Cue the torches and pitchforks.
Judging by the questions submitted for the latest mailbag, saying the fans are peeved qualifies as a gross understatement. Many are disgruntled and unhappy with the Hornets, irritated with an offseason devoid of anything that’s given them reason to get excited for the 2019-20 campaign. Optimism is absent.
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They want answers about the team’s plan moving forward. About why they should spend their hard earned money on what they feel is an inferior product. About why should they trust ownership and the franchise’s upper brass to get things right.
Those themes, along with the expectations of some of the younger core, dominated the queries. Let’s get right to it.
Has Malik Monk made any improvements this offseason? I’ve heard he’s been in the weight room, but will we notice any differences come training camp? — Andrew D.
Only time will tell. He has hit the weights this summer working with the strength program the Hornets have him on. Besides getting stronger, I’ve got to believe they hope he watched some film as well. Because with Malik, it’s not necessarily about the on-the-court skills. He can shoot and he can handle the ball. But he has to be better at decision making offensively and anticipating defensively. That’s the only way he will be able to stay on the floor without being subjected to a quick hook. For the Hornets to avoid spending all season fighting to stay out of Eastern Conference’s cellar and for him to avoid being labeled the dreaded ‘B’ word that so many of the team’s first-round picks have received, Monk must turn in his best season as a pro.
How much do you see PJ Washington playing this year? I believe I read when he was drafted that the intent was a large amount of G League time but is there any reason not to get him actual NBA reps with his future teammates now? — Zack D.
After the draft, Mitch Kupchak said the expectation was for him to play in the G League extensively. But that’s when they thought they would still have Kemba Walker. I think it will partially depend on what we see from him in the preseason. If he comes out and plays extremely well, then it will be hard to send him to Greensboro immediately knowing he’s supposed to be a piece of the young core they’re building around. If it were up to me, I would have the team’s latest first-round pick in the rotation from the season’s opening game. Give the fans something to possibly feel good about in what should otherwise be a very long season. It’s best to get a gauge on how he fits in their move to a more position-less approach.
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Do you think that Bridges or Washington can become an elite player? Also, which if any veterans do you think will be traded? — Shannon P.
Let’s start with the first part of your double-barreled inquiry. If he sticks with his work ethic and remains as coachable as he is, I believe Bridges can be a really good player in this league. To me, he has all the tools and the mental makeup. It’s going to depend mostly on the development of his perimeter game. Solidifying that opens up a whole new world for him. I think it’s too early to tell with Washington. I get the feeling he will be a solid pro and is not someone who’s overly flashy. More of a hard hat/lunch pail kind of guy. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
As for which veteran do I think will be traded, I still believe it’s Marvin Williams. I’ve been writing that for a while now and nothing’s changed as far as I can tell. He makes the most sense for a team vying for the playoffs for a number of reasons and moving him to another team would open up more playing time for the younger players like Washington.
Any word on when Mitch Kupchak will make contract decisions on Cody Martin & Jalen McDaniels? — Bryan F.
Not at the moment. But you would think it will be relatively soon. Last year, they signed their second-round pick Devonte’ Graham just before the start of summer league. We’re nearly a month past that watermark. Most of the players drafted around Martin and McDaniels have already inked their deals. The ones taken right ahead of Martin and immediately following the Hornets selecting him at No. 36 are foreign-born and haven’t signed because their circumstances are different. But Bruno Fernando, drafted 34th overall by Atlanta, and Daniel Gafford (38th by Boston) have finalized their contracts. As for McDaniels, the players selected ahead of him by Boston at No. 51 (Tremont Waters) and by Utah at No. 53 (Justin Wright-Freeman) have signed two-way contracts. So the parameters are there numbers-wise. That means it’s probably hinging on certain language and guarantees being ironed out to the satisfaction of both sides.
Anyone making the roster from Summer League? Isaiah Hicks in particular? — Russell G.
Nothing definitive yet on how they will approach using their remaining roster spots. Remember, they did sign Robert Franks to a two-way contract before the end of summer league so they obviously like his game. While Hicks played well in Las Vegas, too, doing it in summer league doesn’t necessarily translate to getting a roster spot. It’s akin to someone looking good in the NFL during OTAs. They still have to display the same kind of ability when the pads start popping for real and it’s no different in the NBA. Also, after the conclusion of summer league, players typically get with their agents to figure out what’s the best deal and proper situation for them. Those things are all still getting sorted through.
Why has the Hornets’ drafting and scouting process been so ineffective compared to teams like the Warriors, who built an incredible foundation through the draft? — Brett S.
That’s a great question and one that really bothers the diehards. Ineffective drafting has besieged the Hornets and those kinds of mistakes are killer for small to mid-sized markets to bounce back from if they can’t lure free agents to mask those misses. Ultimately, it’s on the general manager to pick the player who not only fits the team’s need but is unquestionably the top player available on the board. Rich Cho was responsible for putting the team together during his tenure from 2011-18 and he also shelled out the five-year, $120-million deal to Nic Batum. It’s too early to fully grade Kupchak’s drafts, but Bridges appears to be a find as does Graham. We’ll have to see how things pan out with this year’s crop. But with little chance they are going to bring any big names here via free agency, it’s imperative for them to hit on their draft picks.
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Is there a team further from winning a championship in all professional sports than the Charlotte Hornets? — Adam L.
There may be a few. Namely the New York Mets, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders. When it comes to the NBA, though, the Hornets are probably as far away as any team from contending much less winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy. You can place them in the same category with New York and Washington. It’s been mostly lean times in Charlotte. The Hornets are one of six teams that have never been to the Finals. The others are the LA Clippers, Denver, Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans and you can argue they are all currently closer to capturing a title than the Hornets.
Is Michael Jordan not competitive anymore? From what I have heard throughout the years, he’s competitive in everything. But how come not in this part of basketball? Why is he not going above and beyond to try to win? Does he not really care? — Paul P.
I find it hard to believe Jordan has lost any of his competitive edge. Everyone I’ve spoken to about him says he wants to win badly and Kentucky coach John Calipari told me he’s the type that wants to beat you in anything, even tiddlywinks. He reportedly spoke up at the governor’s meeting in Las Vegas earlier this month, voicing his displeasure with the collective bargaining agreement not strengthening smaller market franchise’s chances to retain their best players. Jordan’s far removed from his playing days and there are those who only know him as an owner and not the lethal player he was with the Bulls. As an owner, he hasn’t found that consistent winning formula. I think he’s learning it’s not easy to assemble a perennially-winning organization in a smaller market without having the right mix — who are making the right decisions in all facets including personnel — in place. Fielding a playoff team in just two of the past eight seasons has many other fans questioning the franchise’s path and it’s surely in the Hornets’ best interest to turn it in the right direction quickly before a fan base that’s deeply frustrated with years of mediocrity further boils and threatens to get out for good.
Curious about the disconnect between James Borrego and Mitch. Mitch tried to deny a rebuild and JB puts it out there. — Jeff H.
I don’t believe there is a disconnect. Being he’s the GM, Kupchak is going to spin it differently. That’s what they do. He’s the one constructing the roster so it’s not in his best interest to say it’s a rebuild because it’s a cringe-worthy word in his mind. Borrego didn’t necessarily use the word either, but in my chat with him he indicated the way the younger players finished this past season gives them reason to get the first looks at extensive playing time. He also suggested the upcoming season is about establishing an organizational identity. Don’t get it twisted. Both know what’s ahead and what’s going on. They couldn’t finish above .500 or make the playoffs with Walker and return a roster mostly intact save Jeremy Lamb’s departure and Terry Rozier’s arrival. This can’t be solved by a patchwork fix.
Can you honestly give a good reason to care this season beyond Miles’ dunks? I follow the Hornets, Sharks and White Sox. I’m used to heartbreak. But dear Lord this offseason has never had me more disenchanted with a team I follow in the 25 years I’ve been a sports fan. — Adrian SMG.
I’ll give you a reason: You can watch the games and then look for my analysis of what’s going on with the team! Seriously, there’s no doubt it will be a lengthy season. Your best bet is to watch closely during the games against top teams. Check out which young player isn’t afraid of the elite-level talent on the opposing side. Can they execute effective moves versus some of the league’s best? Are they holding their own? Are they being exposed? Those type of things. It’s about looking ahead to the future but also evaluating what you presently have. Keep that in mind and perhaps it will allow you to remain engaged.
(Top photo of PJ Washington: Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA Today)