The 2024–25 Charlotte Hornets season is probably one of the most challenging storylines in the NBA as they continue their Playoff drought while they juggle significant injury concerns. Good thing LaMelo, Bridges, and Mark Williams really looked good as their core Trio.
The Good:
LaMelo Ball’s Superstar Performance:
LaMelo Ball had a standout season when healthy, averaging 29.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, with 44.7% field goal shooting and 37.5% from three. He ranked third in the NBA in points per game and second in three-pointers made among guards, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top point guards. Ball’s play kept the Hornets semi-competitive (16–31 with him, .340 winning percentage), and his $204 million contract extension began this season as a cornerstone for the franchise.
Young Studs’ Continued Development:
Brandon Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, built on his strong rookie season (17 PPG, third in Rookie of the Year voting). He showed flashes of All-Star potential, emerging as a key piece alongside Ball. Despite a slower preseason start, we can view Miller as a potential future face of the franchise, with his development a major positive for Charlotte’s long-term outlook as soon as he recovers from his season-ending wrist injury. The big silver lining of losing Miller is Tre Mann’s emergence as a solid scorer off the bench. He drew comparisons to Allen Iverson with his rugged play style.
New Leadership and Coaching:
The Hornets hired Charles Lee as head coach on May 9, 2024, bringing championship pedigree from his assistant roles with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. Lee’s emphasis on two-way play and defensive intensity was evident in the Hornets’ strong Summer League campaign and preseason effort. Despite a 4–7 start in his first 11 games, Lee’s passion and willingness to maximize talent earned praise from fans and analysts. His rotations were occasionally questionable, but his leadership provided optimism for the rebuild.
The Bad
Injury Woes:
LaMelo Ball: Played only 47 games due to recurring ankle issues, leading to a 3–32 record without him. His absence crippled the offense and highlighted his critical role.
Mark Williams: Missed much of the season with back and foot injuries, playing only 44 games. His absence left the center position thin, and a failed trade to the Lakers (due to a physical issue) created an awkward situation, with Williams not playing post-deadline.
Miles Bridges and Nick Richards: Both were unavailable for stretches, further weakening the rotation. The injury bug made it nearly impossible to field a consistent lineup.
Brandon Miller: He had a season-ending wrist injury that limited his momentum this season for just 27 games, which also started slowly to start the year.
Failed Lakers Trade and Its Fallout:
A proposed trade sending Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers for Dalton Knecht fell through due to a failed physical, leaving Williams in limbo. He expressed frustration on social media, taking jabs at the Lakers, which added to the team’s off-court drama. The incident highlighted roster mismanagement and strained relationships.
Lottery Risk and Draft Pick Debt:
Despite their 14% chance at the No. 1 pick, the Hornets face a risk of falling to a lower lottery slot, which could limit their access to top prospects. Additionally, a first-round pick owed to the San Antonio Spurs (from the 2021 Kai Jones trade) could be forfeited if the Hornets sneak into the play-in tournament, a worst-case scenario for their rebuild.
The team’s late-season competitiveness (e.g., a 16–31 record with Ball) slightly reduced their lottery odds compared to teams like Washington and Utah, who tanked more effectively.
