Source: Grant Halverson / Getty
The Charlotte Hornets began Training Camp this week in Durham on the hopes that a new GM & Head Coach can turn the recent losing tide around.
As the Hornets met the media on Monday before heading to Duke University for four days in Durham, players and coaches talked about the new and reimagined Charlotte franchise. Head Coach Charles Lee said from the start that the team will be built on defense.
Charles Lee says the “overall commitment to defense could be better.” @hornets
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) September 30, 2024
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The Hornets ranked last in defensive efficiency last year, something brought up by a couple of players as they prepare for the season. Day One of Training Camp for Lee & Charlotte focused major parts of the day on the defensive side of the ball.
One way to keep defenses off balance comes with picking up the pace, which Lee plans to utilize with this group. Brandon Miller, who didn’t have much time to develop chemistry with LaMelo Ball in his rookie year, should be a key to upping the tempo and offensive proficiency.
Lee feels having great pace will be key for this team. Want to create advantages early in the shot clock. They want to show LaMelo & Brandon how they can work off of each other. @hornets
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) September 30, 2024
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Returning forward Miles Bridges says he already sees a difference in the messaging from the top.
Miles Bridges: “The new @hornets DNA is ‘Be obsessed with daily improvement.’” pic.twitter.com/sKwoZv3DGU
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) September 30, 2024
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The Hornets have lacked veteran leadership in recent years, but the infusion of Grant Williams, Seth Curry and Taj Gibson among others should give guidance to a young and rising corps.
I asked Williams how the offseason trade for Josh Green might affect his starting role and minutes, and his response spoke volumes.
I asked Grant Williams if after all the moving and shaking this off-season how important it is for him to start, and he gave a very thoughtful and team-first answer. Too long to tweet all of it, but the pull-out quote:
“Starting is fun, but closing the game is fun too.” @hornets pic.twitter.com/P88sFAG2Tq
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) September 30, 2024
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The biggest part of the season remains how much will the Hornets get out of LaMelo Ball, who has missed 106 of the last 164 games of his NBA career with various injuries. When asked about preventative maintenance on his ankles which kept him out most of last season, he said he found a pair of ankle braces that he will wear this season.
Another concern at the start of camp is the injury to Mark Williams, who strained a tendon in his foot last Thursday during a pre-camp workout. The Hornets will be without Williams for at least two weeks, putting the start of his regular season in jeopardy. Williams, who missed most of his sophomore season with a back injury, downplayed his latest ailment, saying that it was “not too serious”. He also commented Monday he’s trying to rid himself of the “injury-prone” label, and added that he no longer has pain in his back.
The Hornets preseason begins Sunday with the first of five exhibition games with Charlotte hosting the New York Knicks at 5 PM. You can hear every Charlotte Hornets game this season on Sports Radio 92.7 WFNZ, the WFNZ app and the Charlotte Hornets app within the Metrolina listening area.
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