The Ringer CEO and founder, Bill Simmons, discussed the Charlotte Hornets as a part of the latest episode of his podcast "The Bill Simmons Podcast." The episode started with an NBA power poll from the journalist in which he had some harsh words for the Hornets, describing the franchise as "a disaster of a basketball franchise basically in any incarnation of it."
Even though there were some fun years in the 90s, and there have been moments of promise with Kemba and now LaMelo, it is hard to prove Simmons wrong. Winning is what makes a good basketball franchise, and the Hornets just have not done that. This very hypothetical trade is one that will definitely bring some more wins to the franchise.
Now, I have to preface this upcoming trade proposal as one that is purely fictitious and one that Simmons acknowledges has no chance of happening. Reviewing the fantasy land trade he presents is a fun thought exercise and a nice breath of fresh air for Charlotte fans after the past decades of pain.
THE TRADE PROPOSAL
CHARLOTTE RECIEVES: STEPHEN CURRY
GOLDEN STATE RECIEVES: LaMELO BALL, GORDON HAYWARD AND 3/4 FIRST ROUND PICKS
STEPHEN CURRY RECIEVES: PART OWNERSHIP OF THE HORNETS
Is there any validity to this happening? No. Is it fun to imagine Stephen Curry, one of the best 15 players of all time, ending his career in a Hornets jersey? Yes. So let's do that for a minute.
Replacing LaMelo with Steph when they are at vastly different points in their career may seem like an odd front office decision. However, if they had the Hornets' front office had the chance to bring in one of the five best players in the league who is from the area, it would be a no brainer for me anyways.
With the Hornets last in average NBA attendance, this would bring some buzz into the city, and it would have the whole world tuned in to see Dell Curry and Eric Collins call Curry's first game as a member of the Hornets. It would be a story-book ending for Curry to end his career where he grew up and where his father Dell became a franchise legend.
Would Steph be able to surpass Dell on the all-time 3's list as a Hornet? Who knows. One thing I do know is that it was fun to take a walk down Wonderland into a place that felt like euphoria for the time I spent writing. I hope you enjoyed thinking about Steph in a Hornets jersey as much as I did.