After a 129-111 loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Charlotte Hornets have some lessons to learn. Here are three takeaways from the game they can implement to improve.
The Charlotte Hornets (11-20) were defeated by the Toronto Raptors for the second time this season. Even if the Hornets keep losing games this year, they need to not lose the lessons these games teach them. Here are three lessons to take into their next game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
1. Let Kemba and Batum rest
Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum have been battling small nagging injuries this season. They’re dealing with wrist and elbow injuries respectively, and it’s noticeably affected their games recently. Kemba Walker knocked down his first three-pointer in three games tonight. Nicolas Batum scored zero points tonight on one shot.
Rather than letting these tiny, nagging injuries build up while the team still struggles to win games, Charlotte needs to let these guys heal up. If they’re not winning with Kemba and Batum struggling, they won’t win if they sit. Letting them take some time off will be a better and more beneficial decision long term.
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2. Bench Michael Carter-Williams
There’s no excuse for MCW to see the floor at this point in his career. He’s shooting 26.7% from the field. Here’s a comprehensive list of players in the last 50 years who have shot worse than that*:
There are zero players shooting worse than him. Even if the argument is that his defense has earned his playing time, he is actively a negative player on the offensive end of the court for a team that already struggles there. There’s no way Julyan Stone can be worse. It might be the most frustrating facet of being a Hornets fan so far this season.
*this stat requires a minimum of 15 MPG and 15 games played in a season*
3. Play Malik Monk – Consistently
Never mind. This is the most frustrating facet of being a Hornets fan so far this season. Malik Monk has been electric so far on offense, even though he hasn’t been the most consistent. The arena lit up after he scored five points in a matter of seconds.
Although he’s averaged 15 minutes per game this season, it’s been incredibly shaky. The coaching staff needs more pressure to play him consistent minutes. He’s had:
9 games with 0-9 minutes
9 games with 10-19 minutes
8 games with 20-29 minutes
That level of variation is not good for anyone’s development, but especially a rookie who’s been mostly compared to on/off bench scorers. Malik Monk is not blameless in his early season struggles, but the coaching staff should share some blame too.
Next: 5 potential trades to start Charlotte's tank
Charlotte’s struggled so far this season, but there’s still some time to turn things around if they want. Even they want to start the tank, they can too. But they need to let Kemba and Batum rest, bench MCW, and play Monk – consistently.