FanSided released their definitive ranking of the top 250 fandoms and the Charlotte Hornets didn’t even crack the list.
The Charlotte Hornets may have made a lot of offseason moves in both the NBA Draft and free agency, but the team failed to reach The FanSided 250’s ranking. According to the site, here is how the list was constructed:
"“Our editors met multiple times over several months to nominate, study, and vote on what they believe to be the world’s most popular fandoms across sports and entertainment. Using publicly available information, voting data from FanSided’s millions of readers, and our editorial team’s expertise, we whittled down a list of over 500 nominated fandoms to the top 250. Each year we hope to create a ranking of fandoms that is unique, sparks debate, and reflects what the world was passionate about that year.”"
Now considering that the voting for the ranking has been going on for several months, it’s safe to assume that this was before the Hornets made moves to strengthen the team since draft night and the free agency. The team making these moves will hopefully cement the team into next years ranking.
Swarm City has actually never made the top 250, which consists of sports teams, players, celebrities, movies, TV shows, videogames, music, and practically all forms of entertainment. Now there is a lot of competition the ranking extends across all fandoms of culture.
Why didn’t the Charlotte Hornets edge into the list?
So looking at the ranking, the team may deserve to not rank. The team at the start of the voting process was coming on the heels of a 23-42 season, following the NBA hiatus following the coronavirus outbreak. The team’s biggest name included either Most Improved candidate Devonte’ Graham or previous Celtics, “Scary” Terry Rozier.
At the time, the Hornets’ future didn’t look too bright with uncertainty at what draft pick they’d land and with little chance to make a splash in free agency.
The fanbase didn’t make an impact in the ranking, as the Hornets were second to last for attendance. Ranking 29th, only above the Timberwolves makes no case to get the team into the ranking since the success of the franchise goes hand-in-hand with the passion of the fanbase.
But let’s not dwell on the present, let’s look into the future for some hope of making the ranking.
Why next year will be different
The Hornets had an amazing draft day haul and the organization will put these young pieces to the test this season. Rookies like LaMelo Ball and Vernon Carey Jr can see significant playing time and their potential is through the roof, and in Carey’s case wildly underrated. The team will bring energy to the entire organization and its fanbase after drafting the superstar LaMelo Ball, who brings the spotlight to Charlotte with him.
Picking up Gordon Hayward is also a huge snag for Queen City as he is still super talented. Hayward is still improving since his terrible injury in his first season with Boston. A seasoned star-like Hayward will likely be looking to bring fierceness to Charlotte. Hayward can be looking to revive his career in Charlotte and if he performs as he did in his prime, the Eastern Conference will be put on display.
The fanbase will likely be in full swing with the Hornets bringing in LaMelo Ball, who has been a basketball superstar across the globe. Ball will bring love and support from Australia and will definitely get the Hornets on House of Highlights more. The fanbase can put the Hornets into the top-250 for the first time since FanSided 250 was Fandom 250 in 2017.