MAILBAG: Expectations + Concerns For the Hornets Heading Into the 2023-2024 Season

Answering questions regarding the start of the regular season.

Author:
Austin Leake
Oct 24, 2023 1:38 PM EDT

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With the NBA preseason concluding last week and the Hornets regular season beginning on Wednesday, it leaves many questions to be answered.

Let's take a look at the questions I received from my followers over at CharlotteHornetsOnly (Instagram page) regarding the Hornets preseason and regular season.

Who impressed you the most in the preseason?

LaMelo Ball impressed me the most in the preseason for one main reason. That reason was his ability to attack the rim and score in the interior whenever he wanted to. That was one of the "flaws" or "weaknesses" in LaMelo's game coming into this season. With LaMelo becoming healthy again we should see a more aggressive approach when it comes to attacking the rim and not settling for long jumpers.

What player do you think will have the biggest jump this year?

It's always hard to tell which players will have the biggest jump, but I believe that this year that player will be JT Thor. I don't believe Thor's points per game will go up tremendously, but Thor really started to perform well at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Thor looked promising in the preseason, especially versus the Miami Heat where he recorded three three-pointers. He looks solid on both ends of the floor and I believe he will be more impactful than he's ever been this season. I expect him to expand his game throughout the season as well by attacking the basket more often and using his mid-range shot.

Are you concerned about Brandon Miller's play in the preseason?

I'm not concerned in the slightest and I don't think anyone should be. Miller averaged just 8.3 points per game on 40% shooting from the field and a lackluster 7.6% from three. However, Miller found other ways to impact the game while struggling with his shot. Miller averaged 5.8 rebounds per game, along with 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. He is just settling in with his teammates and I'm not concerned at all because he has shown off his defensive versatility, rebounding, mid-range game, and athleticism.

What's the Miles Bridges situation looking like?

Currently, Miles Bridges has taken part in shootarounds and is suspended for the first 10 games of the regular season. Bridges is still expected to return after his suspension is lifted on Friday, November 17th vs. the Milwaukee Bucks. There are no new updates on what the latest situation means for him.

What are you expecting to see from Mark Williams in year two?

I'm expecting very big things from Mark Williams in his second season. He had a really solid rookie campaign, as he averaged 11.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game as a starter. Mark did a good job of controlling the paint in the preseason and I believe his offensive game will continue to expand as the season advances. I'm expecting Williams to average around 13-15 points per game, along with over 10 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

Expectations for the season?

The Hornets have one expectation for this season and one expectation only. That expectation is for the Hornets to break their seven-year playoff drought, which is the longest playoff drought currently in the NBA. Whether it be through the play-in tournament or being 6th or higher, that's the expectation for this Hornets team this year. Every player on the roster when asked about expectations this year spoke about proving the media wrong and that their main goal is to make the playoffs.

Was drafting Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson a mistake?

I don't understand the overreactions already. These players haven't even played in a real game that counts yet and people are already debating if it was a mistake. It is way too early to even think about that right now. This is a question that should be discussed years from now.

What do you think the Hornets' record will be after the first 10 games?

The Hornets' first 10 games:

vs Atlanta

vs Detroit

vs Brooklyn

@ Houston

@ Indiana

@ Dallas

vs Washington

@ Washington

@ New York

vs Miami

I expect the Hornets to have a record of 6-4 after these 10 games. It's a relatively easy schedule for the Hornets and they have to take advantage of it if they want to make the playoffs. Some of these games could be something they look back on if they fall a couple of games short of making the playoffs.

Concern with Cody Martin and his knee injury?

I'm very concerned with Cody Martin's injury and I think the Hornets should be too. Cody Martin suffered this injury on October 17th, 2022 in the Hornets' season-opener vs. the San Antonio Spurs. Martin returned for a short stint midway through the season before ultimately sitting for the remainder of the 2023 season. Now, Martin is seen just shooting around in slides in shootaround and barely jumping. Cody Martin is a key piece to this Hornets team and they desperately need him healthy, especially if they're trying to make the playoffs this season. Coach Clifford continuously lists him as day-to-day.