#2 Multiple Hornets players have a point to prove
Motivation is a powerful tool. Every player in the NBA has had to prove people wrong at one point or another in their career. For the Hornets, they have a bevy of talent that will feel like this season is their chance to prove their worth, not only to the franchise but to the league itself.
Miller will want to show he was worthy of being selected ahead of Scoot Henderson with the second overall pick. Bridges will be playing for a big contract next summer. Hayward, in the final year of his current deal, will need to prove he can still play a big role without succumbing to minor injuries.
Ball needs to remind everyone why he’s still an elite guard of the future. Nick Smith Jr. has minutes to earn and people to impress. P.J. Washington will likely feel aggrieved his contract took so long to sort out. The list goes on and on.
With so many talented individuals all having reasons to excel this year, Charlotte could ride those motivations all the way to the postseason, even if it means traversing a difficult play-in tournament.