The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2024-25 NBA season with renewed hope and tempered expectations. While much attention is focused on rebuilding and development, several key moves in the offseason point toward long-term success. The new ownership led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall and the addition of young French prospect Tidjane Salaun marks a shift in the Hornets’ strategy.
LaMelo Ball’s Comeback: Can He Stay Healthy?
Last season, LaMelo Ball’s ankle injury dashed any hopes the Hornets had for success. Playing in just 22 games, Ball’s absence was devastating, and the team managed only 21 wins. His ability to stay healthy will be pivotal, but concerns linger.
Ball’s impact as the only former All-Star on the roster is undeniable, and his health will be a determining factor in how competitive the Hornets can be this season. The franchise has now gone eight years without making the playoffs, and Ball’s ability to stay on the court may decide if that drought continues.
With only 22 games under his belt last season, Ball’s leadership is also under the microscope. As the face of the franchise, Ball is expected to set the tone on and off the court. With new management and coaching staff in place, there is added pressure on Ball to not only perform but to guide this young team toward growth and competitiveness. His ability to lead a developing roster could define the Hornets’ season.
Brandon Miller’s All-Rookie Season: A Bright Spot
Brandon Miller, the No. 2 overall pick, provided a much-needed bright spot during the 2023-24 season. Averaging 17.3 points per game, Miller emerged as a primary scoring option. His mature approach to the game and scoring versatility gave the Hornets hope for the future, despite the challenges they faced with Ball’s injury.
Miller’s All-Rookie selection set a high bar for his future development. The Hornets will be looking for him to take another leap forward, especially as the team shifts focus toward the 2024-25 season. His growth will be instrumental in determining whether this franchise is building a foundation for long-term success.
New Ownership and Leadership: Plotkin, Schnall, and Peterson
The summer of 2024 marked the first offseason under new ownership with Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall at the helm. Their financial backing brought in youthful energy to the front office, notably with the hiring of Jeff Peterson, who is expected to bring better decision-making to the organization. These changes come at a time when the Hornets desperately need a shift in culture and strategic direction.
Charles Lee replaces Steve Clifford as head coach, bringing championship experience after winning titles with the Bucks and Celtics as an assistant. His presence signals a focus on player development and a culture of accountability, something the Hornets will need to nurture if they want to see growth over the next few seasons. His ability to integrate a young, promising roster will be key to the franchise’s future.
Miles Bridges: The Hornets’ Best Player Last Year
Miles Bridges was, without question, Charlotte’s best all-around player last season. Bridges averaged 21 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, and 3.3 assists per game in 2023-24. Re-signing him to a reported three-year extension made sense purely from a basketball standpoint, as he is entering his prime at 26 years old.
However, his maturity and off-court issues remain a question. Bridges missed the entire 2022-23 season after pleading no contest to a felony domestic violence charge and was suspended for the first 10 games of the 2023-24 season. His future in the NBA will hinge not only on his ability to perform on the court but also on his personal conduct.
The Addition of Tidjane Salaun: A French Renaissance Talent
With the No. 6 overall pick, the Hornets selected Tidjane Salaun, a bright young prospect from France. Standing at 6-foot-9, Salaun brings flexibility and skill at just 19 years old. The team sees him as a long-term project, and he will likely begin in the player development program. His combination of size and skill makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft.
The Hornets have no immediate expectations for Salaun to make an impact this season, but his development could pay dividends in future years. Given his youth and potential, the franchise is taking a patient approach, hoping he can grow into a key contributor in the coming seasons.
Josh Green’s New Opportunity
The Hornets also traded for Josh Green, who struggled to find consistency with the Dallas Mavericks. Green will have to prove himself to earn a spot in the rotation, and the Hornets’ management has made it clear that playing time will be based on merit. He has shown flashes of potential but needs to improve to become a regular contributor.
For Green, the change of scenery could provide the opportunity he needs to turn things around. With a fresh start in Charlotte, he has the chance to make his mark on a team that’s still figuring out its identity.
The Role of Player Development in the Hornets’ Strategy
The Hornets are clearly focused on player development this season. With a roster full of young talent, the primary goal is not making the playoffs, but building toward future success. This approach involves fostering growth from key players like Miller, Seth Curry, and of course, Ball. The real question is how high the Hornets will draft in 2025, as this season will likely see them land another high pick.
There’s no denying that the Hornets’ fate hinges on their ability to nurture their young talent. A strong season in terms of individual growth could set the foundation for future playoff runs. As the franchise navigates this transitional phase, Bet365 North Carolina is sure to see a lot of action on this young promising Hornets team this NBA season. Charlotte’s season win total is set at 28.5. Over 28.5 wins is at -115 while Under 28.5 wins is at -105.
Additions via Free Agency: Taj Gibson, Anton Watson
The Hornets added experienced veteran Taj Gibson through free agency. He brings leadership and experience to a young roster that will benefit from his knowledge of the game. While not expected to play a significant role in the rotation, his presence in the locker room could help in shaping the team’s culture.
Anton Watson is another intriguing addition. The young forward brings athleticism and potential. His role may be limited initially, but he could push for playing time as the season progresses.
A Season of Development and Patience
The 2024-25 season is not about immediate playoff contention for the Hornets but about player development and setting the foundation for future success. With new ownership, fresh leadership, and promising young players like Tidjane Salaun, the Hornets are putting the pieces in place for what they hope will be a brighter future. However, expectations remain low in the short term, and the focus will be on how high the Hornets will select in the 2025 draft.
The roadblocks are many: a first-time head coach, only one former All-Star in Ball, and a roster filled with unproven talent. But if the pieces come together, Charlotte could position itself to finally break its eight-year playoff drought in the years to come.
