The Charlotte Hornets have been rebuilding for as long as we can remember, prompting ESPN analysts Tim Bontemps, Brian Windhorst, and Tim MacMahon to question the team’s long-term plans.
During a recent episode of The Hoop Collective podcast, where they previewed the entire Southeast Division, MacMahon believes that the Charlotte Hornets’ fate has two outcomes involving LaMelo Ball.
“If we’re back here talking about the Charlotte Hornets next summer, and (LaMelo Ball)’s played 40-50 games again, then we’re just in the Zion Williamson territory with him going forward, and then you can’t do anything with your team,” Bontemps said.
“The Hornets are a team searching for a direction. He has to be either on the floor, or in a trade for this team to find their direction.” That gives the Hornets two options: Either get a healthy season out of Ball, or move on and find someone they can build around who can stay on the floor,” MacMahon added.
Charlotte Hornets News: Brandon Miller receives bold “best player” prediction from analyst
If LaMelo Ball cannot stay healthy, the Charlotte Hornets must make a tough decision whether to keep him or move him. Fortunately for the team, they have some young pieces whom they can build, such as Brandon Miller, according to Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report.
“This is a bet that at some point in the next three seasons, Charlotte will have tired of Ball’s sporadic availability and/or determined he’s not leadership material. Lately, the Hornets have pivoted away from chasing Play-In spots, so we should assume they’re willing to take a step back in the interest of long-term gains,” Hughes wrote.
“Miller is no sure thing, but he’s younger, cheaper, and has more of a runway to prove he can be a fixture whenever the Hornets are ready to ramp up to serious playoff pursuit,” he concluded.
