Charlotte Hornets: Interviewing Hornets reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi

The Charlotte Hornets might not have had the season that they wished to have, but one person definitely had a season to remember. In this article, we will be interviewing FOX Sports Southeast host/reporter, Ashley ShahAhmadi.

In a season where the Charlotte Hornets were unable to find much success, one person found the opportunity of a lifetime. Ashley ShahAhmadi, a reporter for Fox Sports South, was promoted to be the new full-time sideline reporter covering the Hornets.

This opportunity came after previous Fox Sports South’s sideline reporter, Stephanie Ready, accepted a new job with Turner Sports. When Ashley heard that she was promoted, it was undoubtedly a dream come true.

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ShahAhmadi originally started as a pre- and post-game host in 2018 for Fox Sports South, covering the Charlotte Hornets’ home games. In December, she would finally get to have her dream job.

After Stephanie Ready left, it almost felt like a void that would not be filled, but ShahAhmadi stepped in and did a great job with the opportunity she got. She even played it really cool when she was pranked by Eric and Dell later this season.

Despite this disappointing season, I was able to interview Ashley about her first year covering the Hornets, so without further ado, let’s jump into our discussion!

Giovanni Spillman (@GSpillmanNC): How much did you enjoy your first season covering the Charlotte Hornets?

Ashley ShahAhmadi (@ashahahmadi): I honestly don’t even know where to begin in answering this question. I haven’t even been with Fox Sports South for a whole year yet and to think about all the wonderful opportunities I have had in the last 11 months honestly leaves me at a loss for words. In regards to getting the chance to live out my absolute dream come true in covering the Charlotte Hornets, it was exactly that– a dream come true. Of course, sort of being thrown in the fire was a challenge. After finding out Stephanie (Ready) was leaving mid-season and having to pack my bags and live out of hotels for the next 4.5 months was a challenge. However, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. The team, staff, my co-workers on the broadcast team, the entire Hornets organization I truly believe are one of the best in this business. I feel incredibly fortunate and appreciative to work for such a great organization. So to answer the question, I loved every second of my first season.

Spillman: Do you have a favorite memory from last season?

Ashley ShahAhmadi: Of course, so many memories come to mind. The travel alone…getting to experience all these new cities and arenas that have been on my bucket list for years was incredible. Also, hanging out with the crew on the road…Eric Collins, Dell Curry, and of course our production team…we always had the best time and I learned so much in my first season.

Spillman: Which game was the most memorable to cover last season?

Ashley ShahAhmadi: I’m going to say the most memorable game to cover last season was the one in Toronto where Jeremy Lamb hit the buzzer-beater from behind half-court to win the game. After he hit the shot and I went to interview him, Lamb said and I quote, “Oh, you want to interview me?” 😊 That was a night I will truly never forget.

light. Hot. The Charlotte Hornets should retire Dell Curry’s number

Spillman: Which player on the Hornets do you think improved the most last season?

Ashley ShahAhmadi: This is a tough one because I honestly could say something about each member of the team. If I have to pinpoint it though, I’ll say the rookies. Miles Bridges and Devonte Graham I truly feel had a great first year. Miles took over a starting role and did it with such confidence. He became one of the team’s best defenders. Not to mention, he was a participant in the 2019 All-Star Dunk contest which is such an accomplishment in itself. As for Devonte, being the back-up point-guard to Kemba Walker and Tony Parker is no easy task. I thought Devonte handled the pressure really well. You can see just how mature of a player he is which I definitely think attributes to his four years at Kansas. I’m looking forward to seeing what these two guys bring to the table come next season.

Spillman: Who’s your favorite player in the upcoming draft?

Ashley ShahAhmadi: Of course, you can’t talk about the upcoming draft without talking about Zion Williamson. I mean we saw what he did all season and I honestly can’t wait to see how his abilities translate in the league. Besides Zion, I really enjoyed watching RJ Barrett during the tournament. He has such a competitive spirit and drive about him. Not to mention, he has a high basketball IQ which I think will do him well in the association.

Spillman Realistically, who do you see the Hornets taking this year in the lottery?

Ashley ShahAhmadi: I’m not sure if you’ll like my answer to this question because I honestly cannot say. There is so much up in the air in terms of contracts, free-agents etc. that a lot will depend on the future of Kemba Walker and even Jeremy Lamb with the Hornets organization. Head coach James Borrego and general manager Mitch Kupchak have both made it known that rim protection is a significant problem and one that can hopefully be addressed with the upcoming draft. However, if Kemba decides not to stay…the needs definitely shift. And even if he decides to stay, how do you give him for options in building around him? So honestly, this is going to be a very interesting off-season for the Hornets.

Conclusion

I would like to say thank you to Ashley for accepting my invitation to interview her. Not a lot of people get to hear the thoughts of the person that we see all of the time during the game on television, so this was a nice opportunity to get to know Ashely ShahAhmadi.

WIthout a doubt, ShahAhmadi should be back next season to continue her coverage of the Charlotte Hornets. As for now, I expect big things are to come in this young reporter’s bright future.

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Here at Swarm and Sting, we strive to bring you the best content, and I hope this article will become the foundation for many interviews to come. Here’s to a successful offseason covering your Charlotte Hornets!

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