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Will the Charlotte Hornets exceed expectations in 2023-24?

By James Mastrucci

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 14: P.J. Washington #25 and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrate a three-point basket in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on November 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 14: P.J. Washington #25 and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrate a three-point basket in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on November 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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The expectations are not high for the Charlotte Hornets in the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season, but will they surpass their low projected win total? That possibility was addressed by The Athletic’s John Hollinger in a recently published prediction article. Hollinger would tackle five teams, one being the Hornets.

With a projected win total of just 30.5 games following a season that went by the wayside due to multiple injuries, Hollinger believes that the Hornets are capable of exceeding expectations this season.  A combination of a healthier roster, in addition to drafting Brandon Miller, should result in Charlotte winning more games.

Hollinger did note that the combination of Mark Williams and Nick Richards at the center position does not necessarily inspire much confidence. While Williams was somewhat impressive in his 18 games as a starter, that is not nearly enough of a sample size to bet on that being repeatable. Richards did improve in his third year but is still far from being considered a lock to be an impactful NBA player. Even with these issues, Hollinger believes that the Hornets should exceed the projected win total and possibly make a run for the Play-In Tournament.

"“So yeah, I think the Play-In is, um, in play. And sheesh, that win total is a low, low bar. I don’t get how people just blithely assume Charlotte will still suck this year. Ball/Terry Rozier/Miller/PJ Washington/Bridges is a tough matchup to deal with in fourth quarters, especially with LaMelo pushing it down everyone’s throat.”"

As Hollinger notes, ending up with more wins than last year or their projected total is not exactly an accomplishment. The Hornets have talent on their roster and should be able to reach the 31-win threshold at minimum as long as enough things go their way. The problem is the season playing out in this manner is not exactly a guarantee. And with last year’s disastrous campaign still on everyone’s mind, any skepticism about them being successful is not unfounded.

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