A Comprehensive guide to the Charlotte Hornets’ 2023-24 preseason
By Adam Taylor
Game 4: Hornets vs. Celtics
Location: Spectrum Center
Date: October 19
Key Celtics players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White
New additions: Kristaps Porzingis, Oshae Brissett, Dalano Banton, Jordan Walsh
Notable offseason moves: Traded away Marcus Smart as part of the Kristaps Porzingis deal. Lost Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks via a sign-and-trade. Re-signed Jaylen Brown to a supermax contract.
The Boston Celtics will likely be the Charlotte Hornets’ toughest preseason test. Unlike the Miami Heat, Boston hasn’t stood still during the summer. Instead, Brad Stevens has strengthened some key areas of the Celtics’ rotation while making a difficult call on Marcus Smarts’ tenure with the franchise.
Charlotte will be put to the test on October 19 as they try to limit Boston’s trigger-happy 3-point offense. It will be interesting to see if recently acquired Frank Ntilikina can make a difference when guarding the perimeter and provide some reliable cover for LaMelo on the defensive end.
Playing against a genuine championship contender to end preseason will be a good way to ramp up, as it will force Charlotte to increase their intensity and show their young roster how an elite-level team looks to execute on both ends of the floor.
The Hornets have a tough preseason schedule, but for a young team looking to prove they’re capable of making some noise this year, that type of difficulty is exactly what they need, so they can begin building winning habits and setting a tone in the locker room before the real games begin in late October.
Next. Report: Hornets boost perimeter defense with signing of former lottery pick. dark