Swarm and Sting
Fansided

4 Hornets who will still be rostered for their next playoff appearance

By James Mastrucci

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 03: The Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 03, 2023 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 03: The Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 03, 2023 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

The Charlotte Hornets have not gotten off to a good start this season, and there is a good chance they are not playing for anything relevant by the end of the season. With midseason moves all but certain, it is now time to wonder which members of the Hornets will still be in Charlotte the next time this team makes the postseason.

Hornets LaMelo Ball
Nov 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) passes the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

1. LaMelo Ball

This is a no-brainer. LaMelo Ball is the face of the franchise and has a five-year $205.9 million contract extension that kicks in following the 2023-24 season that should keep him on the roster through 2028-29.

A playoff appearance of some kind should come during the time that Ball is under contract with the Hornets. Whether that would be genuine playoff qualification or qualification via Play-In Tournament, one of these two avenues to make the postseason is certainly on the table as long as Ball is under contract.

Of course, some smoothing out of his game will be required to escape the basement of the Eastern Conference, but it is difficult to envision a scenario that results in this organization continuing to miss the playoffs with Ball under his current contract.

Home/Hornets News