It’s a playoffs or bust mentality
No NBA team enters a season wanting to lose but there are certainly teams that know the expectations are low as they’re either rebuilding or just not ready to compete.
After reaching the play-in game last season before getting blown out by the Indiana Pacers, the expectations were made known at media day that this Hornets team is ready to make the playoffs and cause some noise when they get there.
Forward Miles Bridges is now the longest-tenured player on the roster and he made it clear that the embarrassing loss to the Pacers left a bad taste in their mouth.
"“It was a blessing in disguise,” Bridges said. “Every time I got tired this summer during a drill, I thought about that game. We can’t take any games for granted this season.”"
Bridges also said last year they “kinda” had a playoff or bust mentality but this year they ‘definitely’ do.
Live @hornets media day: @MilesBridges “I feel like we can make some noise in the playoffs” added that staying healthy is a major factor to how deep a run a team can make. pic.twitter.com/0TqwT35Fhd
— Sam Farber (@SamFarberLive) September 27, 2021
Guard Terry Rozier said during his availability that Charlotte is looking to do some ‘special things’ this season.
"“We want to make the playoffs. If we don’t make the playoffs that’s automatically a failed season.” – Terry Rozier"
From the outside looking in, it seems like this young Hornets team knows they’re being overlooked and they’re ready to prove all the doubters wrong.