2023-24 has not been a good season for the Charlotte Hornets.
At this point, fans of the team are sadly used to the Hornets falling short of their potential but this year has been particularly troublesome as multiple injuries have prevented the squad from fully forming.
Speaking to Jerry Donatien, head coach Steve Clifford talked about the challenges his team is facing.
“To be honest last year was difficult and this year has been brutal,” Clifford said, noting that the injuries bothering the team have had a huge impact and held this young team back from being playoff contenders.
“One guy makes a big difference,” Clifford added, noting that just one injury to a single player can completely derail plans.
Clifford also said that Charlotte’s projected starting five has been active for just 14 minutes so far this season, which is a shocking fact that shows just how unhealthy and unlucky they’ve been.
“To be honest last year was difficult and this year has been brutal.”
Steve Clifford on the difference between last season and this year. pic.twitter.com/FWvrrJP3yk
— Jerry Donatien (@JerryDonatien) January 30, 2024
It is true that Charlotte has experienced injury after injury and that has decimated the starting five and thrown all of Clifford’s plans out the window.
With that being said, he said that his team can’t be worrying about it and they need to keep their focus solely on winning.
The injuries may have really hurt this team but Clifford still believes the Hornets have what it takes to score some victories.
“We have enough to win games if we play better,” he said.
The team is currently 13th in the East with a 10-35 record.
At this point, it would take a miracle for them to bounce back and find their way into the playoffs later this year, but the Hornets could still have a productive rest of the season if they remain focused on the goals, find new ways to work together, and avoid as many injuries as possible.
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