LaMelo Ball has the talent to transform the Charlotte Hornets and take them to new heights. Can he keep making the subtle improvements it will take? Assuming LeBron James stays healthy most of this season, he’ll pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. It’s a select club, those few who at some
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are looking for former All-Star talent to roster behind a developing LaMelo Ball, including Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker. LaMelo Ball may be coming of an NBA All-Star season, but the 21-year-old point guard is still developing in his role with the Charlotte Hornets. For that reason, the Hornets are looking to
Most of the Donovan Mitchell trade rumors have focused on the New York Knicks. But new rumors indicate two new teams have joined the hunt. Once the Jazz made it clear that they were open to listening to trade offers on Donovan Mitchell, the trade possibilities quickly spiraled. But the rumors quickly seemed to narrow
Muggsy Bogues offers insight into his inner life in “Muggsy,” while Grant Hill contemplates what his NBA life could have been in “Game.” Muggsy Bogues is best known for being the shortest player in NBA history at just 5’3”. But that factoid has too often overshadowed everything else about his fascinating life. From his childhood
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges. (Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports) Phillies: Mark Appel makes MLB debut almost written for Hollywood by Cody Williams Charlotte Hornets star Miles Bridges, who is expected to be a major free agency target this summer, was arrested on felony domestic violence charges in Los Angeles. Miles Bridges’ summer was supposed to
The Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks combined for a ridiculous trade on NBA Draft night, which sent Kemba Walker and Jalen Duren to the Motor City. Did the Pistons just win draft night? Honestly, it’s starting to seem that way. Detroit drafted Jaden Ivey, arguably the most high-profile guard in this draft
The Charlotte Hornets might make some moves ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft before hiring their next head coach because that is just who they are as a basketball franchise right now. After being left at the altar by Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson, the Charlotte Hornets are not only soldiering on in their long-drawn-out coaching
Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson bailing on Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets speaks volumes about their basketball organization. Days after the Golden State Warriors won the 2022 NBA Finals, assistant coach Kenny Atkinson decided to leave Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets at the altar in embarrassing fashion. This would have been Atkinson’s second stab
Memphis Grizzles point guard Ja Morant and Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges are battling to see who can conduct the biggest offseason offense. During a boisterous house party on June 4, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant made a bold declaration: “I’m the only one who will show you how I really live.” Ever the
There are two early suitors that could be interested in acquiring guard Russell Westbrook from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to be contending for the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end of the 2021-22 regular season, especially after they brought in guard Russell Westbrook. Instead, the team failed
The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic got chippy on Thursday as a scuffle resulted in ejections for Robin Lopez, Admiral Schofield and Montrezl Harrell. The Hornets are battling for a more favorable draw in the Eastern Conference play-in games. They have plenty to play for this season. The Magic have been eliminated from the postseason.
Charlotte Hornets guard James Bouknight gets kicked out of the UConn-Xavier basketball game, only to return a little bit later as a man of the people in the UConn student section. James Bouknight might be an anonymous player on the Charlotte Hornets, but he is a living legend in Storrs, Connecticut among the UConn faithful. While relaxing a
The life of an Army Veteran changed in a major way at the Charlotte Hornets game on Wednesday night. Talk about a night to remember for Army Veteran Forrest Severson and his wife Sarah. Severson, who will medically retire from the Army this month, was on hand for the contest between the Charlotte Hornets and
The Charlotte Hornets found their new center before the trade deadline, picking up Montrezl Harrell from the Wizards for two players and a draft pick. The NBA trade deadline had the Wizards making moves and the Hornets biding their time but the two eventually came together for a trade. Washington sent center Montrezl Harrell to
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball made some history after being named to the NBA All-Star Game. The NBA announced all of the participants for the 2022 All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio, with Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant being one of them. However, due to him being sidelined with an MCL sprain, he is unable to
Houston Rockets, Christian Wood (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) Cardinals could fix rotation woes with 1 move by Cody Williams Rockets big man Christian Wood isn’t known for his passing and that was never more evident than against the Hornets, as one unfortunate fan can attest to. Rebounding and scoring at the rim are where
Myles Turner trades are being shopped by the Pacers as Indiana looks to rebuild and this Hornets trade that would land the big man could be perfect. The Charlotte Hornets dropped their second game in three nights to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, dropping the franchise to 14-13 on the season and the No.
Nov 27, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) defends during overtime at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Cubs taking swing at former Yankees outfielder by Thomas Erbe Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball shared his thoughts
Kelly Oubre Jr., Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Raiders punter AJ Cole auditions to play linebacker with hit-stick, forced fumble by Scott Rogust Kelly Oubre was not cool enough to keep his cool when battling his former Golden State teammate Steph Curry in Charlotte. Kelly Oubure may play for the Charlotte Hornets now,
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 14: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket while guarded by Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on November 14, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. If the NBA season ended today, Miles Bridges would win Most Improved Player by an enormous margin. And honestly, you could make an argument that he’d belong in the
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. One week into the NBA season and 23 teams have already taken their first L (or three of them in the case of the Thunder and Pelicans). The best
The one and only Michael Jordan has come out in support of the NBA’s protocols leading up to the regular season arriving. For a while now, there’s been plenty of drama across the NBA when it comes to players getting vaccinated and having to follow the league’s protocols on COVID-19. Most notably, Kyrie Irving has
LaMelo Ball has endless talent, creativity and imagination. What can he do for the Charlotte Hornets now that he has experience too? In a May contest against the moribund Pistons, LaMelo Ball did one of the coolest things anyone has done on the basketball court in a long time. Detroit turned the ball over and
Point guard Grant Riller has been signed by the Philadelphia 76ers to a two-way contract, according to an announcement made today by Daryl Morey, the team’s president of basketball operations. On November 30, 2020, the guard signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. In the 2020-21 season, Riller spent time playing for both Charlotte
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The frantic rush of free-agent signings from the beginning of this month has given way to a steady progression of major contract extensions. Earlier this week Joel Embiid and
Per sources, the Indiana Pacers‘ front office are contemplating a potential in-season trade involving Jeremy Lamb. On October 20, 2021, their season opener begins at the Spectrum Center against the Charlotte Hornets. The team’s backcourt currently consists of Caris LeVert, Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. McConnell. In the 2021 NBA Draft, the Pacers also selected Oregon
For NBA rookies, the start of the 2020-21 season was vastly different than in the past. The COVID-19 pandemic had caused the 2019-20 season to be put on temporary hiatus, and the league eventually resumed play in the bubble in Orlando, FL. The bubble played out long into October and as a result, the 2020
Summer is drawing to a close and while the buzz surrounding free agency has lessened, there are still some impactful moves that teams can make. Now is the time for the front office executives to trim out their roster, take a closer look at some veterans, and possibly taking a chance on a young prospect
Charlotte Hornets power forward PJ Washington is denying the social media rumor that he is paying $200k per month in child support payments to ex-girlfriend Brittany Renner. Yesterday on Twitter, the 22-year-old power forward broke his silence. He posted, “Stop the cap.” For older adults, this is slang for “stop the lies.” Renner is a
Kelly Oubre remained without a deal well into NBA free agency deals being announced, and the Charlotte Hornets have swooped in to buy low. Days into the NBA free agency period, at least when deals can be announced, Kelly Oubre lingered as one of the top names still available. Thursday night that changed, with Yahoo!’s
For the past several years, the Western Conference has widely been considered the deeper, more talented conference. Don’t look now, but the teams in the East have caught up and passed them as the premier conference in the league. Considering the elite-level talent (superstars) and the rising young stars, the argument could easily be made
Lauri Markkanen is a restricted free agent on the Chicago Bulls. The organization is now willing to trade the power forward, however, Bulls general manager Marc Eversley is demanding a first-round pick in return. Two days ago, Markkanen told the media that he has no plans to re-sign with Chicago. According to sources, the New
Devonte’ Graham celebrates his three point shot in the second quarter against the New York Knicks. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Lakers fans are thrilled with Rob Pelinka’s moves so far in Free Agency by Alicia de Artola After losing Lonzo Ball to the Chicago Bulls after a sign-and-trade deal, Devonte Graham commits to a sign-and-trade
The Detroit Pistons traded Mason Plumlee and a second-round draft pick to the Hornets in a move clearly designed to free up space for another move. It’s not often a team trades down for nothing, but sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. That’s the Detroit Pistons‘ mantra on Thursday night after
May 9, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk (1) looks to pass against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Spectrum Center. The New Orleans Pelicans won 112-110. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports How would Lonzo Ball fit with LaMelo Ball on the Charlotte Hornets? by Ian Levy
Welcome back to Basketball Insiders’ “What’s Next” series. We previously covered the teams that missed both the playoffs and the Play-In Tournament. Now, we’re focusing on teams that are either on the cusp of making the playoffs or are trying to build contenders. The Charlotte Hornets, despite the outcome, had quite a fantastic season. There’s
Charlotte Hornets. (Mandatory Credit: Sarah Stier/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports) The Charlotte Hornets can accomplish so much if they were to make the 2021 NBA Playoffs. With serious playoff aspirations, it all starts with a win on Tuesday night vs. the Indiana Pacers for the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte is finished the 2020-21 NBA regular season in 10th
The Indiana Pacers wiped the floor with the Charlotte Hornets in the first play-in game before the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Here are the three biggest takeaways. The 2021 NBA Playoffs are nearly here, but before they begin, the league is giving four teams in each conference their shot at filling the final two playoff-spots for
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 18: Edmond Sumner #5 of the Indiana Pacers makes a basket at the end of the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets in the 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The NBA’s play-in tournament kicks off Tuesday and every team will need stars and role players to come up big. Here’s the secret weapon each team will count on.
At the conclusion of Sunday’s NBA games, the Eastern Conference play-in round is now officially set. The 2020-21 NBA season reached its conclusion on Sunday, with many keeping their eyes peeled on the new play-in round. While there were teams looking to avoid the mini-bracket altogether, there were others looking at it as their final
With the NBA season winding down, there is limited left time for rookies to make their cases for the Rookie of the Year award. In all, three rookies are leading the charge and will likely be named the top three rookies of the season. Without further ado, let’s take a look at how the race
LaMelo Ball has been the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year and even LeBron James was impressed after his first look at the up-and-coming star. LaMelo Ball played down the stakes of his first career matchup with the GOAT, LeBron James. Earlier this week he responded to a question about whether or not he
NBA Twitter was in disbelief as Malik Monk lit up the Miami Heat once again. The last time Malik Monk faced the Miami Heat, he dropped 36 points on 11-of-18 shooting in a 129-121 overtime win for the Charlotte Hornets. In their latest meeting Friday night, Monk continued his ascent up the list of notorious
LaMelo Ball is already playing like a savvy veteran. Apparently, he’s approaching big games like on too. For NBA rookies, that first season is just a progression of firsts. Your first home game. Your first road trip. Your first time playing in the 29 other NBA arenas. Your first win, your first loss. Maybe your
LaMelo Ball has been the front-runner for Rookie of the Year almost since the season began, but somehow Draymond Green missed that. Luckily his mom filled him in. It’s hard to miss just how good LaMelo Ball has been this year. His shooting has been much, much better than advertised. He’s averaged 15.8 points, 6.3
With the Orlando Magic floating near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, four playoff teams are eyeing star center Nikola Vucevic. The 2021 NBA All-Star Game is in the books, which means the trade deadline is on the horizon. March 25 is the date that team executives will keep an eye on, as playoff
Feb 20, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, left, argues with referee Marc Davis (8) as Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington looks on during the second half at Spectrum Center. The Charlotte Hornets won 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports Latest update on J.J. Watt is bad news for
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after defeating the Chicago Bulls 117-115 in a game at Staples Center on January 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to