The Charlotte Hornets' offense needs an overhaul after ranking at the bottom in several metrics in that department in the regular season. Coach Charles Lee has taken a lot of flak for the apparent absence of a creative playbook. However, if you think about it, the front office has not provided him with enough shot-creators on the roster.
Perhaps a reason behind it is that the Hornets believe LaMelo Ball could carry their offense on their own. Maybe that would eventually turn out to be true, but he has yet to prove that he can stay healthy enough to spend significantly more time on the floor than on the injury report. Also, gone are the days when a one-man offense can steer a team to the top of the league.
So, Charlotte has to find ways to bring in more shot-creators this summer.
It's clear what Hornets must do this summer
First of all, a shift in draft philosophy is necessary. The Hornets must avoid making another Tidjane Salaun move this year, as bringing in another project player with their first-round pick would just throw them into a loop. One or two of Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, and Tre Johnson will presumably be available when they select a prospect at No. 4 in the draft. Any of them can help in shot-making, so the top brass don't really have to overthink and go crazy at Barclays Center on June 25.
The free agency and trade markets can also provide the Hornets with various ways to find offensive help around Ball.
To be fair, the decision to choose Brandon Miller in the 2023 draft and trade for Tre Mann at the trade deadline of the 2023-24 season gave Charlotte bucket-getters. Unfortunately, Mann's injury cut short his 2024-25 campaign, and Miller still has a ways to go before becoming an elite shot-creator.
Some moves also haven't panned out well for the Hornets, including trusting Josh Green to be a secondary ball-handler when the offense breaks down. Miles Bridges has done decently in trying to generate offense for Charlotte late this season, but he may be suited better as a Swiss Army Knife man for the squad than someone who creates his own shots in many possessions.
Besides, it wouldn't hurt Buzz City to acquire more reliable shot-creators, as this year's contenders have multiple players with that ability. For instance, the Oklahoma City Thunder have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, whom Miller should look to as a role model.
Only time will tell what Hornets lead executive Jeff Peterson intends to do with the roster this offseason. Hopefully, though, Ball won't have to place the squad's offense on his shoulders too much again moving forward.