Almost every offseason has proven to be challenging for the Charlotte Hornets because coveted free agents rarely want to join the franchise.
The last time an All-Star-caliber went to the squad via free agency (actually a sign and trade) was in 2020 when Gordon Hayward was brought in from the Boston Celtics. However, the retired star was already a shell of his former self by then due to injuries. Before that, the last time a game-changing free agent took his talents to Charlotte was in 2013, when Al Jefferson signed with the then-Bobcats.
There have been varying reasons behind players shunning the team, with some of them probably weighing how incompetently run it has been. It's hard to argue against that notion when Charlotte is the lone squad to have never made the playoffs in the past nine years.
Charlotte is the worst organization in the league per NBA players
With new owners and a revamped office, though, one might think that the Hornets organization wouldn't be as bad as it was in the past. But that doesn't seem to be the case because, in The Athletic's recent anonymous players poll (subscription required), Charlotte was voted as the worst organization in the NBA by 43 out of 113 players, equivalent to 38.1 percent.
The result might come as shocking to some, considering that the Hornets didn't even finish last in the standings. They ended with a better record than the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz. However, the Wizards swept their regular-season series against Buzz City, while the Jazz had less talent on the roster and were blatantly tanking. Maybe that's why the squad has been painted in such a negative light.
Unfortunately, that might not bode well for the Hornets' chances of attracting free agents who can make an impact on the team. It's also rare to see players request a trade to Charlotte.
On the other hand, the Hornets won't have enough cap space unless they complete shrewd trades that would get rid of their players with rich contracts. So, seeking major upgrades through free agency might not actually be that feasible.
With limited options, Jeff Peterson and company have to be resourceful in finding ways to improve the roster. The good news is that the front office has shown to be crafty when it unloaded some of the team's expendable veterans and got future assets in return.
It's time, though, for Peterson to start walking the talk and prove he can transform the Hornets into a sustainable contender. Otherwise, Charlotte will continue to be some NBA players' least favorite franchise.