The Charlotte Hornets are 3-3 to start the NBA season, and although they have been hit by injuries and off-the-court drama, there is reason for hope.
They finished 43-39 last season and made the play-in tournament, and fans are hoping that this is the year they reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and only the fourth time since the franchise was established in 2004.
Therefore, there are reasons to keep tabs on the Hornets, particularly these three reasons.
1. The Hornets Are Fun To Watch
Last season, Charlotte finished fourth in scoring and sixth in pace, and that run-and-gun philosophy has continued to start this year under new head coach Steve Clifford.
It is averaging 118.5 points per game to start the schedule, which is sixth in the NBA, and it has put up at least 125 points three times already.
Offense puts butts in seats and draws interest and excitement, and the Hornets have been a strong offensive team so far this season, even without LaMelo Ball, who is out with an ankle injury.
2. LaMelo Ball
Ball is the Hornets’ best player, and some have thought he could be on the verge of superstardom.
He was named the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists a game, and last season he improved those numbers to 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, which earned him his first All-Star nod.
Ball has also shown potential on the defensive end, as he has averaged 1.6 steals per contest in his two seasons.
He could be getting closer to returning to game action.
LaMelo Ball is out once again tonight for the Hornets, but it looks like he’s getting closer to returning by the day. Here’s Melo getting some work in a few minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/W7ckHt2o9I
— Rob Longo (@Rob_Longo) October 29, 2022
3. The Return Of Gordon Hayward
Fans love a comeback story, and Gordon Hayward is writing one five years after a gruesome injury cost him almost the entire 2017-18 campaign.
He has had trouble staying healthy since, but he’s off to a good start this year with 20.0 points a game on 51.8 percent overall shooting.
The sharpshooter is also a fairly good passer and facilitator, and his play will be key to the Hornets’ playoff hopes.
NEXT: The Hornets Make A Tough Roster Choice Right Before The New Season