Swarm and Sting
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3 disastrous outcomes for the Charlotte Hornets in 2023-24

By James Mastrucci

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 25: LaMelo Ball #1 congratulates Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets after defeating the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2023 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 - FEBRUARY 25: LaMelo Ball #1 congratulates Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets after defeating the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2023 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) /
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The widely accepted expectation for the Charlotte Hornets this season is that they will improve and make a run for the Play-In Tournament at the bare minimum. But what if that does not happen? What if no matter how hard they try, obstacles continue to get in their way, stymying any of their attempts to move forward as an organization? The following are three potential disastrous outcomes that the Charlotte Hornets could end up with this season.

LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets.
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

1. Lamelo Ball is unable to stay healthy

This is at the top of the list and for good reason. LaMelo Ball is supposed to be the person who carries the Hornets franchise out of the basement of the Eastern Conference. The Hornets have committed time and resources to him already in addition to the future financial commitment in the form of his massive contract extension.

If Ball is not able to stay mostly healthy and play a sizable chunk of games, it would be a massive problem for the Hornets. Ball has missed quite a few games in his career, including 46 just last season. Another year in which Ball misses a large chunk of games would result in their Play-In Tournament chances being non-existent. Any shot of returning to a level of competitive basketball over the course of an entire season is dependent on the availability of Ball, and that is an indisputable fact.

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