Winning in the playoffs has not been a common occurrence for the Charlotte Hornets. This is a franchise that has only made the playoffs twice in the past ten seasons (2014, 2016). Both of those appearances ended in first round exits, courtesy of the Miami Heat (thanks Lebron and Dwayne Wade). The last time the Hornets got out of the first round of the postseason was in the 2001-2002 playoffs. Since that 3-1 series win over the Magic 19 years ago, Charlotte basketball fans have lost their franchise altogether (moved to New Orleans), had it rebranded as the “Charlotte Bobcats”, and then rebranded once again back to the Hornets. The postseason has not treated Buzz City faithful kindly, but to quote country music singer Frankie Ballard. “the bad times make the good times better”.
For the Hornets fans out there that only know the bad times in the postseason; here are 3 reasons why this season could be the end of a 19 year playoff drought for the franchise.
Embed from Getty Images- The Charlotte Hornets have been on a roll since the 2nd half of the NBA season began on March 11th. Since the conclusion of the All-Star break the Hornets now have a record of 8-5 (including a win over the Indiana Pacers 114-97 last night), have a half-game lead for 1st place in the Southeast Division, and have control of the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference playoff standings.
- The hot streak that the Hornets have been on is even more impressive; considering the amount of production they have lost due to injury. Rookie of the Year candidate Lamelo Ball was averaging 15.9 points per game and 6.1 assist per game, before suffering a fractured right wrist in a March 20th loss against the Clippers. Center Cody Zeller is averaging 9.2 points per game and 6.9 rebounds this season, but has missed two games since the break due to left shoulder bursitis. The most recent Hornets that were bit by the injury bug, were guards Malik Monk (13.1 ppg) and Gordon Hayward (19.6 ppg). Monk suffered a right ankle sprain on Thursday’s loss to the Nets. while Hayward unfortunately sprained his right foot in the 2nd quarter of last night’s win against the Pacers. The ability to find ways to win, despite all the injuries lies with the scoring prowess of Terry Rozier. The 6th year shooting guard out of Louisville is leading the team with 20.5 points per game, while also boasting an above average 19.86 player efficiency rating this season. If the Hornets don’t want to be derailed by injuries, then Rozier will have to keep producing on the offensive end of the floor.
- Starting on April 11th the Hornets will play 14 out of 19 games at home. They are 13-9 at the Spectrum Center this season in comparison to 12-14 in away games. If the Hornets can maintain through the injuries, and stay at the 4th or 5th place in the Eastern Conference, then they will be more apt to get a better matchup. What they don’t want to do is fall to a 6th seed and potentially matchup with Joel Embiid and the 76ers. The Hornets are soft defensively, which would allow Embiid to dominate the paint. It is also important to consider that the upcoming home stint, theoretically could help the recovery process for Hayward, Zeller, and Monk. With less travel to worry about and more focus on rehab, look for those key pieces to be rested up for the playoffs.
