Swarm and Sting
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Report Card: Grading the Charlotte Hornets midway through the season

By Jason Huber

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Miles Bridges #0, Terry Rozier #3 and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets look on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 19, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Miles Bridges #0, Terry Rozier #3 and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets look on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 19, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Gordon Hayward and Miles Bridges. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Gordon Hayward and Miles Bridges. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Starters: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, Mason Plumlee

LaMelo Ball

Grade: B

In his second NBA season, point guard LaMelo Ball has proven that his rookie year was no fluke and he’s on the way to being a superstar.

Ball has put up a very solid case to be named an all-star this season, averaging 19 points, 7.7 assists, and 7.3 rebounds.

His biggest flaws have been his defense and field goal efficiency. Ball is a playmaker and makes this team as good as they are but these flaws have caused concern and don’t always allow him to be utilized in late close games.

Ball is only 20 and he’s got a long way to go but I can’t go any higher than this grade right now.

Terry Rozier

Grade: B-

Scary Terry is real and had it not been to a slow start to the season as he recovered from an injury, Rozier would probably be close to an A.

If Rozier was graded purely on his fourth-quarter and second-half performances he would be close to having an A+ because he’s been a great clutch player and has come through when Charlotte’s needed him most.

Rozier is trending upward right now and this grade will certainly get better but his first-half struggles have to stop being a thing.

Gordon Hayward

Grade: C+

The expectations are always going to be higher for Gordon Hayward based on his contract size but consistency has been his problem this year.

Hayward has had some big moments and the fact that he’s stayed this healthy so far is everything that Charlotte can ask for.

The thing is, despite the solid numbers he’s put up, he’s looked a bit slower and has had some very cold stretches.

If he can improve his all-around game by the end of this season, the Hornets will be a much better team.

Miles Bridges

Grade: A-

Arguably the biggest story of the Hornets season has been the huge jump that Miles Bridges has taken in his game and he’s making a strong argument to be named an all-star.

Bridges has led the team in points all year and when key players have been out, he’s stepped up to the plate, looking like a future superstar at times.

The only thing holding Bridges back from having an A is his defense needing improvement and getting better at handling the ball.

Bridges isn’t as scorching as he was through the first quarter of the season but he’s still been very good and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.

Mason Plumlee

Grade: C-

Nobody expected much out of Mason Plumlee but he’s had some decent games.

Plumlee is only averaging just under 25 minutes per game as a starter but has provided rebounding and an average post presence when needed.

Still, Plumlee is not the answer at center and shouldn’t be a starter. If he were coming off the bench, this grade would be much better.

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