Expectations for the win-loss record weren’t high headed into the season in Charlotte. Headed into a known rebuilding year, fans weren’t expecting a whole lot of wins to come their team’s way. The focus instead, was on development of prized rookie Nikola Jovic and the rest of the young Hornets squad. And those expectations? They were high, and they were met.
The Good:
Nikola Jovic (20.4/5.8/6.7, 48/34/86 shooting splits)
Many around the league were shocked when Jovic fell into the Hornets laps at the #2 overall pick. Widely seen as the most talented player int he draft, Jovic met everyone’s high expectations, starting out his CSL career with a bang. Jovic put up all-star caliber numbers across the board, leading the Hornets in most statistical categories. He was everything the team hoped for and more, and with a midseason +10 boost, the sky is the limit for the Serbian. The future is bright in Charlotte, and it’s all because of Jovic.
Grant Williams (18.1/11.5/1.3, 1.1 bpg)
Grant Williams was the topic of many trade discussions going into the season and throughout, and justifiably so. His contract is inflated, but there is no doubt that Williams is an extremely productive power forward. He’s a top level rebounder, he’s a strong scorer inside with solid enough efficiency. He’s no slouch on defense, and he’s a really valuable piece for the Hornets. While long-term fit between him and Jovic is to be determined, Williams proved his worth once again with a strong season for the Hornets.
Jaxson Hayes (9.9/8.6/1.2, 2.3 bpg)
Hayes was brought in an unexpected trade with the Orlando Magic, which saw former first overall pick and once-upon-time franchise centerpiece Anthony Edwards sent out. Despite some fan skepticism at first, Hayes’ fantastic rim protection proved exactly why Charlotte made this deal. Low usage, highly efficient, strong rim protecting centers are valuable in this league, and Hayes showed why he’s one of the best this season. Another valuable, young chip for the budding Hornets.
The Bad
Collin Sexton (6.6/2.2/7.7, 3.4 turnovers)
Sexton was given the starting point guard job from the get go, and held it down all season despite very mediocre-to-bad play. Without anyone really pushing him, and with him in a contract year with the expectation that he won’t be brought back. Still, Sexton was relied on to set the tone, and didn’t stand out in any way. He turned the ball over a lot, made no impact scoring, and isn’t a standout defender.
Killian Tillie (6.8/4.1/0.6, 31% from three)
Hornets executives expected Tillie to be a reliable 5th starter/6th man level player when they acquired him in a trade a couple of offseason’s ago. He failed to really stand out in any way. While positionally he was behind the Hornets two best players, he was inefficient and didn’t make the impact off the bench the team was hoping for. With an $8 million team option for next season, it’s widely expected that it will be declined and he will hit free agency.
Verdict:
This season overall went about as expected in Charlotte. The team was a bit too good to truly tank, and will need some lottery luck to get into the top 5 of this draft. Still, with some valuable pieces on the roster and a true elite centerpiece, the future is very bright in Charlotte. With another lottery pick and a good amount of cap space for free agency, a crucial offseason awaits.
2020, 2023, 2027
