NBA: Grading every team’s 2023 offseason through the draft, free agency

Charlotte Hornets

Biggest offseason moves: LaMelo Ball extension, re-signing Miles Bridges, drafting Brandon Miller 

Quite frankly, the Charlotte Hornets were in a difficult situation heading into the offseason. However, the fact that the Hornets essentially punted on a great situation with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft when it was absolutely unnecessary is the biggest reason why I give this team a slightly passing grade. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t like any of the bigger moves that they made this offseason.

The LaMelo Ball extension was probably necessary but I’m still not sold on him as a long-term star. But I get they kind of had to lock him up before new management stepped in. I also didn’t love the re-signing of Miles Bridges. I get that he’s a talented young player but that’s probably a situation they should’ve passed on. There’s no way the Hornets are that desperate, right?

And then there was the selection of Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson. Maybe this is a move that ends up paying off in the long run but I’m not a believer in it yet. In fairness, I was a Scoot fan ahead of the draft.

Grade: C+