Charlotte Hornets: Three Reasons To Trade Up
Apr 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford gestures from the sidelines against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. The Hornets won 92-87. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
3. The Charlotte Hornets Are Boring
With the playoff run last year and the very popular decision to return to the old name and colors, the Charlotte Hornets seemed to be on the verge of re-energizing the city and turning what has been a lukewarm relationship with the citizens of North Carolina into a steamy, red hot craze.
However, the disappointing performance on the court combined with the boring product being put forth has caused some of that goodwill to flutter away. The team is 28th in the league in points scored per game, 30th in three point percentage, and they were 20th in pace(how fast the team plays).
This team has a philosophy of slowing it down, grinding out possessions, and living and dying by limiting turnovers and playing tough half-court defense. Head coach Steve Clifford hates fast-break basketball, and even joked about fining the players on the team for getting too many fast break points after a huge victory in the middle of the season.
Fans love dunks, threes, and fast break basketball. Walking the ball up the court, working the shot clock, and then taking a mid-range jumper does not put fans in the seats. Especially when those mid-range jumpers are not going in. Charlotte was 29th in field goal percentage, meaning there were plenty of bricks being chucked up at the rim.
A top five pick and a potential superstar player would immediately give fans a reason to tune into watch the games.