The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the worst franchises in the NBA and are No. 30 in my 2023-24 power rankings. The Hornets have made just two playoff appearances over the last decade, and they currently own the longest postseason drought in the league. This past season, Charlotte saw their postseasonless streak extend to seven straight years as they finished with the fourth-worst record (27-55). However, they just missed out on hitting the lottery jackpot.
2023-24 NBA Power Rankings Offseason Edition: No. 30 Charlotte Hornets
The consolation prize is not that bad. Charlotte selected Brandon Miller with the second overall pick, selecting the former Alabama star over G League sensation Scoot Henderson. The Hornets also drafted Nick Smith Jr. in the first round and signed second-rounder Amari Bailey to a two-way deal. No. 31 overall pick James Nnaji remains unsigned.
Charlotte also extended LaMelo Ball’s contract through 2029 and signed restricted free agent Miles Bridges. While Ball’s extension was necessary to keep stability and hope, inking Bridges to a $7.9 million qualifying offer gives both sides a chance to figure things out after the 25-year-old missed last season. However, the Hornets didn’t necessarily get any better, and defense remains an issue.
Best Offseason Move: Drafting Brandon Miller
While there were some rumblings that the Hornets were considering taking Henderson with the second pick, they got the decision correct by selecting Miller. Miller is a pure scorer who can shoot. Although, as evidenced by his Summer League performance, he needs to work on his body and decision-making. The 20-year-old averaged 15.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in five games in Las Vegas and Sacramento. Although he canned two threes a game, Miller only shot 38.1% from the field and 31.3% from the three-point line.
Worst Offseason Move: Not Re-Signing Restricted Free Agent (Yet) P.J. Washington
P.J. Washington has been the heart and soul of the Hornets for the last several years and has been more than a serviceable big man. The Hornets have a $8.5 million qualifying offer out to Washington.
He is a top-20 power forward who is a two-way player. Washington is not a great finisher around the basket but can play facing up or with his back to the net. He also can knock down mid-range jumpers and stretch the floor. Rebounding is a weakness, though he is a decent passer and rim-protector.
Washington is coming off his best offensive season. The 25-year-old posted career-highs in points, three-pointers, and free throws. He didn’t shoot the ball well, compiling a slash line of 44/35/73.
According to reports, Washington is seeking at least $18 million a year, and the sides are believed to be far apart. One of the latest rumors is that the Hornets would rather trade Washington than have him accept the qualifying offer.
Future Offseason Moves/Needs: Big Man, Backup Point Guard, Shooting
Charlotte has 14 players with standard contracts and is about $6 million below the salary cap floor ($122 million). The Hornets have flexibility with Kobi Simmons and JT Thor contracts being nonguaranteed until January 10. Besides re-signing Washington, the team reportedly seeks a veteran backup point guard. Theo Maledon, on a two-way contract last year, also has a qualifying offer from the Hornets at $1.8 million.
Charlotte was one of the worst offensive teams as they ranked 29th in field goal and three-point percentage, and 27th in free throw percentage. The Hornets also were below average defensively, though they did rank in the top ten in steals and blocks.
