praised for its quality of life. Instead, he emphasized the Hornets’ long-standing struggles as a basketball franchise. Charlotte hasn’t reached the postseason since 2016 and has posted just one winning record over the last nine years.

The topic came up as George and Davis were analyzing what it will take for LaMelo Ball and the Hornets to take the next step. Davis, who spent six seasons with the franchise, including during its relocation to New Orleans, echoed George’s concerns. He said Charlotte has failed to establish the necessary roster structure to support its young stars.

“When you look at the Hornets roster, you’ve got to pick a direction,” Davis said. “LaMelo needs stability around him. You can’t have a bunch of young dudes flying around him. We’ve seen that in NBA history. … When you’re trying to win, you’ve got to have some people that stabilize the consistency every day.”

While criticism of the Hornets’ culture is not new, it is rare to hear such blunt assessments from an active All-Star. George, who recently signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers after declining his player option with the Clippers, is not eligible for free agency again until at least 2028.

Still, his words carry weight. They reflect how players around the league continue to view the Hornets, not as a potential destination for contending, but as a place where careers can stall.

To change that narrative, Charlotte will need more than a healthy season. Ball and 2023 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller are both expected to return fully healthy after missing significant time last year due to injuries. Grant Williams, who appeared in only 16 games last season before suffering ACL and meniscus tears, is also on track to rejoin the lineup.

The Hornets added sharp-shooting wing Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft, addressing a team need after finishing 28th in the league in three-point percentage. There is genuine hope inside the organization that a healthier and more balanced roster can begin to steer Charlotte out of the lottery.

But as George alluded to, changing perceptions around the league will require more than a single bounce-back year. Sustained success — something Charlotte has rarely achieved since the team’s reintroduction in 2004—is the only way to reframe how the franchise is viewed by star players.

Whether Ball and Miller can lead the Hornets into that next phase remains to be seen. But until then, players like George’s message is clear: Charlotte has work to do.