The Hornets Have Questions, But Can They Find Answers?- Hornets Season Review & Draft Preview

A Major Decision Looms For A Franchise Trying To Find Its Way Back To The Playoffs For The First Time Since The 2015-2016 Season

In the next installment of my series of discussing NBA Teams 2022-2023 Season and what could they look for in the NBA Draft, next up is the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets have two first-round draft picks and three second-round picks, these picks will determine the immediate future of the franchise going forward.

The 2022-2023 Season Record: 24-58 (2nd Worst Record In The NBA)

• Offensive- 27th in the league in scoring

• Defensive- 22nd in the league in points allowed

The Positives:

Charlotte played like a solid team basketball over the final 24 games finishing with a .500 record after a terrible start to the season. Led by a newly found attention to detail on the defensive end, the Hornets allowed teams to score 6.4 fewer points per game after the all-star break.

P.J. Washington averaged 17.6 points and 6.0 rebounds a game after the All-Star break, including 43 points against Oklahoma City on March 28th. He finished the season with 149 three-pointers made, which was a career-high (2nd on the team).

Rookie Mark Williams established himself as a starter and a franchise building block. Williams averaged a double-double after the Mason Plumlee trade and had 8 of them in his last 13 games played.

The Negatives:

Injuries and inconsistencies for the third season in a row derailed a potential Hornets playoff run. Season-ending injuries to All-Star LaMelo Ball and key reserve Cody Martin weakened the Hornets’ already fragile rotation. Steve Clifford, in his return to Charlotte as head coach, had to rely on 19 different players due to the absence of key contributors like Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Dennis Smith Jr., who all missed over 30 games each. The Hornets faced numerous challenges while adapting to their third head coach in the past five seasons.

Even though Ball, Oubre Jr., and Terry Rozier all finished the season averaging over 20 points per game, neither of the three players shot over 44% from the floor. Charlotte was the 2nd worst shooting team in the entire NBA this season. Only Gordon Hayward was the only non-center to shoot over 45% on the season.

Best Lineup Combination:

Based on the data, there is no Hornets lineup this season with 100 possessions or more that had a favorable rating with a group of five players that remained on the team until the end of the season. However, there were a few lineups that included Plumlee and Jaden McDaniels that had positive ratings. On a brighter note, there were two lineups that showed success on the court and may be worth considering for next season.

• Ball-Rozier-Hayward-J.T. Thor-Williams was a +22.1 (76 possessions)

• Rozier-Oubre Jr.-Hayward-Washington-Williams were a +20 (75 possessions)

Both lineups gave up less than 100 points per 100 possessions and were two of the best defensive units the team had that played together for over 75 possessions.

Who Is On The Roster For Next Season?

Below are the players under contract for next season. Kobi Simmons and JT Thor both have non-guaranteed contracts for next season.

(Thanks Sportrac.com for the salary information)

2023 NBA Draft

Picks- 2,27,34,39,41

Needs: Shooting, Scoring, Defense, and Versatility

First-Round Picks- Number 2,27

General Manager Mitch Kupchak has to make a franchise-altering decision in this year’s draft. Unlike the 2021 Draft, where the Hornets had the third pick in what was considered a three-player draft, the Hornets selected the last of the three players in LaMelo Ball. That pick has worked out with Ball making the All-Star team in his second year and still having massive upside going into his fourth season. 

The upcoming decision for Kupchak involves choosing between G-League Ignite's Scoot Henderson and Alabama's Brandon Miller, both of whom are top prospects. Henderson is a remarkable athlete who has consistently performed well against NBA-level competition, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. Although not the strongest long-range shooter, he is a versatile scorer who is an exceptional finisher and can easily get to the basket. Henderson possesses a unique skill set that most young point guards lack when entering the league. Scoot has so many similarities to Russell Westbrook when he came out of UCLA. 

When it comes to making the selection, it's tempting to go for the obvious choice of Henderson. However, it's important to think about the fact that he and Ball both play the same position. Although Ball has gotten better at shooting three-pointers, his real talent lies in his ball-handling abilities. Similarly, Henderson thrives when he's given the chance to make plays with the ball. As a result, it might not be as simple to incorporate him into the team as one might think. 

It would be beneficial for the Hornets to carefully consider the inclusion of Brandon Miller onto their roster. As a forward standing at 6 feet and 9 inches, he was a key player on a college basketball team that held the top ranking throughout the season. With a remarkable 38.4% accuracy in shooting beyond the arc, Miller consistently scored in double figures in 34 out of his 37 games and proved to be an exceptional rebounder as a small forward with an average of 8.2 rebounds per game. 

Additionally, Miller could provide immediate support and stability to the small forward position in Charlotte. It is worth noting that Gordon Hayward, the current starting small forward, has not played more than 50 games in any season since he joined the Hornets. Miller possesses a game very similar to Paul George, who can do just about anything you can ask him to on the basketball court. 

Currently, the Hornets are not in a position to prioritize finding the best fit for their team. The only established assets for their future are Ball and Williams. However, with Ball's contract set to expire soon, it is uncertain whether he will remain in Charlotte. Therefore, it would be wise for the Hornets to select the most talented player available with their second overall pick.

The Hornets select Scoot Henderson with the second overall pick.

With the 27th overall pick, the Hornets should look to add some frontcourt depth. Even though Washington isn’t on the salary list above, the team has until June 28th to extend the $8.5 million qualifying offer to bring him back. If they don’t bring him back, Charlotte will need someone to start at power forward next to Williams.

The team would greatly benefit from having Jalen Wilson as a versatile forward. His ability to exploit mismatches and outmaneuver larger opponents with his speed is exceptional. Moreover, he possesses a strong post-game, making him effective when receiving the ball on the low block. Although his three-point shooting needs improvement, having Ball and Henderson as teammates may provide him with more open-shot opportunities.

Charlotte selects Jalen Wilson with the 27th overall pick.

2nd Round Picks- 34, 39, 41

At 34, GG Jackson fills a need. The Hornets require additional depth in the forward position. He was at the top of his high school class before reclassifying last May. His one year at South Carolina was a mix of progress and confusion, which is understandable for an 18-year-old playing in the SEC. However, with some guidance from Clifford and the coaching staff, Jackson can unlock his true potential. If that potential gets unlocked, the Hornets will have a future starter they drafted in the second round.

At 39, Julian Strawther of Gonzaga’s shooting skill fills an immediate need.Charlotte could greatly benefit from a highly promising shooting guard standing at an impressive 6-foot-6. He possesses incredible potential as a 3-and-D player, boasting a solid 40% success rate from beyond the arc. On top of that, his rebounding skills are impressive, averaging 6.6 rebounds per game and recording seven double-digit rebounding games. His physical attributes are also noteworthy, with an 8-foot-9-inch standing reach (placing third in his position at the combine) and a 6-foot-9.25-inch wingspan (ranking eleventh in his position at the combine).

At 41, Jordan Walsh of Arkansas is the perfect role player. He is an intense player who gives his all every moment he's on the court. He fearlessly takes charges, dives on the floor, and can guard positions 1-4. He possesses impressive length, with a wingspan of 7-foot 3-inches, and can make impressive catches on lob passes, making him an ideal fit for Ball and Henderson on fast breaks. Clifford will appreciate Walsh's capability to make a significant impact on the game without necessarily scoring.