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Potential Hornets turnaround could hinge on one player
Coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Charlotte Hornets could have one of their best rosters in recent memory.
But where the Hornets finish could come down to the health of star point guard LaMelo Ball, who, with Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges, forms a potentially dynamic Big Three.
A healthy Ball, who has battled ankle injuries and played only 58 games over the past two seasons, would be massive for Charlotte. His ability to pass, rebound and shoot have made him one of the best point guards when he is available.
Hit that pose @MELOD1P | @Lowes | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/St1ZbPNZ5D
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 8, 2024
First-year head coach Charles Lee is certainly impressed with Ball.
"On top of being a two-way player," Lee said, per Jerry Donatien of ClutchPoints, "I've also loved the way he's been able to play with the ball in his hands and off the ball. His improved running habits off the ball, getting some more catch-and-shoot threes and trusting his teammates."
For Miller and Bridges, seasons similar or even better than 2023-24 would be huge for Charlotte, which went 21-61 last season and finished 13th in the Eastern Conference.
An improving Miller, who averaged 17.3 points in his rookie season, would make Charlotte quite the force. Had it not been for rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, he likely would have run away with the Rookie of the Year award.
If Miller improves his 44% shooting from the field and 37% from three, he could be in hunt for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
It's @brandmillerr's world and we're just living in it
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) April 2, 2024
2nd amongst all rookies in scoring this month and 1st in 3FGM
7 games with 20+ PTS
Rookie franchise-record-tying 7 3FGM vs. Cleveland on 3/27
T-7th most single-season 3FGM by a rookie in NBA history pic.twitter.com/UbCIklIdPz
As for Bridges, he's an essential piece, too. In 2023-24, he set a career high in points per game (21) and rebounds (7.3) He's one of the NBA's most exciting players, frequently throwing down monstrous dunks.
Bridges' leadership presence will be vital for Ball, Miller, Tre Mann and especially Tidjane Salaun, the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
At last season's trade deadline, the Hornets acquired veteran role players Seth Curry, Grant Williams, Vasilije Micic and Taj Gibson. Aside from Gibson, all will play significant minutes and potentially help Charlotte return to the postseason for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Of course, the key is Ball, who scored 24 points and grabbed six rebounds during a preseason game Tuesday against the Miami Heat, a bout the Hornets won, 111-108. He hit four three-pointers in the first quarter.
LaMelo showing off his range with FOUR triples in the first quarter #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/vhFSiZJTvE
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 8, 2024
If the Hornets have a starting lineup that includes the Big Three playing 65-plus games, Charlotte could easily leap from its 12th-place finish from last season.
More must-reads:
- Hornets HC Charles Lee already has team looking drastically improved
- 20 cities that should be considered next for NBA teams
- The 'Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets players to score 40 points in a game' quiz
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