Former Charlotte Hornets making an NBA Finals splash

It can be bittersweet to watch an ex live out their dreams. If you cared about them as people, you will likely be happy that you have seen their ascension. But, depending on how the relationship was left, it may hurt to not be beside them anymore. Or worse, to feel like you contributed to the accomplishment of their goal, without being able to enjoy the light that it will bring. For Charlotte Hornets fans, there is no bitterness in the sweet feeling of watching Cody Zeller and Caleb Martin play (and play well) in the NBA finals.

Who were these players when they played for the Charlotte Hornets?

Cody Zeller played for the Charlotte Hornets from 2013 to 2021. He was the Charlotte Hornets’ fourth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Zeller spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Hornets and became known for his solid contributions on both ends of the court. Whenever Zeller was on the court, he was a metronome. Fans knew what they would get every time he played.

The 6’11 center from Indiana University was known for his energy, hustle, and athleticism, which made him an effective rebounder and shot blocker. Zeller’s defensive efforts often went beyond his individual stats, and the very thing that kept him off the court (injuries) also served as part of the reason he was a fan favorite.

It felt like once or twice a year he would suffer a facial injury, and Zeller’s clear mask became as much a part of his uniform as his jersey. Still, he only averaged playing 50 games a season his last five with the Hornets. As native North Carolinian Bam Adebayo’s backup, he is responsible for a lot less than he was as a starter for the Hornets. But even with his reduced role, he’s struggled in the Finals. In 16 minutes, Zeller is a -19.

Caleb Martin should also look familiar to Charlotte Hornets fans. Not just because he played his first two seasons in the NBA in Charlotte, but because his identical brother (Cody) is still with the good guys. After Martin’s sophomore season, he and his brother transferred from NC State. Caleb then went undrafted, eventually playing in the G league and earning his NBA debut thereafter. It hasn’t been easy for the 6’ 5 Swiss army knife wingman, but he has fought to carve out a space for himself in the league.

Martin was instrumental in the Heat reaching the finals. He averaged 19 points and a shade over six rebounds a game in the Eastern Conference Finals. His athleticism and shot-making make him a perfect contributor for the Heat, with the ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions defensively.

It’s great to see two former Hornets reach glory, even if it’s with another team. It also sheds light on the Hornets. That the team is capable of identifying Finals-level talent, even if the Charlotte Hornets haven’t had the team success it has wanted recently. It also presents more existential questions; would players that have gone on to have success elsewhere, like Caleb Martin, if they had stayed in Charlotte? Or did they need to leave to fully realize their best selves? And what would it say about the organization if players couldn’t fully develop while with the Hornets?