Swarm and Sting
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3 most important Charlotte Hornets for the 2023-24 season

By James Mastrucci

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 11: A detail of the Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on the shorts worn by Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 11: A detail of the Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on the shorts worn by Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images /
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After a disastrous 2022-23 season which saw the Charlotte Hornets stumble to a 27-55 record and end up with the second overall pick in the draft, the expectation is that they will bounce back in a big way. For that to happen they are going to need major contributions from quite a few players. But it is three in particular that will immediately impact the future of the Hornets organization.

Jan 14, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) stands on the court during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) stands on the court during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /

LaMelo Ball

Getting the obvious choice out of the way first, it is LaMelo Ball. Ball is by far the best player on the Hornets and his offensive prowess is more than capable of making even the most talent-devoid teams competitive more often than not.

There were struggles for Ball in his third season of the league. Injuries combined with overall inefficiency were the story last season. It is a widely accepted fact that Ball can play better than what he did last season and a healthy supporting cast around him could make that a reality.

It is about the short and long-term outlook of the franchise when it comes to Ball. A bounce-back season, as predicted by one analyst, would make the front office and coaching staff sleep a little better at night considering his massive contract extension kicks in starting next season.

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