Thirteen games in, and the Charlotte Hornets have a record of 4-9. This team has many issues, but I am not here today to write about the negative things. This is the time of year to be grateful for everything you have, relatively good or bad. With Thanksgiving three days away, Let’s be thankful for some of the good things currently happening with this year’s Charlotte Hornets.
The Young Players
Coming into the league, Brandon Miller was seen as the most NBA-ready of all the prospects in the 23 drafts. Twelve games into his rookie season, Miller averages 13.6 PPG on 45/32/77% shooting. I like what I see from Miller and expect him to be more efficient with his scoring as the season progresses. The biggest surprise so far this season has been Mark Williams. Coming out of college, he was seen as a rim runner with excellent defensive skills that should’ve transitioned to the NBA level. In his second season, Williams is averaging 13.8 Points & 10 rebounds, with 4.2 rebounds being offensive. For teams rebuilding, it’s all about having those players in place that can grow together. Miller & Williams are a good start.
LaMelo’s Resurgence
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about LaMelo Ball’s play and his way of getting Steve Clifford out of the fold. In LaMelo’s past five games, He’s averaging 33.4 Points, 6.4 Rebounds & 7.8 Assists with 49/45/95% shooting. You would like to see him turn down the turnovers (4.8) and fouls (3.4) over that stretch, but you are starting to see LaMelo assert himself as the best player on the Hornets. I still believe Steve Clifford and his offensive philosophies are holding him back, but if this holds him back, imagine when Charlotte gets a system that fits him perfectly.
The Assets Playing To Be Flipped.
You have to audition players when you are a young team and have no expectation of being a contender. So far this season, Charlotte’s “expendables” have been playing well. Gordon Hayward (who will draw a lot of interest) is averaging 16.6 Points, 5.4 Rebounds & 5.0 Assists. Terry Rozier is currently out with a groin injury, but before the injury, he averaged 22.1 Points. If you are a Hornets fan, you would love to see this type of production from two guys you don’t see being a part of the future.
The Best Color Scheme In The NBA.
Outside of those three things, There’s not much to be happy about in Buzz City. Charlotte is celebrating its 35th season in the NBA this season, and with a celebration of the past, We get to see those iconic Teal jerseys. Purple and Team go together so beautifully when paired together. So, watching the product on the court may give you a migraine, but the uniforms won’t.
In Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks. No matter what you’re going through, Be thankful that it isn’t worse. Some people out here are going through it, but you’d never hear them complaining. I understand that Charlotte is a bad team right now, but I also appreciate some things to be optimistic about. Have patience and faith with this squad as they continue to work on staying out of their way. Once they do that, Charlotte will be buzzing again.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL THE READERS!
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