The Hornets took a risk by trading LaMelo Ball with hope the move would pay off in the long run. Nine games might be too soon to judge the deal, but the early returns have not been positive.
Charlotte sits just 3-6 through nine games, and a loss to the Nets on Wednesday indicated the team is making little progress.
One NBA expert is making it clear the Hornets’ problems shouldn’t be ignored just because the season is still in its early stages. Here’s what you need to know.
NBA expert sounds the alarm on Hornets
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor said after Tuesday’s loss that it should be “panic time” for the Hornets.
“Worst offensive rating in the NBA by far,” O’Connor said. “They take over half their shots from 3 even though they’re shooting below 30%. Sion James cannot hit the side of the backboard, yet Charles Lee keeps empowering him to launch bricks.”
It’s panic time in Charlotte. Worst offensive rating in the NBA by far. They take over half their shots from 3 even though they’re shooting below 30%. Sion James cannot hit the side of the backboard, yet Charles Lee keeps empowering him to launch bricks. Brandon Miller is not looking worth the money. Kon Knueppel is hurt again already. Seeing a lot of bad body language across the roster. All the joy is gone. A step back was to be completely expected after trading LaMelo Ball but this is way worse than anticipated for the Hornets. This team looks broken.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) November 5, 2026
O’Connor pointed out “bad body language” from the Hornets as a cause for concern, along with Kon Knueppel’s injuries and Brandon Miller’s struggle to live up to his recent contract extension.
“A step back was to be completely expected after trading LaMelo Ball but this is way worse than anticipated for the Hornets,” O’Connor said. “This team looks broken.”
The Hornets are the only team in the NBA averaging less than 105 points, coming in at a distant 98.1. Charlotte also has the lowest field goal percentage in the NBA. As O’Connor points out, the Hornets rank third in the NBA in 3-point attempts but just 28th in efficiency.
If the Hornets are going to turn it around, they could have an opportunity during a west coast road trip that starts with matchups against the Suns (1-5) and Clippers (1-7).
