With the Charlotte Hornets roster largely set heading into the 2024-25 season, it is now potential to anticipate what the Hornets’ opening evening rotation would possibly seem like. Predicting opening evening rotations earlier than a coaching camp ball has even been thrown is tough, however listed below are my “too early” rotation predictions.
I do not imagine Tre Mann would play level guard instead of Vasilije Micic but, which makes the purpose guard query a bit easier. There may be some risk that Ball’s minutes might be saved under half-hour per sport in an effort to maintain him wholesome, which might translate into extra enjoying time for Micic.
Cody Martin vs. Josh Inexperienced for the beginning taking pictures guard spot is an intriguing camp battle. I am giving the sting to Inexperienced as a result of his lesser-used position, superior taking pictures, sturdiness, and transition match with LaMelo Ball, however it’s very shut.
With Grant Williams’ success as an extra time 5 final 12 months and Charles Lee’s monitor report of enjoying extra time greats, I can not assist however suppose he’ll be eyed as a middle. It can rely upon the matchup, however I feel he’ll be constant sufficient to be thought of an ordinary a part of the rotation. That would assist scale back Mark Williams’ enjoying time, which may assist along with his previous damage points.
On this projection, I see Miller (SG/SF) and Bridges (SF/PF) splitting their enjoying time throughout a number of positions. The Hornets have an fascinating path to a “Tremendous Dimension” lineup by enjoying Miller at SG, Bridges at SF, and Grant Williams at PF. Count on this to be experimented with within the preseason.
Bridges was the crew’s prime participant final 12 months at 37.4 minutes per sport, however I anticipate that quantity to drop, however solely barely. Bridges might be match to steer a second-unit offense for a short while when Ball and Miller are on the bench.
Regardless of his late arrival, Curry confirmed he is nonetheless an NBA rotation participant late final season. His exterior taking pictures and level guard play might be a helpful addition to a second unit that options two sub-31 p.c three-point shooters in Micic and Martin and a non-shooter in Richards. I would not be shocked if he finally ends up taking minutes away from Mann, Inexperienced, and/or Martin to drive his manner into the rotation.
