Charlotte Hornets Rallies for Future Returns Post NBA Trade Deadline
The end of another nail-biting NBA trade season has most teams walking away with an air of triumph. Teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and Philadephia 76ers are reveling in their acquired talent of Gordon Hayward, PJ Washington, Terry Rozier, and home-grown Kyle Lowry respectively. However, the team on the flip side of these trades – The Charlotte Hornets – also have a reason to celebrate.
A Fresh Take on Winning
Trade deadlines often install a sense of victory for some and defeat for others. This year, New York is hoping for a significant ascent in the Eastern Conference, courtesy of their shrewd maneuvers. Meanwhile, Phoenix Suns managed to add depth and versatility while the Boston Celtics revamped their bench, potentially upgrading it.
However, the winning narrative for the Charlotte Hornets is the potentiality of future returns after the seemingly disastrous trade season. Presently, they look forward to the draft lottery as their only hope after the season ends. In a pragmatic move, they chose to reconstruct their team and strategize anew for the upcoming seasons.
Seeds of Change and Uncertainty
The Hornets’ decision to rebuild from scratch has created an air of uncertainty within the team. With the recent change in ownership, there’s a strong possibility of reshuffling in the management. Team mainstay Mitch Kupchak has already moved to an advisory position, creating room for speculation about the future of coach Steve Clifford.
New owners, Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, have been proactive in initiating alterations in the team. Undeterred by the summer break, they have already kickstarted the process.
Player Acquisitions and the Hornets’ Future
Post the trading season, the Hornets now house players like Seth Curry, Grant Williams, Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, and Vasilije Micic. They also have two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and ample salary cap space. The addition of Seth Curry and Grant Williams seems promising, given their affinity for their hometown, Charlotte. They also added Brandon Miller, the second pick in the previous year’s draft, who they hope will ascend to stardom.
The Hornets have 29 games to go in a season that has left much to be desired. NBA history could mark this as one of the worst seasons for Charlotte, second only to 2011-12 season’s dismal 7-59 finish. However, the current season holds no relevance in the win-loss perspective.
With key players like LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Hayward, Washington, and Rozier either injured or traded, the Hornets are using the remaining games as a stepping stone towards the future. Those gearing to strategize for upcoming seasons have a robust roster at their disposal, with most players contracted for at least the next season and, in many cases, even longer.
Their stance at the trade deadline may not strike as a victory this year. Nevertheless, their prudent moves and calculated risk-taking could reap significant returns in the future.
