Charlotte Hornets: Relaunch A Success Even Without Playoffs

The Charlotte Hornets are in danger of missing the playoffs in a year where most thought they’d not only make the postseason, but maybe even make a little noise. The 2014-15 season was one with some decent expectations, given the roster of players and relaunch of the Hornets nickname. At this point in the campaign though, it appears any playoff expectations may have been a bit lofty.

There’s no doubt the Hornets should have started this season with visions of playoff wins in their minds. The early bounce last April wasn’t any reason to be discouraged. After all, it was the eventual Eastern Conference champs led by the best player in the world who swept them out.

More from Charlotte Hornets

With the addition of Lance Stephenson, that proverbial next step seemed realistic for Charlotte. But with just a few games left in the regular season, the most likely finish will be on the other side of the playoff fence. Outside looking in, a place no rising franchise ever wants to be.

But no matter the eventual outcome, this relaunch season must be deemed a success.

Sure, the Stephenson signing hasn’t worked out. With all of the injuries Charlotte has dealt with, he needed to step up and earn his fat new contract. For the most part he just hasn’t gotten the job done. Unfortunately, that’s the world of NBA free agency. Sometimes big signings pay off, a lot of the time they don’t.

To date the Stephenson acquisition has undeniably been a huge flop. But the silver lining is this — at least the Hornets are finally in a position where they’re trying to add that missing piece. Fans a few years back would have given anything just to be in the team’s current “average” position.

Remember that seven-win season?

Live Feed

Five players signed past their prime in the second Hornets era /

Swarm and Sting

Charlotte Hornets land Pelicans star in mock trade proposalSwarm and Sting

Hornets predicted to have just one Top 100 player in 2023-24Swarm and Sting

5 Players that could replace Gordon Hayward on the HornetsSwarm and Sting

Why bringing scoring guard off the bench gives Hornets massive boostSwarm and Sting

Grade the mock trade: Hornets flip Gordon Hayward for 12-Time All-StarSwarm and Sting

At least Steve Clifford, Rich Cho and Michael Jordan are in a place where they’re trying to make the next big move. This upcoming offseason they’ll no doubt spin the wheel again and try to land another foundation player.

When it comes to foundation players, Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson are the cornerstones in Charlotte. Despite injuries to both in 2014-15, Walker and Jefferson are still undeniably the brightest spots on the Hornets roster moving forward. It’s now just a matter of filling in the rest of the blanks.

Above all else, this season wasn’t about winning championships. It was about relaunching the Hornets. The teal and purple unis are back, the nostalgia is back and most importantly, the buzz around the team is back. There’s been more negative conversation than positive this year, but it’s better than not being cared about at all.

The days of the forgotten Bobcats are over. NBA fans are interested in Charlotte basketball again because of a recognizable brand, a high-profile owner and because the play on the court is consistently better than it’s been in a long time.

Although the Hornets’ record is disappointing, there’s no way you can’t see the franchise heading in the right direction when you look at the big picture.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Of The 1970s

More from Hoops Habit

Home/Charlotte Hornets

Relaunch Of Charlotte Hornets A Success, With Or Without Playoffs

By Andrew C. Fisher | Apr 7, 2015

More from Hoops Habit