What Can Charlotte Hornets Fans Realistically Expect in 2024-25?

As the Charlotte Hornets As the team prepares for the 2024-25 season under new head coach Charles Lee, the pressure is on to show the potential fans want to see in this core. The team is coming off a tough season and DraftKings projects only 29.5 wins and an 11th place in the Eastern Conference.

Player projections

Using Basketball Reference’s 2024-25 per-36 minute projections adjusted for playing time from previous seasons, we can estimate what to expect from key players. LaMelo Ball, playing 32 minutes per game, is expected to average 21.7 points, 7.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Brandon Miller, also playing 32 minutes, is expected to average 17.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Other players like Mark Williams and Miles Bridges are also expected to play key roles. Williams, in 26 minutes, is expected to average 12.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. While Bridges, in 36 minutes, could average 20.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

A successful season

For the Hornets, a successful season would see Ball and Miller lead the team, providing hope for the future. The goal is to win 30+ games and get back into the play-in race with a top-10 finish in the East. That would be a significant improvement over last year’s 21 wins. Progress from other players like Bridges on defense, flashes of potential from Tidjane Salaun, and the health of key players like Ball and Williams would be crucial to a “successful season.”

Disappointing season

On the other hand, a season without success would be a reflection of last year’s struggles. This would involve the absence of key players due to injuries and the team’s inability to string together wins. Avoiding these problems will be essential for the Hornets to take the next step.

As the season approaches, the Hornets are counting heavily on the development of their young core and the new leadership of Charles Lee. Time will tell if this season will bring the progress everyone is hoping for.

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