Charlotte Hornets: 3 reasons for optimism after first half of season

With the Charlotte Hornets holding the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference as they head back to the court Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons from the All-Star break, there’s a lot of optimism on where this team can go after the first half of the season. While it’s important to keep a realistic take on what they are and where they need to go, we can also be encouraged and optimistic as well on what needs to happen next.

With that being said, I’m going to go over some reasons why Hornets’ fans should be optimistic after the first half of the 2020-21 NBA season.

First Half Break = Healthy Bodies

One good thing about the All-Star break, and even in a shortened season like this one, is that the players get some well-deserved rest. With Gordon Hayward returning healthy, he can continue one of his better seasons he has had since his days with the Utah Jazz. Hayward’s averaging 21.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on the season, and his health along with some other guys on the team (Devonte Graham, Cody Zeller) will be very important. If they stay healthy and available, then good things can happen for Charlotte.

With the healthy bodies and being well-rested, that gives head coach James Borrego some options for rotations and that can be a key for success when you have a full arsenal of players (and also potential trade options) going forward. The best teams have healthy bodies to go forward, and Charlotte will need that.

Logjam in the Eastern Conference

Another reason to be optimistic is the fact the Hornets are right in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race. They currently sit 7th in the East, only a game and a half behind Boston for 4th and a game and a half ahead of Atlanta for the final spot. A good start and a successful road trip in the second half can ensure the team’s chances to get into the coveted top six. However, getting into the play-in tournament would not be bad either. Looking at the rest of the East, the Hornets need to watch out for Washington below with the talent they have. The teams above are all unpredictable. The Celtics, you don’t know what you’re going to get, the Knicks are no longer the doormat they have been for the past decade, and the Heat are just as much of a wild card as the Hornets.

The Fans Are Back

Of course, the final reason for being optimistic about the Hornets is that the fans are finally coming back to the Spectrum Center!  Interest in this team as high as it has been with LaMelo Ball in the mix, his performance has put the team on a national stage. The opportunity to see him in person will help to create a homecourt advantage that hasn’t been seen in a long time.

These three reasons are a good start to be optimistic for a return to the national and playoff stages for the Hornets. Of course, it will have to be up to the team to live up to those expectations, and that starts Thursday night. Let the games begin.