30 in 30: Can the Charlotte Hornets begin to break a vicious cycle?

Can the Charlotte Hornets begin to break the vicious cycle of irrelevancy?

It’s been six years since the last time the Charlotte Hornets made the playoffs and the Hornets franchise overall hasn’t won a playoff series since the 2001-02 season. Over the past decade, every time this franchise takes a step forward, it seems that they end up taking two steps back soon after.

And that’s happening again. Just when it seemed as if the Hornets had hit on the draft pick that became LaMelo Ball, they are back to the drawing board. After losing their second-best player from last season, the Hornets need to figure out how not to take two steps back this season.

The Charlotte Hornets will have to rely on internal development

Though, that could prove to be a difficult task to accomplish. Looking at the Hornets’ roster, it’s hard to pinpoint who exactly will be able to take a tangible step forward next season. Nevertheless, if the Hornets are going to make a serious push toward the playoffs this upcoming season, Ball is going to need some help.

The good news is that Steve Clifford is back in the fold and has had a history of success during his time with the Hornets. He was the last coach to lead them to the postseason and had a 196-214 record (with two playoff appearances) during his five seasons in Charlotte.

Can he stir up some magic in Charlotte? It may not depend on him.