Dear HP, I have an announcement. I actually feel a little optimistic and I must share this rare moment of true optimism (before our patented “Hornets Law” strikes again, of course). The biggest thing I felt yesterday was relief. Finally, finally, finally this franchise faced the music that the rest of the league has seen for years, and took steps to move forward. This franchise has joined reality and can finally move forward. I hate the basketball I’ve seen this year, but I’m happy this team fell apart to force Mitch’s hand.
Rozier, Hayward, and PJ are all gone, and we even have a few assets to show for it-in addition to the much needed cap room. Guys, this team has options. And shit, even a good trio of players to build around (Melo, Miller, Mark). I’d even throw in NSJ into the mix of that exciting young core. And we’ll have a top 5 pick in this draft, along with additional future 1sts in our back pockets.
Listen guys, if the New York Knicks can slowly transform into an a supremely competent, well run franchise, I think the same can happen here in Charlotte. What a world we live in, the New York Knicks have slowly executed an excellent, multi-season game plan that has been punctuated by some shrewd trades and savvy moves.
An excellent nugget per Zach Lowe (who is maybe the best in the business IMO): When the Knicks re-signed their 2019 first round pick RJ Barrett in 2022, that was the first time SINCE 1994 that the Knicks as re signed a player they drafted in the first round. WHAT??? Who was that player they drafted in 1994 that they re signed? Charlie Ward.
They used a core that they had drafted (Barrett, Toppin, Grimes, Quickley) to turn their team into legit contenders. By making GOOD trades. If the shit show Knicks franchise can do it, the Hornets can.
Given the trio of Hornets young talent I mentioned above, I think a case could be made for the Hornets being in an even better position to grow than the Knicks over the years. It can happen. We just had to finally fall apart to really kick this off. So what needs to happen next? I’d like to see the new ownership take note of the Houston Rockets playbook: The needs are obvious, so go get what you need to help the young guys gel.
Let’s see if the new ownership can take note of what the Rockets and Knicks have been able to pull off.