Charlotte Hornets: 3 bold predictions for remainder of the season
By Dalton Sell
The Charlotte Hornets have been plagued by mediocrity for several years, having not made the postseason since the 2015-16 season. However, it seems that the tide has finally started to turn for the franchise with a promising start. Charlotte is 6-8 on the season, currently tied for 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings with the Chicago Bulls.
They are currently on their second three-game losing streak of the season and find themselves with extra time off as their game against the Washington Wizards Wednesday was postponed due to contract tracing from COVID-19 protocols. Still, the future appears bright in Charlotte, and the remainder of this season should be thrilling to watch. As the Hornets prepare for Friday’s matchup against the Bulls, here are three bold predictions for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.
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Charlotte Hornets: Bold predictions – Gordon Hayward will earn All-Star nod
The Charlotte Hornets received their share of criticism this offseason when they inked Gordon Hayward to a four-year deal worth $120 million in free agency. Hayward had been ravaged by injuries throughout the three previous seasons, and this move seemed like quite the gamble for Charlotte, almost desperation. However, Hayward has silenced the doubters early this season, currently putting up career numbers in several statistical categories across the board.
The 30-year-old is currently averaging 22.2 points on .493/.409/.931 shooting splits, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 34.5 minutes per game. Those are undoubtedly All-Star caliber numbers, and if Hayward can sustain this high-end play, he could undoubtedly earn himself All-Star honors for the second time in his 10-year career.