Snidely FC wrote:In preseason tier ranking, Zach Lowe ESPN+, has the Hornets with the Knicks, Bulls, and Grizzlies as "Threats to Escape the Play In: Varsity Division."Fans of the Raptors, Wizards, and Pacers will be mad seeing Charlotte here. I get it. I have no idea how the Hornets cobbled a league-average defense while playing bundles of small ball, hemorrhaging rebounds, and allowing the second-most 3s (including the most corner 3s!) and fourth-most rim attempts.
That is some serious smoke and mirrors, and Charlotte's zone -- which they played more than anyone, per Second Spectrum -- sewed confusion.
They will likely play smaller even more often without a viable center behind Mason Plumlee. Lineups with P.J. Washington at center outscored opponents by about six points per 100 possessions despite god-awful rebounding; can that hold up?
But there is just something about this team. LaMelo Ball is real. He is a perfect fit with Washington and Miles Bridges, guys at the right age to make mini-leaps. (Bridges made a big one last season.) Gordon Hayward is healthy and with Kelly Oubre Jr. gives Charlotte depth and strength at the wing -- grist for small-ball groups.
These guys have a good spirit. Old and slow teams absolutely hate playing them. I smell something.
That is a pretty spot on analysis by Lowe, thanks for posting
