It has certainly been an interesting off-season for the Hornets, which leaves a lot of questions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the questions my followers over at CharlotteHornetsOnly Instagram page who have submitted questions regarding what’s happened so far in free agency and what to expect for the season.
Do you see the Hornets as a playoff team? – wesleydufff
With the team the Hornets currently have, I don’t think they’re a playoff team. It would take a lot to go right for the Hornets. I believe all these things would have to happen; LaMelo would have to take a huge jump, Hayward would have to stay healthy, and the young guys from last season and Hornets rookie Mark Williams would have to play a big role for the team.
Timeline on Bouknight’s injury? – collin.balla
I don’t know the exact timeline with his injury; however, he should be 100% healthy before training camp, which is typically in late September. It’s very unfortunate to miss the summer league, but at least he should be healthy come season start up.
Would you consider this off-season a failure? – verton3_
It’s hard to see this off-season as anything close to success, so I’d have to say it’s a failure. There’s still time to turn it around, but with all that’s happened with the team it’s going to be tough. The team has not made improvements to the roster to build around LaMelo Ball this off-season, but some of that is not the teams’ doing because of what has happened with the Miles Bridges situation.
In what ways does LaMelo Ball step up in the face of adversity and uncertainty? – ryancrigler
LaMelo has to keep being himself and bring that positivity everyday when he comes in the gym. He needs to make himself the leader and get all of his teammates in the gym and motivated to get better. LaMelo has been working hard this off-season and is doing everything he needs to be doing.
How do you see Mark Williams fitting in with the team? – jacoba_912
I believe Mark is a great fit with the Hornets. He gives them much needed shot-blocking and rebounding, along with giving the Hornets another lob threat for LaMelo Ball.
What is your favorite thing about the Steve Cllifford hire? – joelcollison_
I like how he obviously wants to improve the defense, but still feels like the offense can be better. He also wants to play into what the team has been doing recently with up-tempo pace.
How do you think Steve Clifford will implement Mark Williams this year? – _aidendudley
Steve Clifford is definitely a fan of Mark Williams. I expect Mark to get pretty good minutes under Clifford. Clifford always preaches defense and that’s exactly what Mark Williams does best. I believe Clifford will implement Williams as a big man rim protector.
When do you think Mark Williams will start? – prestyn_miner
I believe it could take some time for Mark Williams to become a starter, but if he impresses in the summer league, training camp, and preseason, then I could see him starting early on this upcoming season. However, if the Hornets trade for a more established big man, then I believe it could be unlikely he starts for the team.
Who do you think will have the biggest jump this season? – kirklazarus22735
I’m a firm believer in Kai Jones taking a big jump this season. Kai developed a lot when he was down playing for the Greensboro Swarm and I expect him to earn rotation minutes for the Hornets this upcoming season.
What do you think Kai Jones’ role will be this year? Will he be a possible breakout? – chefdev_
Kai Jones will most likely get some rotational minutes off the bench for the Hornets this season. He didn’t play much at all in his rookie season, but I expect that to change for this season. He will be a high energy guy who rebounds and is a lob threat for LaMelo and throws down any chance he has at a dunk.
What do you see Bouknight’s season looking like? -hdanner05
Bouknight is in a tough situation because like the other rookies, he didn’t play much in his rookie campaign….
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