The Charlotte Hornets are off to a rocky start in the preseason. To be fair, it is just preseason. The innate nature for fans is to panic at the first sign of adversity. However, there’s no reason for fans to overreact after to two games.
With that said, there is a very noticeable problem. This team lacks chemistry and structure. With a new coach in Steve Clifford, and three players in Gordon Hayward (injured), Cody Martin (injured), and Miles Bridges (legal issues) out — this is currently not the same nucleus as last season.
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Currently, there is a frenetic rush from fans to see more of LiAngelo Ball. While outside pressure typically sways high school, and to a lesser degree, college coaches to play the fan-favorite, fans should not hold their breaths to see this come to fruition.
Related: Hornets fans loudly chant “we want Gelo” for LiAngelo Ball to play
But, is this necessarily a bad thing?
What do the Hornets have to lose at this point? Most of the players inserted during Hayward and Martin’s absence, likely won’t be playing much when the two return anyway. With as horrid an offseason the Hornets experienced, injecting some life into the organization during meaningless games could be just what the Hornets need.
Now, this is not to dismiss the importance of preseason. While the games themselves don’t count, players need their reps and get their legs used to the grind of an 82-game season.
However, entertainment is also part of the game as well. Fans pay top dollar to see their favorite players play on a nightly basis. For just a few more games, the Hornets have an opportunity to blow the proverbial roof off the Spectrum Center by inserting both LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball in the game at the same time.
The last time this happened was when the two played together in the JBA League four years ago.
LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball suited up the JBA USA team in 2018. This was the last time they played on the same court at the same time.
Can you imagine the social media reaction if LiAngelo receives a cross-court pass from LaMelo for a 3-pointer? The idea of fans possibly seeing this, even for just a few minutes a game, is enough to increase the ticket prices.
So, again, what do you have to lose if you’re the Hornets? The real question is; how much can you gain from opening up the Pandora’s box of possibilities?
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