I followed the Hornets from when their existence in Charlotte began until they departed to New Orleans. Once Charlotte got a team again, my following also started back. I’ve followed the Bobcats/Hornets for the past decade. In that time I’ve seen some great basketball, and some basketball that I wish I could un-see. So I ask this simple question; what will it take?
Current Horncats fans know what I’m talking about. I’ll ask the full question for everyone to see. What will it take for the Charlotte Hornets to earn respect from the NBA, the players, the national media, and even some fans? The original Hornets were something to be proud of. The city was so proud to have them. They were the jewel in the Queen City’s crown. Even if they weren’t winning, the arena set attendance records with sellout after sellout for years. The difference in the Hornets of old and the Bobcats is pretty easy to point out, but often forgotten. In the original Hornets existence, there were a couple draft picks that changed the face of the franchise forever, and they were made in back-to-back years. Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning made a ton of difference. Adding those 2 guys to what was a fairly solid team resulted in wins and popularity that was just something special to see.
Flash forward to the Bobcats. Lack of high picks and having Bob Johnson trying to run a “bargain basement” version of an NBA team resulted into a large pile of…problems. Michael Jordan had quite the hole to dig out of. Bad contracts, bad picks…bad, bad, bad. Sorry, my mind floated to the 7-win season and I almost blacked out. All these things gave the NBA in Charlotte the “Washington Generals” feel. Quality product was not on the floor and the one playoff appearance that was made, was at the cost of mortgaging the future to get there and a “win-now” plan. That was where bad contracts, and poor fit came together.
So, what WILL it take to shed those bad years and gain the NBA’s respect? I’ve heard the, “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig” comment more than once. That was used when we took back the Hornets name last season. I lost a great writer because he felt that way about it and just couldn’t get excited that money was spent for the change instead of improving the team. Truth of the matter is that we were right on the brink of turning the corner. Last season was disappointing due to injury, and the discovery that Lance Stephenson was NOT a star. (yeah, I said it). This season, however, the Hornets took the big step and started spending wisely. They locked down Kemba Walker last season, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist this season. They also went for it on trading Henderson and Vonleh for Nic Batum. Secondary moves brought in even more depth by jettisoning Lance Stephenson away for Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes. Through another series of moves, Jeremy Lamb because another member of the team. We were able to snag Jeremy Lin and Tyler Hansbrough in free agency. We drafted Frank Kaminsky and signed Aaron Harrison, an undrafted rookie. The end result is that we have more depth on this team since the NBA returned to Charlotte.
How else has the team gotten better in the offseason? Al lost 25+ lbs and is playing like the NBA player he is capable of. Our youth has improved their skills. I’ve hung my hat on supporting Cody Zeller and his NBA growth. Many have doubted him from the draft until this season. Is he still on the rise? He is in a big way. Let me throw out some numbers from the 4 preseason games he’s played in so far:
14-14 from the floor
3-3 from the 3-point line
23 rebounds
8 assists
6 steals
40 points
You wanted the averages?
FG-% = 100%
3-pt % = 100%
Reb = 5.75
Assists = 2
Steals = 1.5
PPG = 10
Prepare yourselves Hornets fans. GodZeller is making his mark in the NBA. I just wanted to point out that the one guy who the Hornets were trying to move is stepping up in a HUGE way. Let’s keep Cody a Hornet. I think this is the year he proves himself.
There have been many naysayers that just do not Beelieve in the team. Some say we haven’t added depth. Others have said that even if we got better, so did the rest of the Eastern conference. Many say we won’t make playoffs. Am I a home team fan? YES!!! Can I be objective in writing? Also, yes. What says I? Barring injury, I believe in this team. I believe we make playoffs and I believe we win playoff games. Do I believe that we win the NBA Championship? Come on now. It’s way too soon to make a statement like that. I do believe that the team we have now is not the teams of the past. There is crisp ball movement, unselfish play, 3-point shooters, and a team that looks like some of the other top NBA teams at this time. We’ve won 4 games in the preseason by as little as 6 points and by as many as 32 points. Scoring is balanced, and the team is fun to watch. Most importantly, the team looks like they are gelling and in regular season form. I’ve seen season opener games played in seasons past, and it looked like it was the first time they had ever played together. This year is different. The feel is different. The demeanor has changed. It’s wonderful. It’s the preseason, and I get that. If you watch the NBA at all, and have seen the past decade’s Charlotte basketball team play, there is no denying that this team is the most ready it has ever been. It’s time for the team to make some noise. Most importantly, it’s time to earn some respect.
As Always…
Let’s Go Hornets!
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