Does the Buzz continue to build for Craig and the Hornets?

2021 Finish: 64-18

Season Highlight: Winning 4 out of every 5 games

Winning is difficult. Consistently winning a lot of games is even more difficult. Most teams, managers will never reach the 60-game plateau. The Hornets eclipsed 60 wins (64) a season removed from winning 30 times. Doubling the output of success is remarkably impressive and no other team can boast that. Congratulations on being one of the most winningest regular season teams of 2021. 

Season Lowlight: Ushered out the playoffs in the First Round

It’s never a sure thing in the playoffs, and even less so when you unceremoniously come up against a now-healthy LeBron James. Luka is as talented as anyone, but LeBron has been winning playoff battles for the best part of two decades, and the Hornets, for all of their zest and regular season wins, just couldn’t overcome The King. Management and fans alike were disappointed. Hopefully it can be a catalyst for better finishes to come.

Best Trade: Dennis Smith Jr, TJ Leaf and Dzusan Musa to the Suns for Chris Paul

I mean this has aged awfully for the Suns, which is ironic and fitting because Chris Paul, who was thought to age awfully in 2k, has aged remarkably well (and even improved his rating). He was even healthier than his typical seasons, which was a big reason why Charlotte cracked 60 wins.

To be fair to Phoenix, it was an albatross of an asset to try and move so in the end, they gave him away to Charlotte. But it’s a clear win to the Hornets, and it signalled their intentions to try and win as much as possible. 

Being able to take his contract on easily, the pairing of Paul with Doncic was such a clever move, putting two of the greatest floor generals in the league on the court together. Can Paul keep it up? I think he can. But if not, at least they got him for free.

Worst Trade: Jusuf Nurkic, Jae Crowder, James Wiseman, Daniel Theis, Ish Smith and 2 x 2^ndrounders for Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Jerami Grant, Chris Boucher and Jamychel Green.

At the time, some commended this move as a positive ‘win now’ move, but I also don’t think I was alone in thinking that Craig maybe got short-changed some value and currency here and might not have gotten the impact from the incoming players that he was hoping for and banking on. Gasol is now gone from Charlotte and the league and was average. Serge was always hurt but has this season to contribute. Same as Boucher, who was still a bit green last season. Grant looks to be a piece that will continue to be a positive for the Hornets. Green is gone. I just don’t know if any of the players acquired moved the needle too much for the Hornets on the court, and from and asset perspective. None, bar Grant, will age well in my opinion. Wiseman and Nurkic are obviously the most valuable pieces given up, both of whom can be terrific Cs in the league if they put it together. This trade-grade hinges on where Wiseman ends up. Was it too short sighted or insightful? 

Other Notable Trades:

Sending out Duncan Robinson for Ish Smith

At the time, this seemed very shortsighted. While Ish is still a handy vet, but mostly irrelevant, Robinson’s 18M a season for his lack of 2k impact probably sees his value as an asset as negative or at best, neutral. It didn’t make or break the Hornets. Craig’s take below:

Duncan didn't fit my projected team build. Probably could have gotten more for him. But agreed to this trade months before his breakout in the bubble. Overall I ended up with what I need most. backup PG with a specific set of skills and cap flexibility for next offseason :)

Sending out Terance Mann for Demarcus Cousins

At the time, I didn’t even know who Mann was and I thought the juice was worth the squeeze to see if Cousins could be the man at the 5 for the Hornets. He was valiant, but his best days are behind him whereas Mann has found a role, and a new contract, in the NSL. Didn’t make or break the Hornets.

Sending out Wayne Ellington and two 2nds for Harry Giles
It’s turned out to be irrelevant for all parties involved. Giles failed to prove he belongs in the league and the idea of Wayne remains better than Wayne.

Sending out Gasol, Bledsoe and Green for Redick, Rondo and Clarkson
Lots of veterans switching jerseys, here, with Clarkson seeming to be the best piece moving forward, as he plays well in the league and is in a great situation. Still, an even deal.

Free Agency:

Plenty of roster spots to fill.

Chris Paul (UFA) – staying
Demarcus Cousins (UFA) - gone

Isaiah Thomas (UFA) - gone

Frank Kaminsky (UFA) - gone
Harry Giles (UFA) – gone
Reggie Perry (RFA) - staying

The Pillar: The Wunderkind!

There isn’t a manager in the league that wouldn’t click accept on a trade offer for Luka, no matter the price. In a re-draft in 2021-22, he could very well go number one. He is as offensively talented as any player in the league and for a player of his youth, it’s unprecedented. His scoring, playmaking, rebounding and leadership came on in leaps and bounds last season and I don’t think he is anywhere near his ceiling. Luka has a great shot at being MVP in 21-22, and I can envision scoring in the low-mid 30s, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and plenty of highlights and adoration. If he wears the teal, Hornets are the real deal.

Looking Ahead: All eyes on a deep playoff run

Winning 64 games last season was impressive, and the next step in the maturation of the Hornets is closing out playoff series. I think home-court advantage is likely for Charlotte, and playoff wins are much weightier than regular season wins. The team maintains the same core as last season, with great depth and fit around Luka. With question marks around Detroit and Chicago, and Knicks stepping back, can they take the East? Hornet’s fans expect them to win AT LEAST one playoff series, likely two. That’s the goal for Buzz City.

Starters: Doncic, Paul, Ibaka, Grant, Boucher
Bench: Ingles, Clarkson, Beverly