Why the Charlotte Hornets have the brightest future in the NBA

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 11: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on May 11, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 11: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on May 11, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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May 9, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego directs his team against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego directs his team against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a recent play-in berth in 2021, the Charlotte Hornets are primed to become a legitimate top seed in the Eastern Conference.

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Although the outcome wasn’t as many fans would have hoped, Charlotte still accomplished what no other Hornets’ team has in four seasons.

According to FiveThirtyEight, newly acquired forward Gordon Hayward was projected to lead the Hornets to a sub-par season with a close to 0% chance to make the playoffs.

Instead, head coach James Borrego had to deal with injuries to multiple key players that put them out for an extended amount of time. While dealing with the injuries, Borrego held Charlotte above a 75% chance to make the postseason in the middle of April.

In short, the Hornets overachieved.

No matter how the season ended for this young group, the Hornets still had plenty to be proud of.

Here’s why the Charlotte Hornets have shown that they have the brightest future in the NBA.