Doug Branson here, the host of the daily Locked On Hornets podcast, with your daily Locked On Hornets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hornets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Rotation Shake-Ups and TV Drama All Part of Hornets’ Messy Start
Nov 6, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) tries for the loose ball from Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images|Jim Dedmon/Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Hornets’ Rotation Headache The Charlotte Hornets can’t catch a break this season. Injuries are already wreaking havoc, forcing Charles Lee to do some serious lineup juggling that’s leaving fans – and maybe the players – scratching their heads. With guys like Miles Bridges, Mark Williams, and Nick Richards on the sideline, rookies like Tidjane Salaun have been asked to step up in a big way. But let’s be real: Salaun, a sixth-overall pick who was always considered a bit “raw,” might not be ready for such big minutes yet. The early experiment in the starting lineup is over, and he’s back on the bench, but it leaves a lingering question: did they throw him in too soon?
Is Salaun Ready or Just Necessary? Salaun’s been showing some glimpses of potential, but I have to wonder if his promotion was less about his readiness and more about pure necessity. With the frontcourt this thin, it’s hard to say if this was a good move for his development or just the only choice Lee had left. I’m skeptical it was fair to the rookie who really should be building confidence in the G-League. It’s a tough call to put that kind of pressure on a player who’s still figuring out his NBA rhythm. With the Hornets’ injury woes, they’re plugging holes as they go, which leaves players like Salaun in this back-and-forth role that might not do him any favors long term. Moussa Diabate might even be a better option at this point; his energy could give us a boost inside to start games, which is something this team desperately needs.
Vasa Micic and the Thin Bench Then there’s Vasa Micic, who finally saw some court time after an uninspiring preseason that almost kept him off the roster. His minutes weren’t spectacular against Orlando – just 14 minutes with a lone field goal to show for it – but it’s something. Micic had a solid run last year in the final stretch, so all I can do is hope he can find his groove again, but right now he’s part of a bench that’s struggling to pick up the slack.
TV Deal: A New Layer of Frustration To top it off, there’s the new TV deal mess. Just as fans were getting used to the idea of games being on FanDuel Sports Network, now we’ve got Amazon Prime Video in the mix – but only for local markets. It’s great in theory, sure, but once again, it’s complicated and it’s not exactly cheap. FanDuel is apparently sticking with their high price tag, which makes it tough for fans who aren’t diehards to commit. And don’t even get me started on the a-la-carte options. When you’re charging $7 per game, you’re making it tough on people who just want to check in here and there.
Bottom Line The Hornets are off to a messy start this season, with rotation experiments, a bench that’s struggling to hold up, and a confusing new TV deal that isn’t helping to reel in fans. It feels like every fix they try just leads to another issue. The team needs to prioritize accessibility – if they want people tuning in, the last thing they should be doing is complicating access. They need to make these games easier to watch and start finding some consistency on the court if they want to keep fans from tuning out.
Traditionally, press defenses are a weapon of last resort in the NBA, fit only for highly specific scenarios or times of desperation. Professional basketball players simply are too good at passing and dribbling to be susceptible to large doses of full-court press — or so the thinking went. But the thinking, it is a-changin’.
Synergy’s database goes back to the 2008-2009 season, and before last year, only one team had used press on even 5% of their defensive possessions: the 2020-21 Charlotte Hornets.
Last year, however, we saw a notable rise in the press defense, thanks to two teams. The Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers both beat Charlotte’s mark. Portland led the league by pressing 7.2% of the time, yielding only .94 points per possession (well below their typical defensive rating of 1.04, although that’s not by any means an apples-to-apples comparison), and I predicted that this year, the Blazers — featuring heavy doses of ambulatory fly paper Toumani Camara — would crack 10%.
I had the right idea but the wrong team. Instead, the Pacers are currently pressing 11.9% of the time, followed closely by Brooklyn’s 11.5% (the Blazers come in third, with a still historically high 8.4%). In retrospect, Indiana’s surging interest in the press shouldn’t be a huge surprise — they picked up full-court on nearly a quarter of their possessions in last year’s playoffs. That’s insane!
They haven’t been quite that extreme this year, but look at this graph of every team’s percentage of defensive possessions in press defense:
Six teams in total are pressing more than 5% of the time. 22 of the league’s 30 teams are pressing more this year than last (with the caveat that we’re talking about a couple dozen possessions or fewer for many of these teams), and this is by far the most press we’ve seen since the data became available. Given the weaknesses we mentioned in the opening paragraph, why is the press gaining popularity?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Fans Minty fresh. The Hornets unveiled their City Edition jerseys for the season. (NBA.com)
Biz Diamond Sports Group announced a multi-year deal with Prime Video to stream Hornets’ games, expanding the team’s broadcast options. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Sam Vecenie of the Athletic breaks down how this year’s rookies have started. I don’t agree with all of his picks, but he’s always thoughtful with his selections and insightful with his analysis. (NY Times, Subscription required)
Personnel HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto goes behind the scenes with the Indiana Pacers’ coaching staff. Mostly, you get a better appreciation for how little coaches sleep!
Must Read Jared Dubin investigates the rise in dunks over time for his newsletter “Last Night, In Basketball.” It’s a fun, breezy read! (Last Night, Subscription required)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Wednesday’s Notable Fantasy Basketball Performances
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images|Photo By Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, keeping an eye on emerging talents and consistent performers is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the standout performances of three young guns, as well as the continued dominance of Giannis, and explore their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star?
Donovan Clingan’s recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere. With 31 minutes on the court, Clingan delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering eight blocks. His ability to dominate the paint and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton’s injury status. While Clingan’s long-term role remains uncertain, his current form makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of blocks and rebounds.
Jared McCain: Rookie on the Rise
Jared McCain has quickly become a hot topic in fantasy circles, thanks to his explosive performance in the absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. McCain’s 34-point game, complete with six three-pointers and 10 assists, showcases his potential as a high-usage player. While his current role is bolstered by injuries to teammates, McCain’s talent is undeniable. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters, but remain cautious about his long-term value once the team’s stars return.
Click the button below to see how Giannis continues to be a fantasy force, and why for Victor Wembanyama, the future is now.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hornets podcasts.
Tidjane Salaun benched and Vasa Micic returns in latest Hornets rotation shakeups + New TV Deal, What it means for you Walker and Doug dissect the Hornets’ latest rotation dilemmas, focusing on rookie Tidjane Salaun’s fluctuating minutes and Charles Lee’s handling of injuries. The hosts break down how Salaun’s early starting role evolved back into a bench role and analyze whether putting him in the starting lineup was premature. They also review Vasa Micic’s recent reappearance and what it signals for the team’s depth. Finally, the Hornets’ new TV deal with Amazon Prime Video stirs up more fan confusion over how to access games. Tune in for a breakdown of what’s working and what’s not in the Hornets’ evolving lineup.
LaMelo Ball’s All-NBA Level Play Wasted In NBA Cup Rout By the Orlando Magic Doug dives into what went wrong in the Hornets’ matchup against the Magic, despite LaMelo Ball’s impressive 35-point outing. He explores why the offense struggles whenever LaMelo sits, and the team’s desperate need for reliable secondary playmakers. Brandon Miller and Josh Green’s recent offensive challenges are under the microscope, with analysis on how their scoring struggles contributed to the blowout. Plus, with a break before the next game, Doug discusses what the Hornets need to work on, from improving their shooting consistency to getting healthier for the tough games ahead.
Hornets Face Magic in NBA Cup Opener: Can LaMelo Ball Lead the Way Without Key Bigs? The Charlotte Hornets begin NBA Cup play against the Orlando Magic, with key players out for both teams, giving the Hornets a shot at victory. We also discuss LaMelo Ball’s impressive performance as he’s nominated again for Eastern Conference Player of the Week. What does this mean for his development? And could Charlotte’s effort rebounding edge push them past Orlando? Tune in to hear Doug and Walker break down the game strategy, the NBA Cup’s importance, and LaMelo’s standout shooting stats.
