Hornets Reality Check: The Tank Is On

Whether They Want It To Be Or Not

NBA: Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers

Jan 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) walks to the bench late in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

David Richard/David Richard-Imagn Images

📉 Offense Hits Rock Bottom
The Charlotte Hornets have sunk to new lows offensively, ranking dead last in the NBA with an offensive rating of 98.7. Despite a defense that has surprisingly held its own—ranking sixth over the past two weeks—the team’s inability to score has been the story. Even with players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller showing flashes, the overall effort and execution aren’t there. Mark Williams’ recent performances have also raised questions about conditioning and consistency.

💡 Is It Tanking Time?
If the recent losing streak hasn’t convinced you, the Hornets’ lineup experiments might. Rotations featuring fringe players scream “evaluation mode,” signaling the team could be angling for a shot at a top draft pick. Cooper Flagg, anyone? Head coach Charles Lee faces the daunting task of keeping this team motivated while the front office decides whether to blow it all up at the trade deadline.

🔥 Jimmy Butler in Charlotte?
Rumors of Jimmy Butler’s discontent in Miami have sparked wild speculation, and we couldn’t resist exploring what a Hornets-Butler marriage might look like. Could Butler’s fiery leadership reinvigorate this team, or would it be another misstep in a season full of them? At 34 years old and with a massive contract, the odds seem slim, but the chaos-loving part of me wouldn’t mind shaking things up.

🎧 Listen Now
Dive into today’s Locked On Hornets podcast as Walker and I dissect the team’s struggles, debate trade scenarios, and even entertain a Jimmy Butler dream sequence. Don’t miss it—your Hornets therapy session awaits.

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