The new NBA season is right around the corner. To help get ready for the 2024-25 NBA season, we’re looking at three questions each NBA team could face next season.
Here, we have the Charlotte Hornets, who enter the new season with a new ownership group and coaching staff.
Can LaMelo Ball stay healthy?
Ball has struggled for fitness over the last two years, playing in 36 games during the 2022-23 season and 22 games last season. Those injury issues come directly after his first All-Star selection during his sophomore campaign in the NBA.
Despite two tough years, Ball is still young enough to prove himself an elite guard in the NBA and a core part of the Hornets’ chances of future success. His ability to make quick reads on offense, hit difficult passes and create his own shot ensures that he’s a box-office performer who can quickly rack up points and assists.
New head coach Charles Lee will have to improve Ball’s defense and ensure that his flamboyant approach is channeled into productive ways. Nevertheless, Charlotte needs the boost the 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and eight assists per game he averaged in 2023-24 can provide if they’re going to challenge for a spot in the play-in tournament next season.
Is Brandon Miller ready to be the primary offensive option?
Miller was thrust into a major role within the Hornets’ offense last season. He and Miles Bridges were the clear-cut primary options on the offensive side of the ball. Miller, 21, finished in the top three in Rookie of the Year voting and emerged as a potential All-Star.
In 74 regular-season games, the Alabama product averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 44% from the field and 37.3.% from three-point range. Miller has all the tools necessary to be an elite wing in the NBA. If he can improve his defense and his decision-making, he will be a major threat in the NBA for years to come.
However, it may be too early to ask Miller to lead the offense next season, especially if Ball and Bridges are both healthy and in the rotation. Still, Miller must be given the chance to spearhead the Hornets roster sooner or later. Only then can he prove himself as the franchise cornerstone.
Is Grant Williams the leader Charlotte needs?
When Williams was traded to the Hornets midway through last season, he arrived with his stock at an all-time low. A disastrous spell with the Dallas Mavericks quickly saw the former Boston Celtics forward shipped out of Texas. However, a string of strong performances with Charlotte quickly saw him bounce back to being a respected three-and-d forward.
Williams has significant experience in the league. He’s experienced deep postseason runs, been to the NBA Finals and he understands what it takes for a team to be successful. His fit in Charlotte makes perfect sense. He’s young enough to grow with the franchise but enough of a veteran to emerge as the leader of the franchise.
Lee will likely lean heavily on Williams for his leadership abilities while also asking him to prove himself as an elite corner three-point shooter and switch defender. Williams could have a career-year for the Hornets next season.
