Coming into tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic, The Charlotte Hornets are one place to be a part of franchise history. With their currently sitting at 18-58 and losers of four straight games, If the Hornets lose their last six games, They will possess the worst record in Hornets history. I understand that the 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats technically hold that distinction with a record of 7-59, but I will not include that season.
Now, let’s focus on the present. The 23-24 Charlotte Hornets are on a mission to surpass the 89-90 Charlotte Hornets in the least number of wins during a season. The 89-90 Hornets, in just their second season in the NBA, were still finding their footing. They finished with a record of 19-63, but there were no high expectations for them then. This season, however, the current Hornets are showing a different spirit, a determination to rewrite history incorrectly.
History Always Starts Interesting.
For this season’s Hornets, The off-season questioned the character of the players brought in and the players on the team already. After sitting out the previous season, Miles Bridges returned on a 1-year deal that many people questioned. Brandon Miller was drafted #2 overall despite his poor judgment in college, which led to an individual losing his life. Former 1st-round pick Kai Jones went on a rant that resulted in being released. You couldn’t expect to be any good when you have all these questions about players and their actions.
For the 89-90 Charlotte Hornets, the off-season was more intriguing in terms of building from their expansion draft from the previous year and changing conference. They picked up Charlotte legends like Muggsy Bogues and Dell Curry and traded for guys like Kelly Tripucka, Kurt Rambis, and Robert Reid. They drafted Center J.R. Reid with the 8th overall pick in the 1989 draft and signed players like Kenny Gattison and Terry Dozier. Unlike this year’s Hornets’ team, The 89-90 team built the way you’d want a team coming into the league to build.
Coaching… Or Lack Thereof.
The first coach in franchise history was Dick Harter. Harter was a successful collegiate coach at Rider, Penn, Oregon, and Penn State, amassing a collegiate record of 295-196. He led his teams to two NCAA tournament appearances (Penn) and four NIT tournament appearances (Oregon and Penn State). He couldn’t translate that success to the pros and was fired after 40 games into the second season, which saw him go 8-32. Harter had a record of 28-94 in his season and a half. Harter was replaced by Gene Littles, who would lead that team to an 11-31 record.
Fast forward to this year, Steve Clifford has been given a bad hand in his second go-around with the organization. The defensive-minded coach couldn’t put his imprint on the team defensively, and their 26th defensive rating this season has been a true testament to that. Offensively, The Hornets have also been terrible despite having players who can put the ball in the hoop. Their offensive rating of 28th this season proves how challenging it’s been for Clifford and his staff to mold a team with an identity.
Start Bad.. End Bad.
The Hornets were not that bad at the early start of the season. They were 2-3 in their first five games and 7-13 in the first twenty. They then went on an 11-game losing streak that took whatever hope they may have had for postseason play. Since December 8th, 2023, The Hornets are 12-55. In that stretch, they’ve had two losing streaks of 10 or more games, three losing streaks of five or more, and their current losing streak of four. The team has been decimated with injuries. LaMelo Ball has been out since January; Mark Williams has been out since December; Gordon Hayward was available for half the games before he was traded. This team could’ve been much better if the key pieces had stayed healthy.
For the 89-90 Hornets, It was terrible from the beginning. They started the season losing their first five games and only winning three of the next fifteen games! They had two losing streaks of 10 or more games, four losing streaks of 5 or more games, and could only produce one three-game winning streak during the season. Despite the season, Newly acquired Armen Gilliam showcased his skills, averaging 18.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks. J.R. Reid played in all 82 games and averaged 11.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals, earning his all-rookie 2nd team. The future for this team was a lot more bright compared to the team today.
In Conclusion…
Both teams are focused on rebuilding and creating a solid foundation for the future. Although starting from scratch can be challenging, it presents opportunities for growth and improvement. The Hornets teams of the past encountered obstacles during their rebuilding journey but ultimately achieved success and consistency. The current Hornets team possesses the necessary elements for success, including a promising rising star in Brandon Miller, a franchise point guard in LaMelo Ball, and solid pieces such as Mark Williams, Grant Williams, Nick Richards, Tre Mann, and Miles Bridges. Coupled with a favorable draft pick and financial flexibility, the team is well-equipped to complete their rebuilding efforts and become a formidable force.
West Coast Hoops 