3 Ds the Hornets will look to focus on this season and beyond

2. Defense

The last time the Charlotte Hornets booked a trip to the playoffs was in the 2015-16 season. In the past nine campaigns, that was the only time the team ranked in the top 10 in defense. Charles Lee and the coaching staff seem on a mission to bring back that stingy defensive mindset starting this year.

According to Lee, he wants to see an increased commitment to defense from his players. And based on their statements on media day, the 39-year-old coach could get his wish granted.

LaMelo Ball, who will likely be looked upon as one of Charlotte's leaders, acknowledged that he has to lock in better on the defense. There is no doubt about his prolific shot-creating and playmaking skills. But people have knocked him for his "horrific" defense despite having the length and athleticism to be elite on that end of the court. It appears, though, that he is entering the 2024-25 season with a new mindset.

Mark Williams and Brandon Miller also expressed their desire to excel on defense. The big man from Duke University said that points of emphasis for him this season are "protecting the rim" and "being able to guard on that island" whenever he is switched onto smaller foes. Meanwhile, Miller said the next level of his game would be becoming an "elite two-way" player.

Even Charlotte's first-round selection this year, Tidjane Salaun, recognized that the fastest way for him to crack the rotation is through defense.

With players aiming to be better defensively and a coaching staff holding them accountable, the Hornets could surprise the league this coming season in that department.