The Charlotte Hornets have failed to make the playoffs each of the last two seasons, but with a new head coach, general manager, and exciting draft picks, this year’s team is looking to turn things around.

  The first move that the Hornets made was hiring former Lakers executive Mitch Kupchak as president of basketball operations and general manager. Kupchak won four NBA championships during his time with the Lakers, and owner Michael Jordan is hoping that he will bring success to the Hornets organization.  

   The next move that the Hornets made was to let go of Steve Clifford at the end of the 2017-2018 after he had been head coach for five seasons. Although Clifford brought the organization some success, after two straight seasons of 36-46, it was time for a change.

   There were several candidates for the head coaching job in Charlotte, but James Borrego was hired. Borrego served as a longtime assistant for Gregg Popovich, one of the best NBA coaches of all time. He was brought in so he could help transform Charlotte into a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.

   Borrego’s “pace and space” strategy that consists of more quick possessions and three point shooting has proved effective in the preseason exhibition games.

  In addition to Borrego, the Hornets selected forward Miles Bridges with the twelfth pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

  At this point in the season, the Hornets are 27-28. The team has had a record of 5-5 in the past 10 games, which has brought them to the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Although they have experienced limited success in recent games, they are still very much in the playoff race. Kemba Walker has demonstrated his value by recording multiple games of 40+ points. Additionally, the team has received great numbers from first round draft pick Miles Bridges.