Swarm and Sting
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The Three Biggest X-Factors for the 2022-23 Charlotte Hornets

By Evan Birchmore

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 26: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts with teammates Gordon Hayward #20 and Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 during the second half of the game at Spectrum Center on November 26, 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 - NOVEMBER 26: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts with teammates Gordon Hayward #20 and Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 during the second half of the game at Spectrum Center on November 26, 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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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 21: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during their game at Spectrum Center on January 21, 2022 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 21: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during their game at Spectrum Center on January 21, 2022 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Gordon Hayward’s health

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.

A healthy Gordon Hayward undeniably makes the Hornets a better team. Look no further than Charlotte’s record with and without him over the past two seasons. Since Hayward’s arrival, the Hornets are 26-37 without him and 50-43 with him. Over an 82-game season, this would equate to a 33-win pace without him and a 44-win pace with him. Both seasons of his Charlotte tenure have ended in blowout losses in the play-in tournament without him on the floor. Charlotte’s point differential and net rating both drop precipitously without him in the fold.

Hayward was recently quoted as saying he “feels great” as the Hornets prepare to embark on their season.

The frustrating aspect for Hayward and the Hornets is that his injuries have been seemingly out of his control. His first season with the team was cut short due to a sprain in his right foot, while his second campaign was ended by a sprained ankle that turned out to be worse than it was originally believed to be.

Whether it be through a lessened minutes load, planned games off, or simply better luck, keeping Hayward in the fold for the stretch run of the season is an absolute necessity.

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