Another Tough Year: The Hornets Hit a New Low iN the 2024-25 Season

Charles Lee and Lamelo Ball

This past season was supposed to be a step forward for the Charlotte Hornets. Instead, it turned into another long, frustrating year that left fans with more questions than answers. Injuries, missed opportunities, and lack of progress made this one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. 

It feels like every season starts with hope, and then injuries just wipe it all out. LaMelo Ball missed a huge part of the year again with ankle problems. It’s becoming a pattern, and as good as he is when healthy, the team just can’t rely on him to be available. 

Brandon Miller was expected to take a big leap in his second year, but he only played 27 games before a wrist injury shut him down. He showed flashes when he played, but we didn’t get to see enough of him to know where he’s really at in his development. 

Mark Williams had one of the weirdest years. He started off hurt with a back injury, then came back and actually looked really good. But just as it seemed like he was turning a corner, news broke that he was being traded to the Lakers—then the trade got canceled. It was confusing, and honestly, it didn’t help the team at all. 

The one player who really showed up night after night was Miles Bridges. No matter what was going on around him, he kept competing and putting up numbers. He deserves credit for that, but the front office needs to decide if he’s part of the long-term future or not. 

Taking Tidjane Salaün with the 6th overall pick was already a surprise on draft night. Now, it just looks like a miss. He didn’t bring much value this season and honestly didn’t show a ton of potential. With so many better options still available at that pick, it’s hard not to feel like the Hornets messed this one up. 

Lamelo Ball & Brandon Miller

This offseason has to be different. The team can’t go into it being passive or hoping things will magically improve. Decisions need to be made—on players, the roster, the future. Who’s actually helping this team move forward? Who’s just taking up space? The Hornets need to stop holding onto players just because they might get better. It's time to build around guys who are healthy, productive, and competitive. 

If there’s anything to be a little positive about, it’s new head coach Charles Lee. He’s trying to create a real culture, something this team has needed for a long time. It’s not going to happen overnight, but he seems serious about setting a new tone. Still, he needs support from the front office and the right kind of players around him. 

Final Thoughts 

This was a rough season—there’s no way around it. The Hornets took a step back when they were supposed to take one forward. But the future isn’t totally lost. If this team goes into the

offseason with the right mindset—clear, focused, and willing to make tough calls—things can get better. But if they don’t? We’re looking at another wasted year.

Images: New York Times & Hornets