The Charlotte Hornets at the moment maintain the NBA’s longest energetic playoff drought, final making the postseason in 2016.
First Crew All-Rookie small ahead Brandon Miller was simply 13 years outdated the final time the franchise appeared within the playoffs and was nonetheless seven months away from being born when the Hornets most just lately received a postseason sequence on April 30, 2002.
Charlotte has completed above .500 solely as soon as since 2016, going 43-39 in 2021-22. The group dropped to 27-55 in 2022-23 and 21-61 final season.
Regardless of all of the struggles, Miller instructed HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto that he sees the group’s prolonged streak ending in the course of the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
“I believe we’re going to be a playoff workforce,” the 2023 second total decide stated in a wide-ranging Q&A, including, “I believe Charlotte followers ought to count on a playoff workforce. I believe we’re going to carry power each sport and go on the market and get as many wins as we will.”
Miller had a powerful first season, main the workforce in video games performed (74) and began (68), whereas additionally rating fourth in factors per contest (17.3) with a .440/.373/.827 taking pictures line. Miller completed third within the NBA’s Rookie of the 12 months voting behind the once-in-a-generation expertise Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder standout Chet Holmgren.
The Alabama product had little assist, although, as a number of regular starters had been severely restricted by damage. Former All-Star and Rookie of the 12 months guard LaMelo Ball performed simply 22 video games on account of an ankle ailment, and 2022 first-round decide Mark Williams suited up for under 19 contests due to a again situation.
One-time All-Star ahead Gordon Hayward performed 25 video games with the membership earlier than being traded to the Thunder, and beginning guard Terry Rozier was shipped to the Miami Warmth in January.
“I’m fairly certain we’re going to have all people again,” Miller stated. “Mark and LaMelo. I believe it’s how everybody performs, not only one individual. I believe the Hornets are an entire workforce. I believe we’re a harmful workforce when everyone seems to be wholesome.”
Charlotte introduced in a trio of newcomers with latest NBA Finals expertise, which ought to assist the trigger.
The Hornets swung a deal in early July that landed them guards Josh Inexperienced and Reggie Jackson (amongst others) within the six-team blockbuster that additionally noticed Buddy Hield be part of the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson head to the Dallas Mavericks. Inexperienced performed within the NBA Finals this 12 months with the Mavericks, whereas Jackson received a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.
Charlotte additionally employed former Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Charles Lee to be their subsequent chief on the bench. Lee received a title with the Bucks in 2021 and with the Celtics in June.
“My predominant objective is to win. I believe the whole lot comes after that so far as any of the awards,” Miller instructed Scott. “I can’t actually say a lot to anyone who’s been in Charles’ sneakers. He’s received a few rings, so hopefully, I’ll get a hoop beneath my belt.”
