On paper, the Charlotte Hornets look like a team that could potentially reach the playoffs without too many hurdles. However, in reality, they are struggling to bag wins. For the Hornets, the struggle to clinch a win doesn’t arise solely from strategy or execution of plays. It arises from the lack of healthy players on the bench. The team owned by Michael Jordan has had injuries galore all season and with time, their situation only seems to worsen.
Hornets’ star LaMelo Ball strained his left ankle on two separate occasions. Hence the NBA All-Star missed close to 20 games for his team. Others on the team who missed out on a bunch of games were Mason Plumlee, Gordon Hayward, and Jalen McDaniels. However, as the new year approached, these players made their way back to the court with minute restrictions. Despite being 14th on the Eastern Conference Table, the light of hope ignited the team and their fan base. But this didn’t last too long.
Michael Jordan and his team’s woes leave Twitter in chaos
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At the start of the season, Kelly Oubre Jr hurt his left hand. The torn ligament in his shooting hand didn’t stop him from having a fantastic start to the season. In pain, Oubre managed to bag an average of 20.2 points per game with 7.6 assists and 6 rebounds. The star was giving Hornets several reasons to celebrate. However, as the saying goes, good times don’t last for long. Earlier in the day, a report stated that Oubre would have to undergo a surgical procedure to aid his torn ligament. This left NBA Twitter in chaos.
Fans claimed that the Hornets have been cursed while stating that being a fan of this team must be horrible. But some quickly drew out plans for the future. As fans claim if Oubre doesn’t make it back to the court quickly, then the Hornets’ record would only worsen. However, this could work out in their favor with claiming the first draft pick in 2023. With the first draft pick, the Hornets could acquire future NBA star Victor Wembenyama. Here are some of the reactions:
We’re cursed but when he come back I say if he continue playing good, throw the extension. Then obviously we gone tank Get wemby I hope then bridges come back then I say trade Pj Hayward Terry for something good Give Mark Williams minutes
— 👁️🗨️ (@devsinsight) January 3, 2023
This is a massive loss for the hornets. Could’ve easily gotten a 1st round pick for Oubre, who’s having a career year
— Matt Wrigley (@MatthewWrigle11) January 3, 2023
He will be operated on by the renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Wembanyama.
— Hubie Talks Hoops (@HubieTalksHoops) January 3, 2023
We literally have the worst injury luck 😭
— AJ (@AJXero_) January 3, 2023
Victor should start house shopping in Charlotte
— Papa (@papajohnsdaddy1) January 3, 2023
https://twitter.com/nas_thedetailer/status/1610319668039786502?s=20&t=FDVPy0qaCLtdsWdCx1q8wg
Charlotte Hornets coach on the current situation
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Kelly Oubre Jr will be on the sidelines for weeks together. The team announced that “updates on the procedure and his rehabilitation status will be provided when appropriate”.?Additionally, Gordon Hayward has been added to the list of injuries and a decision on his availability will be made on a day-to-day basis.
Hornets’ coach Steve Clifford called Oubre’s loss to be not very ideal. He said, “He was having a terrific year so it?s not ideal”. Clifford added that while the injuries aren’t in the team’s control, the team has to stick together to get through this tumultuous time.
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What’s your take on the Hornets’ season so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.