Day 4: Charlotte Hornets – A Year to Reset
The Charlotte Hornets wrapped up the 2024–25 season with a 19–63 record, finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference. It was a year focused on development, managing injuries, and preparing for the future.
Roster Changes
The Hornets traded center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for draft capital and forward Liam McNeeley. In the backcourt, they added veteran guards Collin Sexton and Pat Connaughton to bring leadership and scoring depth. Guard Tre Mann re-signed on a three-year deal after showing promise before injury, and Spencer Dinwiddie was signed to a one-year contract to round out the rotation.
Team Identity & Coaching
First-year head coach Charles Lee focused on building defensive effort and cohesion among a young roster. The team struggled on both ends, ranking last in scoring (105.1 PPG), 29th in offensive rating (107.3), and 28th in net rating (–9.3).
Key Contributors
- LaMelo Ball: Averaged 25.2 PPG and 7.4 APG before being sidelined with multiple injuries.
- Miles Bridges: Stepped up with 20.3 PPG and 7.5 RPG, acting as a steady presence throughout the season.
- Brandon Miller: The rookie averaged 21.0 PPG across 27 starts before undergoing wrist surgery.
Season Recap
Inconsistency defined the Hornets' season. They never won more than three straight games and struggled to find rhythm due to frequent lineup changes. With the playoffs out of reach, young players like Nick Smith Jr., Amari Bailey, and Moussa Diabaté gained valuable minutes. Brandon Miller flashed star potential before his injury.
Our Analysis
With limited bench production and ongoing injury issues, the team leaned heavily on isolation scoring. The additions in the backcourt may help bring more balance moving forward.
Outlook & Fan Sentiment
Fans viewed 2024–25 as a necessary rebuilding step. With multiple draft picks, added veterans, and cap space, Charlotte’s path forward depends on development, health, and patience. The vision is long-term, but there are promising pieces in place.
Looking Ahead
- Can LaMelo Ball stay healthy and evolve into a franchise cornerstone?
- Will Brandon Miller continue his growth into a primary scorer?
- How will this guard heavy team fair?
Final Thoughts
The Hornets embraced a reset in 2024–25. While the record was tough to watch, it provided valuable insight into which players can be part of the next phase. With health, experience, and smart roster moves, Charlotte is positioned to slowly climb back into relevance.