Hype is Real is an NBA.com Philippines series that gives an optimistic view of every NBA team heading into the 2022-2023 season. This is our way of convincing people why they should support and watch a particular team.
Overview of last season
For the second consecutive year, the Charlotte Hornets’ season ended with a blowout loss in the Play-In Tournament. As the 10th seed with a 43-39 record, they were simply overmatched against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hornets have always surrounded themselves with the veil of youth and potential with LaMelo Ball headlining. They were the team that people loved watching on League Pass because they played with a fun and fast style. But, of course, flair can only get you so far. Ultimately, it didn’t matter if they got all the highlights and went viral on social media. When they were demolished by 29 points in the Play-In, you knew they had to shake things up.
What’s new this season?
During the offseason, Charlotte decided to hire Steve Clifford as the head coach, replacing James Borrego after four years. Clifford, who coached the Orlando Magic for the last three years, was with the Hornets organization from 2013 to 2018. So there’s a level of familiarity for Clifford and the franchise. He is tasked to take this young group to the next level and possibly even to the playoffs.
THE guy
LaMelo Ball has certainly lived up to the hype ever since he came into the league. He won Rookie of the Year in 2021 and then made the All-Star team the following season. What’s next for him?
Being a young guard, there’s no immediate pressure for him to really be a superstar or make the All-NBA right away. He’s still 21 years old, after all. Nonetheless, there is already a mounting expectation for him to not only constantly improve as a player but to also rack up wins and make his team competitive.
Sneaky fun guy
Do you know what’s fun? Playing basketball with your brother.
LiAngelo Ball, the middle child of the fabled Ball brothers, signed with the Hornets right before training camp began. All three brothers are now in the NBA with the eldest Lonzo still with the Chicago Bulls.
It was always cool when Lonzo and LaMelo faced each other on the court. Now with LiAngelo in the picture, that would make it 10 times better.
Vibe check
As much as it is exhilarating to watch Ball and the Hornets play, there has been a major offseason issue. Miles Bridges, one of the key cogs of the Charlotte team, was charged with three counts of felony domestic violence. Bridges pleaded not guilty to the charges but his case is currently ongoing.
Bridges is a restricted free agent but a deal hasn’t been finalized with his legal issues still at the forefront. He’s not officially on the roster yet which makes his future this season uncertain.
The high-flying and athletic Bridges was the team’s leading scorer last season with 20.2 points per game. His two-man game with Ball was a sight to see every night. With his pending case, all that is put on hold. And it remains to be seen how Bridges’ off-court issue will affect the team as a whole. Still, it does damper the hype and excitement around the team.
