Hornets’ Holiday Wishlist Grows Amidst Season Turmoil
With Christmas just around the corner, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves in a precarious situation. As the holiday approaches, it’s time to craft a wish list for Santa that addresses the team’s pressing needs before the season spirals further out of control.
A Wish for Health
At the top of the list is a healthy roster. Santa, if you’ve got some magical dust to sprinkle around Spectrum Center, now’s the time to use it. The Hornets have grappled with injuries for several seasons, making it nearly impossible for President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson to assess the full potential of this roster. With key players sidelined, the core of the team struggles to find its rhythm. It’s a recurring plea, but perhaps this year, the wish for health will finally be granted.
Defensive Improvements Needed
Next on the wishlist is a significant enhancement in defensive play. Charles Lee has a strong reputation for developing defensive strategies, yet during his tenure, the Hornets have languished near the bottom of the league in several critical categories. Currently sitting at 25th in defensive efficiency with a rating of 115.7, the team’s struggles are evident. Given their injury woes, the Hornets cannot rely on outscoring opponents consistently. However, they do possess players capable of becoming strong two-way assets. It’s time for the team to take pride in their defensive efforts, as watching opposing teams convert nearly half of their field goal attempts is far from enjoyable.
Development for Tidjane Salaun
Another item on the wishlist is growth for Tidjane Salaun. While he may not be a cornerstone of the franchise, the Hornets can’t afford to see him become yet another draft bust. Salaun is still young, but moments of uncertainty on the court suggest he hasn’t fully found his footing in the league. The Hornets have faced several draft disappointments over the years. If Salaun can develop into a reliable sixth man—providing energy on defense and knocking down perimeter shots—it would be a significant boost for the team.
Hoping for Lottery Luck
Lastly, there’s a hopeful plea for lottery luck. The reality is that, should health and development not materialize, the Hornets could be looking at their 10th consecutive lottery pick. Over the years, Charlotte has missed out on generational talents, including Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards. With the fanbase yearning for a winning team, landing the top pick in the draft would be a monumental step toward revitalizing the franchise.
As the Hornets navigate this challenging season, the wish list serves as a reminder of the team’s potential and the hope that the holidays might bring about the changes they desperately need.
