The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat 111-108 in their second preseason game of the year. In the victory, the Hornets were led by LaMelo Ball, who scored 24 points while shooting 7-for-15 from the field. Additionally, rookie Tidjane Salaun scored 15 of his own and shot 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. The Hornets will look to follow up on this victory with another impressive performance on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 10. However, they will be without one of their new additions–DaQuan Jeffries.
In an official statement put out by the team, the Hornets announced that Jeffries “suffered a fractured right fifth metacarpal” in the team’s win over Miami. Though they left the statement very general, the Hornets announced Jeffries “will be out moving forward.” It is currently unknown if he is in any danger of missing time in the regular season.
INJURY UPDATE: @hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries suffered a fractured right fifth metacarpal in last night’s preseason game vs MIA on 10/8. He will be out moving forward and updates on his status will be provided as appropriate.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) October 9, 2024
The Hornets acquired the Oklahoma native as part of the three-team trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks.
Charlotte Hornets Wing Ruled Out Indefinitely
The Charlotte Hornets’ Outlook Without DaQuan Jeffries
Jeffries was unlikely to crack the rotation as it stood. However, with this injury, it will make it even more difficult for him to make an impact in Charlotte. Last season, the Hornets finished with a 21-61 record. This was their worst record since the 2012-13 campaign, back when they were known as the Bobcats. Additionally, they missed the playoffs for the eighth straight year. However, for the first time in a while, things are looking up in Charlotte.
It is unlikely they will return to the playoffs this season. However, there is no denying that the Hornets are in a good position. In addition to Ball’s presence, who has looked great since his return, the Hornets have other players to be excited about. The team re-signed Miles Bridges this offseason, and it will be exciting to see how Brandon Miller does in his sophomore year.
Though they probably will miss the playoffs once again, it is not a stretch to consider them a potential Play-In team. Looking at the teams who finished ahead of them in the Eastern Conference last season, the Hornets have a legitimate chance to pass them this time around. Most notably, the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls (who were a Play-In team last season) could all finish below the Hornets next year.
The Charlotte Hornets’ Offseason
The Hornets had a good offseason this summer. Arguably their biggest external move was drafting Saluan, but the team was busy beyond that. Additionally, the Hornets acquired Josh Green from the Dallas Mavericks, Moussa Diabate, Taj Gibson, and Harry Giles. Furthermore, the Hornets hired Charles Lee as their new head coach. Lee is a two-time champion as an assistant coach in the NBA. He won with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and the Boston Celtics in 2024. If there is any coach who can bring the Hornets their first championship, Lee may be that guy.
