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Keep up to date with your Charlotte Hornets.
Hornets Team Notes
- Thread starter Charlotte Hornets
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Dalton Knecht Has Decided On His New Jersey Number With Hornets
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/dalton-knecht-has-decided-on-his-new-jersey-number-with-hornets/
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
After a few promising months with the Los Angeles Lakers, rookie star Dalton Knecht is making his first move in the NBA.
Knecht was traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the deal that brought Mark Williams to Los Angeles.
On Friday morning, Etienne Catalan reported that Knecht will wear No. 4 for the Hornets, which was last used by Nick Richards.
Knecht’s time in the NBA has gotten off to a good start and he has averaged 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds during his 48 games for the Lakers.
He is seen as one of the best rookies in the league and some people thought LA would hold on to him for years to come.
But when the chance to sign a big man like Williams came to them, the Lakers jumped at it and allowed Knecht to be moved.
Knecht was already wearing No. 4 with the Lakers, but fans might see a lot more of him in Charlotte.
The Hornets are a younger team with room for a lot of development.
That means Knecht could get more minutes during games, and that could help him become an even better player.
He might also get a more starring role in Charlotte, which could assist them and him.
Lakers fans were sorry to see Knecht go because they felt he had so much promise.
And he still does, but he will be showing it to the Hornets instead of the Lakers.
He left a big impression on the Lakers fanbase after just a few months, and he will surely do the same with loyal Charlotte followers.
The post Dalton Knecht Has Decided On His New Jersey Number With Hornets appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/dalton-knecht-has-decided-on-his-new-jersey-number-with-hornets/
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Josh Green Reveals Why Hornets Have Been Playing Well
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/josh-green-reveals-why-hornets-have-been-playing-well/
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Just a few weeks ago, the Charlotte Hornets suffered through a ten-game losing streak.
But they have been looking much better lately and have won five of their last eight games.
On Monday morning, Josh Green spoke to Rod Boone about what the team is doing right.
He said the entire squad is buying into what head coach Charles Lee has planned, and they are focusing on how to be together and move as one.
Will this teamwork and camaraderie pay off on Monday night when they face the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Hornets are still in very bad shape and hold a 12-30 record, which puts them ahead of only the Washington Wizards in the East.
Although fans may have lost hope of any postseason success this year, they are seeing things that make them hopeful about the future.
The team could be pivoting right now and laying the groundwork for the seasons ahead.
Over the last several years, they have received new management and a new coach, and the owners want the Hornets to enter a bright, brand-new chapter.
Lee is a part of the plan, and he is trying to get the most out of this young and promising group of players.
As for Green, he has averaged 7.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists during his first season with the Hornets.
There are several stars on the roster who could be part of the team for the foreseeable future, and Green says they are all on the same page.
The Hornets have just started a lengthy stint at home where they will play against the Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, and more.
Can they continue to build their chemistry and move as one, like Green said?
If so, can they climb higher in the Eastern Conference standings?
The post Josh Green Reveals Why Hornets Have Been Playing Well appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/josh-green-reveals-why-hornets-have-been-playing-well/
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LaMelo Ball Sends A Clear Message About His Ability
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/lamelo-ball-sends-a-clear-message-about-his-ability/
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
LaMelo Ball’s offensive output has greatly increased this season and he is averaging 29.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game for the Charlotte Hornets.
After a few years out of the mix, Ball is back in contention for a spot in the NBA All-Star Game.
Ball feels that he deserves a spot and considers himself an All-Star all the time.
He might feel like one, but will Ball be on the roster next month when the league meets in the Bay Area?
“I feel like I'm an All-Star every year.”
— LaMelo Ball
(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/9GJEYKKIrr
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 21, 2025
Ball looks improved in just about every way this season.
Not only is he scoring a career-high in points, but he looks more confident and has been much healthier.
The Hornets are slowly going through some changes and their hope is to be bound for the playoffs in the next few seasons.
They are not there yet because they are 13th in the East with an 11-28 record, but they are showing signs of moving in the right direction.
For example, they just went on a three-game winning streak and recently took down the Dallas Mavericks.
Ball is receiving a ton of love in fan voting for the All-Star Game.
The latest round of returns showed him with 1,908,967 votes, making him the most popular guard in the Eastern Conference, ahead of Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson and others.
So, he obviously isn’t the only person who feels he is an All-Star.
Unless something unexpected happens, he will be part of the game on Feb. 16, although it will be a bit longer before his team is in the mix for the postseason.
The post LaMelo Ball Sends A Clear Message About His Ability appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/lamelo-ball-sends-a-clear-message-about-his-ability/
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Kyrie Irving Reveals His Honest Thoughts About LaMelo Ball
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/kyrie-irving-reveals-his-honest-thoughts-about-lamelo-ball/
(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets snuck past the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, beating them 110-105 behind the power of LaMelo Ball.
Speaking of Ball, Dallas’ Kyrie Irving talked about him to Joey Mistretta and the press after the game.
During the game, Ball put up 23 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists.
For the season, he is averaging a career-high 29.3 points, as well as 5.4 rebounds and 7.6 assists on 42.1 percent from the field.
Ball is having another banner year, even though his Hornets are just the 13th team in the East with an 11-28 record.
For years now, fans have been expecting more from the Hornets, partly because of how great Ball is.
He has been getting a ton of attention and has already been named Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earned an All-Star appearance in 2021-22.
Irving has been in the league for years and has seen some of the best young stars rise through the ranks and become icons.
He believes the same thing is possible for Ball, despite some people questioning his abilities.
Irving said he wants to see Ball do great things and prove all of the doubters wrong and he definitely is right now.
While Irving was surely disappointed to lose on Monday night, he was happy to be close to Ball and once again witness what he is capable of.
The post Kyrie Irving Reveals His Honest Thoughts About LaMelo Ball appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/kyrie-irving-reveals-his-honest-thoughts-about-lamelo-ball/
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LaMelo Ball Is Making NBA History This Season
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/lamelo-ball-is-making-nba-history-this-season/
(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets just won their tenth game of the NBA season.
They’ve played 38 games.
However, as much as they have struggled, their star, LaMelo Ball, continues to shine bright.
To put it in context, Underdog shed light on just how rare and great of a season he’s having.
He’s one of just eight players in NBA history to have averaged at least 29 points per game at age 23 since 1980.
He’s joined an exclusive list that includes Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Trae Young, and Luka Doncic.
Since 1980, only 8 players have averaged 29.0 PPG by their age 23 season…
Michael Jordan
Shaquille O'Neal
Tracy McGrady
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Trae Young
Luka Doncic
LAMELO BALL pic.twitter.com/4YCL9ciokw
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) January 17, 2025
That’s a great company to be in, as most of those players are Hall of Famers and considered some of the greatest players of all time.
Ball is averaging 29.5 points and 7.5 assists per game on 42% from the floor.
He’s also taking the most shots per minute since the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.
Ball has been a craftsman and a magician on the court, making defenders miss and wowing everybody with his skills and handles.
Unfortunately, as one might be able to tell by the team’s record, that has rarely translated into winning basketball.
Of course, he’s doing his part to help with that, but he’s not devoid of blame, either.
Ball’s defensive efforts have been nonexistent for most of his career, and he averages nearly four turnovers per game.
His game will draw a lot of eyeballs, and he’s, by all means, one of the most skilled players ever.
Whether any team will be able to win with him remains the big question.
The post LaMelo Ball Is Making NBA History This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/lamelo-ball-is-making-nba-history-this-season/
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Insider Believes Hornets Veteran Will Soon Be Traded
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-believes-hornets-veteran-will-soon-be-traded/
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets shook things up on Wednesday when they parted ways with Nick Richards, who was sent to the Phoenix Suns.
Is that the end of their deals before the trade deadline?
Evan Sidery doesn’t think so, and on Thursday morning he reported that Cody Martin “will be next on the move to a contending team for second-round draft capital.”
Where will he go, and will the Hornets get everything they want in exchange for him?
Martin is averaging 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season, shooting 44.1 percent from the field.
He has started in seven of 35 games and has become an important part of the team’s second unit.
Because the Hornets aren’t asking for a lot, they should probably be able to get what they want for Martin.
Plenty of teams throughout the association have second-round draft capital they can send to Charlotte.
These moves from the Hornets suggest they are ready to change in the months ahead.
For the last few years, they have attempted to find success with their roster, choosing not to make many modifications.
But it seems like the time may have come for them to start altering their lineup.
They are the 14th team in the East, and some fans feel they need to change their approach and make big moves.
Does the front office agree with them?
What alterations could the Hornets pursue in the next few weeks and summer?
They have already sent away one player and now they are looking to trade another.
What other changes are on the horizon for this young Hornets team?
The post Insider Believes Hornets Veteran Will Soon Be Traded appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-believes-hornets-veteran-will-soon-be-traded/
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Hornets Announce Mark Williams’ Status For Wednesday’s Game
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/hornets-announce-mark-williams-status-for-wednesdays-game/
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
It’s been a wild week for Mark Williams.
Just days after being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Charlotte Hornets, he was back with his original team because the Lakers denied the trade.
There is still great controversy about that move, but Williams is figuring out how to move forward.
On Tuesday, the Hornets announced that Williams would be out for Wednesday’s game against the Orlando Magic.
On top of that, Evan Sidery reported that the Hornets have filed a motion with the league to investigate the Lakers’ failed physical for Williams.
For a brief few days, Williams looked like the big man the Lakers needed.
He is averaging 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game and is just 23 years old.
The idea of Williams playing alongside Luke Doncic and LeBron James, catching lobs and blocking shots, seemed like a dream come true.
Unfortunately, the dream was shattered when the Lakers put Williams through a physical and weren’t happy with the results.
They vetoed the trade and Williams was sent back to Charlotte.
The reason for his absence on Wednesday is listed as “personal,” which means he could be back soon.
But what does his future hold?
How serious are his injuries, and how can he play for the Hornets knowing they were ready to part ways with him?
This mess with the Lakers trade has thrown Williams’ plans into jeopardy, and there are a ton of questions about him.
Perhaps Williams can mend fences with the Hornets and come back ready to prove to the Lakers what they are missing out on.
The post Hornets Announce Mark Williams’ Status For Wednesday’s Game appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/hornets-announce-mark-williams-status-for-wednesdays-game/
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Suns, Hornets Are Discussing Interesting Trade
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/suns-hornets-are-discussing-interesting-trade/
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns want a new big man.
Jusuf Nurkic has fallen from grace after some disappointing play this season, and he’s been out of the rotation as a whole over the past couple of games.
According to a report by Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, the Suns already have a target to replace him.
They’ve been in talks with the Charlotte Hornets about a potential deal that would send their out-of-favor Bosnian big man and a couple of second-round picks there for Nick Richards.
The deal, per Sidery, would also include another Hornets player going to Phoenix.
Nurkic hasn’t been efficient on offense, and he’s been a defensive liability for most of the season as well.
Once a good pick-and-roll player, he’s been exposed in the restricted area all year long.
Moreover, despite his strong build, smaller opposition has pushed him around.
The Suns have not lived up to expectations this season, which seems to be a worrisome and perennial trend.
They’re also reportedly looking to acquire Jimmy Butler, who could be just what they need to toughen up and return to winning ways.
However, for that to happen, they will need to find someone to take Bradley Beal’s terrible contract and then convince him to waive his no-trade clause.
Needless to say, that’s going to be easier said than done.
In the meantime, they will look to bolster the rest of the roster to try to straighten the course of the ship.
The post Suns, Hornets Are Discussing Interesting Trade appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/suns-hornets-are-discussing-interesting-trade/
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LaMelo Ball Had Honest Admission About His Draft Preference
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/lamelo-ball-had-honest-admission-about-his-draft-preference/
(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets remain one of the worst teams in the NBA, but they do have some stars they can build around in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
The Ball-Miller combination is showing real signs of progress during its second year, meaning the Hornets can now focus on improving the roster around them.
Ball has dealt with injuries over the years but when healthy is one of the NBA’s most electrifying and exciting players.
Not only does he like to push the pace and score quickly, he’s also a gifted passer who is able to find teammates all over the floor.
Ball’s path to the league was one of the most unconventional as he played overseas in Lithuania before being drafted.
Years later, he is admitting that he didn’t care where he got drafted so long as he was back home in the United States.
The conditions overseas were obviously not nearly as good as they are domestically, so it’s hard to blame Ball for feeling the way he does.
He’s come a long way from playing against no-name competition and now has a chance to build out his legacy for a Charlotte franchise desperate to get back to the playoffs.
The post LaMelo Ball Had Honest Admission About His Draft Preference appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/lamelo-ball-had-honest-admission-about-his-draft-preference/
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Hornets Are Open To Trading Veteran Guard
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/hornets-are-open-to-trading-veteran-guard/
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
It’s been years since the Charlotte Hornets have been viewed as legitimate contenders for the playoffs and they want to change that.
But what will be their best approach to making that happen?
Writing on X, Evan Sidery said the Hornets are open to the idea of trading Vasilije Micic for second-round draft capital.
Sidery wrote:
Micic is in his second season with the Hornets and has averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists so far in 2024-25.
As noted by Sidery, Micic could provide several teams with playmaking abilities and strong guard skills.
Parting ways with Micic would be a low-risk move for the Hornets because he isn’t one of their most important players.
He has started in seven of 15 games this season and is on the court for an average of just over 21 minutes.
If the Hornets play their cards right, they can get a valuable asset in exchange for Micic.
Charlotte fans might be disappointed if this is the only move the team makes this season.
The Hornets are 13th in the East with a 7-19 record and it seems clear that several changes are needed if they wish to climb higher than that.
Moving Micic could be a good choice, but would it be only the start of shifting and changing the roster?
The Hornets are under new management that has been adamant about raising the team’s prospects over the next few years.
That means they will have to formulate a plan that could include multiple trades, including this potential one with Micic.
The post Hornets Are Open To Trading Veteran Guard appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/hornets-are-open-to-trading-veteran-guard/