“Uncertainty” is the word that most easily comes to mind when reflecting on Charlotte Hornets offseason. The offseason began by the Hornets firing their head coach James Borrego who had increased the teams win total by 10 in each of the last three seasons.
The Hornets had a verbal commitment from former Brooklyn Nets head coach and current Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson about the team’s vacant head coach position. About a week after the verbal commitment from Atkinson the Warriors went on to win the NBA Finals, where it came out that Atkinson had decided to remain with Golden State as an assistant coach.
That left the Hornets coach-less for the NBA Draft, where they came away with center Mark Williams of Duke University in the first round and guard Bryce McGowens of the University of Nebraska in the second round.
The day after the NBA Draft, it was announced that Steve Clifford was returning to the Charlotte Hornets to be head coach once again. Clifford spent last season as a coaching consultant for the Brooklyn Nets. Prior to last season, Clifford was the head coach for the Orlando Magic for three seasons. As Hornets fans may know, Clifford was the Bobcats/Hornets head coach from 2013-2018 taking Charlotte to the playoffs twice.
Miles Bridges’ current legal situation definitely adds to the uncertainty in regard to the Charlotte Hornets offseason. It is unclear whether or not Bridges will be with the team this upcoming season. Prior to the incident, Mitch Kupchak went public in saying he was going to bring Miles back to the Hornets. Basically, he stated he would match any offer sheet that he would sign. Obviously, that is all subject to change.
That situation has affected the Hornets free agency tremendously in the fact that the only activity they have been involved in is extending Cody Martin to a three-year deal. Due to the incident the team is somewhat “trapped” as they do not know what will end up happening with Bridges’ trial. Due to the ongoing situation with Bridges, the Hornets cannot really make any signings.
The Hornets do not have a backup point guard on the roster and should look to sign one before training camp begins. Isaiah Thomas joined the roster toward the end of last season and played pretty well. He is still available and could end up coming back to Charlotte to man the same role he held last season. There are also a few solid options still available in free agency. Kemba Walker is still available and maybe the Hornets will get in touch with him about a possible reunion with Steve Clifford to fill that backup point guard role.
The Hornets have been involved in some recent trade rumors, but it appears there is no imminent deal. If the Hornets were to make a move, it would prove that Mitch Kupchak is ready to win now.
Despite all of the uncertainty surrounding the Hornets there are still some things to look forward to such as LaMelo Ball entering his 3rd season after making his first All-Star team. The return of Steve Clifford who was the last head coach to take the Hornets to the playoffs and did so with a roster that was not very good. This roster is much more competitive than his previous rosters. PJ Washington is entering his fourth season, and fans hope that he will take a big step forward this upcoming season. The addition of a rim protector in Mark Williams, the Hornets most recent first round pick, should help the Hornets defensively from day one.
Fans can either look at the uncertainty and not be excited for this upcoming season or look at some of the new additions and bright spots and be optimistic as LaMelo Ball could take another big step this season and lead the Hornets to a solid season.