As of March 21, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets hold a record of 17 wins and 51 losses, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference standings. The team has endured a frustrating 2024-25 NBA season filled with injuries, inconsistent performance, and internal scalability. As the regular season comes closer, the team discovers itself near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. With their current record of 17-51 (17 wins & 51 losses), the Hornets are positioned as one of the weakest teams in the Eastern Conference.
Recent Match
The Charlotte Hornets had one of the best performances of this season on Thursday night against their opposition New York Knicks. They started the game with a very positive energy and kept that up for the whole game to a win of 115-98. After returning from a brief one-game absence, LaMelo Ball scored a total of 25 points on 10 of 23 shooting, 5 of 10 from 3-point range – five rebounds, and eight assists in under 28 minutes. Mark Williams scored 19 points, 14 rebounds, seven offensive and three blocks. Miles Bridges totaled 15 points and 10 rebounds, which is a game-best +20 plus-minus double-doubling as well.
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Charlotte worked around some early foul trouble to close the first quarter on a 12-0 run for an early 27-19 advantage. The hosts firmly held onto that lead throughout the next two quarters, making it to the fourth up, 85-72. But in the final 12 minutes, every time it looked like New York might go on a run, the Hornets reacted with a shot or stop to regain momentum. With Charlotte ahead by 12 at the 4:13 mark of the fourth, Williams came from behind to swallow up Anunoby’s two-foot layup attempt. Moments later, he slammed in a two-handed dunk on a dump-off pass from Nick Smith Jr. to complete the dagger four-point swing.
Coming into the night, Charlotte had lost six straight meetings with New York, as well as the past five at Spectrum Center dating back to November of 2021. Facing a Knicks team that currently sits third in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets never wavered at any point – particularly during a slightly contentious third quarter, and brought this one home impressively.
Although this win is a good run, Charlotte still suffers from the gaps in its structural formats. The team still sits in the lower level of the Eastern Conference.
Injuries
One of the most notable setbacks for the Hornets has been injuries to important players. Young star Brandon Miller, who had been a bright spot in the lineup, suffered a severe wrist injury that required surgery, which resulted in ending his season. Millers had shown promise as future franchise centerpieces by averaging double-digit points per game. His absence left a notable hole in the team’s offensive position.
Additionally, the team’s leader & primary playmaker, LaMelo Ball, has battled continuous ankle injuries throughout the season. These injuries not only affected the team’s primary offensive structure but also created pressure for the relatively new and inexperienced players as they had to be put in larger roles than they were prepared for. The lack of consistent play resulted in a mixed-up offense and a lack of connectivity on the court. Other injuries the Hornets face are Grant Williams and Tre Mann
Defensive Lacking
The struggles of the Hornets in the defensive lineup have been one of their most noticeable weaknesses. The team ranks among the bottom five teams in the NBA in defensive rating, which allows the opposing team to score with ease. The lack of a strong defensive anchor and weak defense perimeter has made it harder for the team to defend elite players. Another major problem the Hornets face is the inability to protect the rim. The opponents exploit their weaknesses, leading to high-scoring losses. Mark Williams has shown flashes of defensive potential, but he has still not developed as a shot blocker. The Hornets also lack a good perimeter defender who will continuously keep checking the opponent’s best scorer.
Attack Inconsistency
The Hornets might have good scorers such as LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, but their attacking and offensive execution has been inconsistent. LaMelo is giving his all to the play, but the team lacks reliable scoring options, struggles with ball movement, and often tends to play in isolation rather than creating scoring opportunities.
Another issue the Hornets face is their weak secondary option. Outside of their primary scorers, the Hornets lack consistent secondary options. Their bench production ranks among the lowest in the league, making it difficult for them to carry leads or make comebacks when their starters are struggling.
Despite these issues, Charlotte showed their offensive potential in a match on the 15th of March against San Antonio Spurs and gained a victory of 145-134.
Decision Making
Charlotte Hornet has a new head coach, Charles Le, who is known for his defensive strategies; his tactics have not brought or met up to any success this season. He has received criticism for his rational decisions and the inability to maximize the full potential of the team. The front officials also made some controversial decisions, which indicates a lack of long-term vision for the franchise.
The team also struggled to build around LaMelo Ball; although they have talented players, their team lacks effective coordination. The team lacks a second star who can support LaMelo. This offseason, the officials have to make some crucial decisions to put the team on a competitive trajectory.
Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference has shown to be very competitive this season. Teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers are dominating the top of the standings. Mid-tier teams such as the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic have also made significant improvements, widening the gap between the Hornets and the playoff contention. Rebuilding teams such as the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards have shown signs of improvement, whereas the Hornets have struggled to find a solid identity. If Charlotte is to compete in the upcoming seasons, they will have to make a more cohesive roster & prepare a solid playing pattern.
Projection
Given their current state and game trajectory, The Hornets will most likely finish at the 14th or 15th spot in the NBA Eastern Conference. The Hornets have only a handful of games left, and surpassing teams like the Washington Wizards or Detroit Pistons seems unconvincing. Their main focus will likely go toward securing a high draft pick in the upcoming NBA Draft rather than making a last effort to climb the level. There should be some highly capable prospects in the next NBA draft.
Conclusion
This NBA season was a disappointment for the Charlotte Hornet. Issues like player injuries, Poor defense, and inconsistent offense altogether led them to the end of the Eastern Conference. However, they will have potential off-season improvements and a chance to rebuild the structure. Making a high draft will be a crucial decision for their upcoming seasons as this will be the base for the rebuilding of the roster.
