The Charlotte Hornets finished 10th in the Eastern Conference last season, after achieving a 42-40 record. However, they were easily swept aside in the play-in game against the Atlanta Hawks, just as they were by the Indiana Pacers the previous year. So despite these positive signs from this young team should they be aiming to improve this season or accept they are not yet ready for a playoff push?

With 7 foot 4 phenom Victor Wembanyama & Scoot Henderson on offer in the 2023 draft, tanking may just be the best option for a Charlotte team that at best will make the play-in tournament again this season.

INJURY TO LAMELO BALL:

On Monday night, star point guard LaMelo Ball suffered a grade 2 sprain on his left ankle, after stepping on the foot of Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill.

Similar injury has been suffered by guards Trae Young & Ja Morant, and the average recovery time is 19 days. So Ball will likely miss the opening five games of the season, if not seven or eight.

Ball was the Hornets best player last season, averaging 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, 6.7 rebounds & 1.6 steals, while shooting 39% from deep. Despite this impressive jump in just his second season in the league, he has still yet to fully convince anyone that he is a franchise player that can lead an average team to playoff contention by himself. He needs help that the Hornets do not currently have and are unlikely to be able to get outside of the draft.

The team has also likely lost their other stand out player from last season, Miles Bridges, for at least this season. Due to serious legal troubles that could see him sent to prison. Bridges averaged 20/7/4 last season, a remarkable jump from his stats in the 20/21 season.

Meanwhile, Gordon Hayward managed just 49 games last season, averaging 15.9 PPG, his lowest when starting at least 20 games since 2013. He has consistently struggled to stay healthy since suffering a serious ankle injury back in 2017.

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Charlotte have made no major additions to their team that won 42 games last season, and they are not ready to be in the playoffs. LaMelo Ball is only 21 years old, and they have a core of players aged 24 or younger. James Bouknight (22), Mark Williams (20), PJ Washington (24), Jalen McDaniels (24) & Kai Jones (21).

The franchise can afford to be patient. While also likely being able to recruit more first round draft picks for the likes of Gordon Hayward & Terry Rozier if they so wish. But with the prizes on offer in next year's draft, a place in the play-in tournament is not what is best for the future of the Charlotte Hornets.

The team have not been in the playoffs since 2016 and that isn't going to change in 2023. If they are smart they will play and develop their young core, while aiming to be in a strong position in the Wembanyama sweep stakes coming next July.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports