3 things Hornets fans can wish for this holiday season

The Charlotte Hornets may have a long list for Santa Claus this year.

Nov 30, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) shoots the ball against Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images / Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Things haven't gone as expected for the Charlotte Hornets this year. At 6-14, they do not currently resemble a team that's anywhere near even a play-in tournament berth. Injuries have played a key role, but even if they're unable to get to the promised land, there are things Hornets fans can be hopeful for this holiday season.

What Hornets fans can hope for this holiday season

1. Tidjane Salaün's development

At times, Tidjane Salaun looks like a future star. Others, he reminds everyone that he's barely even 19 years old. His development will be key regardless of how the rest of the season plays out, but the injuries have at least given him a chance to play meaningful NBA minutes. If not for a depleted big-man rotation, Salaün would likely be in the G-League. For now, the biggest thing Hornets fans can hope for is the continued growth of the Frenchman.

2. Health

The Hornets have been as injured as, if not more than, any other team in the NBA. Their starting point guard, backup point guard, starting center, backup center, and starting power forward are all out. Another backup center was out for a while. It's hard to compete, which Charlotte has done, with so many injuries. The biggest thing Hornets fans can hope for is that a healthy combination of Miles Bridges, Tre Mann, LaMelo Ball, and Mark Williams is under the tree this year.

3. Luck in the meantime

It is honestly impressive how close the Hornets have come to winning against good teams without a bevy of stars. They've lost to the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Brooklyn Nets over the last couple of weeks by a combined 15 points. The bounces aren't going their way despite an impressive, shorthanded effort each time out. At some point, they're going to get some luck while they try to get healthier, and that is something Hornets fans should not only wish for but expect.

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