Charlotte Hornets’ players are making the most of the offseason
According to multiple reports, the Charlotte Hornets aren’t taking any days off this summer as players prepare for next season.
There have been several reports that a number of players for the Charlotte Hornets are staying close to home this summer as they continue to work on their games. After the disappointing season that the team had last year, it seems like players are set on improving individually and as a squad for 2017-18. With the down year, it was expected that they would commit to getting better this offseason.
First off, the Hornets’ Executive Vice President, Pete Gueli, mentioned that “Rich and coach both talked about continued player development. A lot of activity in the practice facility the last couple of weeks!” It’s good to see that not only the players but also the coaching staff and front office are focused on improving. The entire organization seems to be buying into the notion that they need to get better to get back into the playoffs next year.
PrimetimeWFNZ and Hornets’ radio voice, Chris Kroeger, tweeted that the “Hornets have spent large portion of offseason together in Charlotte working out as team and activities like this.” It looks like the players’ summer vacations were cut out of the schedule. By spending more time together in the offseason, they develop better chemistry and the work ethic can be contagious.
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Most recently, Pete Gueli tweeted that “Day before the long weekend and Nic Batum here putting in work. Has been a regular since the season ended. Enjoy the weekend everyone!” He also said that “Watching J Lamb do some impressive stuff right now. Would be big if he takes another step.” It’s great to see two players who somewhat underperformed this past season and played below expectations working so that they can bounce back next year.
If you follow the Hornets on Instagram or Twitter, then you’ve seen the likes of Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller and Johnny O’Bryant in the weight room pretty often. By my count, that’s five players who were named/shown in the offseason workout in Charlotte this summer with others likely doing the same. As for Kemba Walker, who is one of the hardest working players in the league, he is recovering from knee surgery so his summer will be cut short a bit.
The offseason is a chance for older players to rest but Charlotte doesn’t have too many aging veterans on their roster. Instead, the young players are using the summer to their advantage. They may have been sent home early after missing out on the playoffs but that only gives them to refine and enhance their skills.
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Credit to the players for putting the onus on themselves to stick around the Queen City and work hard to get better. They could easily put this past season behind them and enjoy a summer of rest and relaxation but they chose otherwise. Hopefully, their commitment to improving this summer pays off and we will see the results next year.