📺 Free Basketball Returns
For the first time in over a decade, Charlotte Hornets fans will be able to watch five games on local television—for free! This exciting development begins on January 27, with the Hornets facing the Lakers on WSOC-TV. Additional games include matchups against the Clippers, Bucks, Mavericks, and Warriors, split between WSOC-TV and TV64. The last time Hornets games aired on free TV was during the 2007-08 season, making this a monumental moment for fans who have been shut out by paywalls and expensive streaming services.
This move is part of a broader NBA initiative to address the struggles of regional sports networks, like FanDuel Sports Network, which filed for bankruptcy. While five games are a fantastic start, it’s clear fans want more. The response on social media has been mixed—some celebrating this step, others demanding all 82 games be accessible. Fans have voiced their frustrations with paying $20 per month just to watch one team, especially when streaming services like Netflix offer far more content at similar prices.
If you’re a fan, this is your chance to show support and help push the Hornets and the NBA toward a model that benefits the broader fanbase. Watching these games, sharing feedback with the team, and encouraging others to tune in are all steps in the right direction. The hope is that this trial leads to a long-term commitment to make more games accessible to everyone in the region.
🛑 Miles Bridges: Stay or Go?
Miles Bridges’ future with the Hornets hangs in the balance. While he’s shown flashes of his old self, his contract makes him an intriguing trade piece. My take? It’s 50/50. A deal involving Bridges could help the Hornets acquire young talent or future picks, but his unique skill set and declining contract value make him a tempting player to keep.
🔄 Trade Deadline Strategy
The trade deadline offers the Hornets an opportunity to improve, but with limited assets, the path forward isn’t clear-cut. The ideal outcome would be landing a first-round pick or acquiring a young player with untapped potential. Realistically, Charlotte may act as a facilitator in multi-team deals, helping other teams move big contracts while securing assets for themselves.
Doing nothing would be a failure. The Hornets need to show fans they’re committed to reshaping the roster, building around players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
🌟 LaMelo’s All-Star Campaign
LaMelo Ball’s All-Star case deserves attention. Averaging nearly 30 points, seven assists, and five rebounds per game, he’s one of the league’s most creative players. Critics point to his efficiency struggles, but the lack of consistent scoring options around him makes his production even more impressive.
If LaMelo can string together some standout performances, especially during the free games on TV, he might change the narrative and secure the recognition he deserves.
