5 Biggest takeaways from Charlotte Hornets 2021-22 media day

Gordon Hayward will have his minutes limited to stay healthy throughout the season

Many questioned the signing of Hayward to such a big contract before last season but when he was on the court for the Hornets, he was playing at an all-star level.

Unfortunately, Hayward couldn’t stay healthy as he’s been unable to do the last few years of his career and he was limited to just 44 games.

At media day, both Hayward and Borrego made it clear that with a team full of young guys, the team is going to do everything they can to keep Hayward healthy, and that involves limiting his minutes.

Borrego said they aren’t sure what it’ll be yet, but there will be load management for the 31-year-old forward.

"He looks great, feels great. His body is in great shape. Physically, he is ready to go. We need a little bit of luck to go our way, health to go our way.” -James Borrego"

Right now, though, Hayward said he’s ready to go.

Additional takeaways and notes:

• James Borrego said he expects the team to be 100% vaccinated by the start of the season
• P.J. Washington is looking to be a more consistent player this year
• LiAngelo Ball didn’t make the Hornets training camp roster
• Miles Plumlee compared LaMelo Ball’s game to Shaun Livingston (he was very good before and even some after his brutal knee injury.)
• Miles Bridges is willing to come off the bench to help the team win
• The team expects James Bouknight to be one of the better shooters in the league