ESPN’s High 100 NBA Gamers record is out — and two Charlotte Hornets have made the reduce. LaMelo Ball leads the way in which at No. 63, solidifying his fame as one of many league’s most electrical younger abilities. Brandon Miller ranks No. 76, incomes recognition regardless of lacking a lot of his sophomore season on account of a wrist harm.
With two gamers ranked among the many league’s finest, the franchise reveals promise in its push for Japanese Convention playoffs. Ball performed in simply 47 video games final season on account of recurring ankle and wrist accidents, however nonetheless flashed elite playmaking and scoring when wholesome. In the meantime, Miller was able to leap earlier than accidents derailed his breakout yr.
After all, no rankings record comes with out controversy — and this one is not any exception. Seeing the Hornets represented encourages followers, but in addition raises the query: Who else, if anybody, did ESPN snub?
ESPN’s High 100: Which Hornets Ought to’ve Made It?
Coming into the 2024–25 season, the Hornets had a number of intriguing items who, at full energy, might’ve made a stronger case for nationwide recognition. Gamers like Mark Williams and Miles Bridges introduced actual potential, however accidents up and down the roster derailed a lot of that momentum.
If there’s an argument to be made for a Hornets participant being snubbed from ESPN’s High 100, it’s doubtless Bridges. He averaged 20.3 factors per recreation final season — whereas capturing 43% from the sphere and 31.3% from past the arc. With Ball and Miller sidelined, Bridges carried a heavier offensive load because the group’s major scorer.
Piecing It Collectively
This record highlights a well-recognized concern the Hornets have confronted for years: particular person expertise that struggles to return collectively as a cohesive, profitable unit. Season after season, the roster options names that counsel a turning level is close to — but the outcomes hardly ever observe. Whether or not on account of accidents, inconsistent growth, or lack of chemistry, the items simply haven’t come collectively.
This offseason, the Hornets made a concerted effort to vary that narrative. The entrance workplace acquired a mixture of expertise and upside: Collin Sexton by way of commerce, Spencer Dinwiddie and Mason Plumlee in free company, and retained key contributors like Tre Mann. Grant Williams’ return provides versatility, whereas rookies Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley deliver upside from this yr’s draft.
The hope? This mixture of younger expertise and seasoned veterans is not going to solely assist the Hornets climb the standings but in addition grow to be gamers worthy of recognition — even perhaps High 100 nods — within the close to future.
In Conclusion
The Charlotte Hornets maintain few ESPN High 100 spots, however they nonetheless possess expertise and have but to completely show it. With a wholesome LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller main the cost, and a revamped supporting forged able to contribute, the Hornets have the items to vary the narrative. For years, the query has been “when?” — when will the potential flip into progress? When will the Hornets cease being a group of particular person promise and begin changing into a group of objective? This season may very well be that turning level.
There’s no shortcut to respect within the NBA — it’s earned by way of profitable, development, and consistency. If this group unites, anticipate subsequent yr’s High 100 record to function many extra Hornets.
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