Swarm and Sting
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Why the Charlotte Hornets have the brightest future in the NBA

By Michael Wylie

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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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 22: Gregg Popovich head coach of the San Antonio Spurs talks with the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets James Borrego at the end of the game at AT&T Center on March 22, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 22: Gregg Popovich head coach of the San Antonio Spurs talks with the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets James Borrego at the end of the game at AT&T Center on March 22, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego is establishing himself as one of the better coaches in the NBA

This might be a surprise to some.

I have not understood the James Borrego criticism he has received through his tenure in Charlotte.

With the Charlotte Hornets yet to be in the national media spotlight, there has not been a ton of talk regarding him and his performance in Charlotte. No matter the spotlight, Hornets fans can look back on the past few seasons with confidence Borrego could be the coach of the future.

First, Borrego is able to stick his name to some surprising standouts and consistent over-achieving. Credit Borrego to the breakouts of Devonte’ Graham and Jalen McDaniels in recent history and the vast improvement of Miles Bridges.

Second, Borrego is in the long coaching tree of future Hall-of-Fame coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich continues to lose assistants to jobs in other organizations in the NBA, mostly due to the success that comes from his staff outside of the San Antonio Spurs organization.

Finally, Borrego helped build this team from the bottom. In his first year, he was dealt a team full of veterans that failed to meet expectations. Leaving a bad taste in fans’ mouths, his job was not any easier when Charlotte lost former franchise star Kemba Walker to free agency.

With a franchise expected to tank from a national perspective, Borrego and his staff developed the talent they had on the roster, and the players have continued to improve.

It’s safe to say Borrego wasn’t dealt a great situation to begin his head coaching tenure, but he has surely made the best of it. With the Charlotte roster’s potential to improve, Borrego should have a roster ready to take the next step next season.

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