The Big Picture:
The Hornets’ five-game homestand ended without a single win, leaving fans frustrated and the team searching for answers. Injuries to key players like LaMelo Ball have left the squad short-handed, but it’s the repeated crunch-time mistakes that sting the most. Are these tough losses learning moments or signs of a deeper problem?
My Take:
Mark Williams is back, but not quite himself. After nine minutes in his return, it’s clear he’s not in peak shape yet. Conditioning is going to take time, and Charles Lee isn’t rushing him into heavy minutes. I get the cautious approach, but with Nick Richards playing well, the clock is ticking for Mark to reclaim his role.
Brandon Miller, though, was a bright spot. His second-half explosion against the 76ers showed why he’s the Hornets’ future. But crunch-time miscues — from Miller’s hesitation to team-wide turnovers — remain a glaring issue. If this continues, it could erode the team’s confidence and identity.
Key Performances:
• KJ Simpson: The rookie was a revelation, bringing energy and clutch free-throw shooting. His hustle stands out in a team struggling to execute late.
• Nick Richards: Consistent, but his crunch-time turnover against Philly was brutal.
What’s Next
The Hornets face questions about their long-term vision. Listener Adam’s query — “Is it good to fail in close games?” — sparked a great discussion. My answer? Failing can be valuable, but only if you learn and adapt quickly. Six straight losses don’t scream progress.
Draft regrets are still creeping in. Donovan Clingan was thriving in Portland before a sprained knee. The Hornets can only be expected to operate on the knowledge they had at the time and that included a healthy Mark Williams. The Hornets were right to swing for the fences with Tidjane Salaun. He’s raw but shows flashes of star potential, which this franchise desperately needs.
Bottom Line:
The Hornets have pieces to build on but need to clean up late-game execution fast. Charles Lee’s postgame critiques signal frustration, and the next few weeks will test this team’s resolve.
