No, the Charlotte Hornets are not in the playoffs. Their biggest postseason moment will come when the NBA lottery order is announced. But there are a few former Hornets that are making their mark in the postseason. It’s important to live vicariously through these players and examine their time in Charlotte, to make this playoff drought a bit less painful. And as a reminder that the franchise can make quality personnel decisions, even if they didn’t flourish in Queen City.
First on the list:
Nic Batum
The 6’9 wingman was with the Hornets for five seasons. After being traded from the Portland Trailblazers, Batum became an important cog on the 2015-16 Hornets’ team. That squad went to the playoff, eventually losing to Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat in seven games. They were coached by Steve Clifford, during his first stint as head coach of the Hornets. It was only the second season since the team had changed its name back to the Hornets, and the last time the franchise made it to the playoffs.
Batum was the team’s best facilitator, averaging a team-high 5.8 assists per contest. He was also their best perimeter defender. Add that to his nearly 15 points per game and Batum was an indispensable member of a playoff team. He and Kemba Walker (the team’s top scorers) worked well with one another. And the future looked bright for the franchise, having made the playoffs two of the past three seasons.
Batum’s ending in Charlotte was far less ceremonious than his beginning. After his first season with the Hornets, he signed a five-year, $120 million deal as an unrestricted free agent to return. He had a similarly productive year in 2016-17, but his output steadily increased. By the end of his tenure, he was averaging three points a game and was on one of the worst contracts in the sport. In fact, the Hornets used the stretch provision on Batum’s last $27 million.
Batum’s role with the Clippers is far reduced from his best days as a Hornet. His “3 and D” style is perfect as a reserve and as someone that gives the Clippers flexibility. After shooting a woeful 28.6% from three in his last season in Charlotte, his three seasons in Los Angeles have seen him return to form from behind the arc (he has averaged over 40% on more than four attempts per game). His versatility has helped the Clippers to a 1-1 tie in the first round of the playoffs, he has helped fill in nicely with the starters with Paul George out with an injury.