The Charlotte Hornets are off to a good start after an eventful trade deadline. The team undergoing a roster shakeup might have had fans forgetting that it had been in the midst of a six-game losing streak. They can now actually put it in the rearview mirror after the Hornets eked out a win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
Charlotte had a strong start against the Spurs, racing to a double-digit lead at halftime, thanks partly to a couple of youngsters putting on a show and taking advantage of increased opportunities after the organization's recent trades. But as has been the case in many of Hornets' contests this season, the opponent rallied after facing a large deficit.
The Hornets eventually escaped with the 117-116 victory following Miles Bridges' last-second 3-pointer off an assist from LaMelo Ball. Recent Spurs acquisition De'Aaron Fox sank a jumper in the ensuing possession, although it didn't count, as Nick Smith Jr.'s defense caused Fox to take too much time to get off a shot.
Charlotte's projected starting lineup
It remains to be seen if the Hornets can continue their triumphant ways and start a tradition of going on a winning streak shortly after the trade deadline after accomplishing a similar feat last year. That could prove detrimental to their hopes of securing a high draft pick in the summer. However, the possibility that wins can boost players' morale shouldn't be disregarded.
If Charlotte wants the best chance to win while also building for the future, its coaching staff should consider fielding these guys at the opening buzzer.
The obvious choices
As long as they're healthy, Ball, Bridges, and Josh Green should be able to hold onto their spot in the starting lineup until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
There is really that much need to discuss Ball and Bridges. They are arguably the squad's two best players, with Mark Williams having been sent to the Los Angeles Lakers and Brandon Miller out for the season. A time might come, though, when we should discuss Bridges' role. But for now, his ability to create shots for himself and others while also showing improvement on the defensive end should keep his job safe.
Some fans might scoff at the idea that Green should be an obvious starter. However, he might be the team's best 3-and-D wing player at the moment. Perhaps Josh Okogie can supplant him before the regular season ends, but the Hornets newcomer is sidelined for a few weeks.
The development projects
Rounding out the starting lineup should be Moussa Diabate and Nick Smith Jr.
Diabate exhibited his potential versus San Antonio, falling one point shy of a double-double. His 15 rebounds, seven of which came on the offensive end, led all players on Friday. The motor and defense were present as usual, but the young Frenchman displayed another facet of his game that not everyone knew about. He dished out six assists, which nearly matched Chris Paul's output.
There could be a case for Jusuf Nurkic to get the nod, which would give the Hornets' bench a needed energy guy. However, focusing on Diabate's development should be the priority for the Hive.
The shooting guard position is where it could get complicated for Charlotte. Incoming swingman Dalton Knecht might receive some consideration because of his potential to be a floor-spacing piece alongside Ball and Bridges.
Even so, Smith Jr. seems the logical choice because Knecht and Green don't look like a good fit on offense, especially since both of them rely on their teammates making plays for them. As for the second-year Hornet, he can thrive off-ball and serve as a secondary ball-handler in broken plays, which have often happened under Charles Lee's guidance.