No one should expect the Charlotte Hornets to contend for the NBA title in 2023-24, nor should they. With (potentially) a healthy roster and the addition of the No. 2 overall selection, the Hornets should be a significantly improved team, according to the consensus.
Not according to the DraftKings Sportsbook staff. In contrast, the Hornets presently have the 29th-best odds (+40000) to win the NBA championship, indicating Charlotte is projected to be one of the worst teams in the league. The only team with lengthier odds than the Detroit Pistons (+50000) is that team.
Next spring, I would be surprised if the Hornets ended up in the lottery again. Charlotte will almost certainly re-sign Miles Bridges, and we know they would also like to re-sign P.J. Washington. There is no chance that these two, along with LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Mark Williams, and the No. 2 overall decision in the draft, will be relegated to the lottery. Assuming their health, they should qualify for the postseason.
Earlier this offseason, GM Mitch Kupchak stated, “I’ve made it clear to the players that making the playoffs next season is our objective.” “I feel terrific. I do intend to complete this. I cannot predict whether I will still be seated here in ten years. But I’d like to be here a year, two, or three years from now observing this team that our staff has assembled perform. I believe it is plausible that next year will be a semifinal year. And yes, I would enjoy watching these youthful men mature. I will.”