Last season, the Charlotte Hornets recorded their worst winning percentage since the 2012/13 season (21-61). They finished the previous regular season in the same ranking.

ESPN predicts that the Hornets will continue in a similar fashion next season, predicting that the team will not improve and will once again finish 21-61.

There are several reasons to believe that Charlotte could at least provide more wins, especially with LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams hopefully recovering from their injuries in time for the start of the regular season and Brandon Miller continuing to make progress.

Renowned analyst Stephen A. Smith is among those who do not believe Charlotte will advance in the 2024-25 season.

When asked by Hornets fan Evan Hale, who called in during “Live with Stephen A. Smith,” who he thinks will make a big jump up the standings, he shared some sobering news with the Hive, saying, “They have no chance of being relevant next season. I hope the future is bright.”

According to the sports star, there is a bright spot in Charlotte because the team has Ball and a new coach in Charles Lee. What he didn’t mention, however, is that the Hornets also have a promising core that will help their star point guard.

Perhaps Smith is aware of this, but still does not have an optimistic forecast for the team this year. Hopefully such a mindset, which is probably shared by many other people, can spur the team on.

On the other hand, some fans might think that Charlotte should continue to be patient and not rush the rebuild.

The franchise actually has an incentive not to push too hard for a 2025 playoff spot, as it owes the San Antonio Spurs a lottery-protected first-round pick in the next draft.

It’s worth noting that the 2025 draft class will be loaded with many potential game-changers. Cooper Flagg appears to be the cream of the crop, although there are also several swingman candidates that could be a perfect fit for Charlotte’s current foundation.

While it might be in the organization’s best interest to keep the pick, they also need to be aware of the potential impact years of losing could have on their players. Hopefully the Hornets can find the right balance between rebuilding and maintaining healthy morale in the locker room.