All across the sporting world, offense is becoming the driving force behind victories. Whether it is the high-flying college football offenses (looking at you Pac-12 and Big 12) or the ever increasing importance of the 3 point shot in the NBA, offense has become “King”. The Charlotte Hornets struggled on offense last season, and through three games this season things have not gotten much better. Last season, Charlotte finished 23rd in PPG, 25th in team FG%, and 23rd in team 3-point%. The offseason was filled with transactions that aimed to bolster the offense, but so far, these changes have yet to provide significant results.
Charlotte sits at 1-2, with losses against Memphis and the New York Knicks. The lone win (in OT) came against the lowly Bucks, who only won 15 games last season. I’ll quickly break down each game and provide some thoughts on ways to improve the offense.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
This game was MUCH closer than it should have been, and the Hornets offense is the main reason why. Charlotte shot just 40.6% from the field, 28.6% from 3-point land, and looked out of sync on offense. Even the free throw percentage (69%) was below average. Kemba Walker was the hero of the game and hit the game tying and game winning shot. However, Walker was just 9-26 from the field (34.6%) and missed more free throws than he made (missed 6/made 5). The offense lacked movement and Walker had to take multiple shots as the shot clock was expiring. Al Jefferson was double teamed almost every time he received the ball in the post, but Charlotte could not make Milwaukee pay for doubling Jefferson. He would throw the ball back out, and Charlotte would settle for a long jump shot.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
This game was an awful offensive showing (by both teams). Granted, both teams are known for their defense, but neither team was able to top 72 points. Memphis won the game 71-69. Let me just say that 69 points in forty-eight minutes of basketball is REALLY, REALLY BAD. Again, Charlotte’s shooting was their Achilles heel. They shot just 36.1% from the field and 28.6% from behind the arc. Only three players scored in double figures, and the team committed 20 turnovers. Nothing seemed to go right for the Hornets.
Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks
Charlotte played much better (how could they not??) against the Knicks, but they still were unable to win. This game saw a vast improvement from the offense, though. Charlotte shot 47.1% from the field and tallied 93 points. Al Jefferson was able to get going and registered his highest point total of the season (21 points). Even with these improvements, Charlotte was still below last season’s 96.9 PPG, which as mentioned above was 23rd in the league. Down by two points with one minute to play, Charlotte committed a turnonver, got called for a 5 second inbounds turnover, and missed the potential game tying shot. Despite three chances in the final minute to tie the game, Charlotte was unable to capitalize and lost their second straight game.
Possible Solutions
I am by no means an NBA coach. I understand this. However, I have seen some things that I believe the Hornets should work on to improve their early season offensive struggles. Coach Steve Clifford has more than likely already gone over what I’m about to mention with his team, but I’ll mention it here for you readers.
The first and main problem through the first three games has been lack of ball movement and motion. Charlotte has been coming down the court, throwing the ball into the post, and then the players just stand around. Opponents are doubling teaming Al Jefferson, but no one has been rotating over to catch and shoot an open jumper. Charlotte needs to continue to feed Jefferson, but they should also adjust to allow for more counter plays off the Jefferson double team. The pick and roll has not been effective either. Opponents are collasping toward the paint to limit the Hornets from drving to the basket. This is forcing the Hornets to pass out of the designed play. Also, weak side players are not rotating to the open spots and shooters are not getting open once the defense does collaspe the paint.
Charlotte aquired Lance Stephenson, P.J. Hairston, and even PF Noah Vonleh to stretch the floor and provide the Hornets with more shooting. Stephenson has continued his impressive all-around play (10 RPG and 6.7 APG), but he has yet to score at a consistent rate (9 combined points in the first two games). Hairston and Vonleh have yet to play (Hairston by coach’s decision, Vonleh from injury). Hopefully, these two rookies can find playing time and provide Charlotte with a boost off the bench.
The most important thing for Charlotte, I believe, is simply playing more games together. Stephenson and Marvin Williams are both new starters and have to learn their way in this offense. Coach Clifford needs to find a solid rotation and that comes with experimentation and time. Charlotte has struggled offensively to begin the season, but I believe that, with time, they will find their groove. Expect this team to finish the season in the top half of the league in offensive PPG.
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