What Will the Hornets' Lineup + Rotation Look Like with Miles Bridges Back?

Charlotte has some help on the way.

It's been an underwhelming start to the 2023-24 season for the Charlotte Hornets, winning just three of their first ten games in what is considered to be the easiest 10-game stretch on the schedule.

Help is on the way, though.

Friday night, Miles Bridges is scheduled to make his return after sitting out the first ten games of the season to complete his suspension handed down by the NBA. He has another court date set for February 20th, 2024 in regard to his arrest for violating a domestic violence protection order, misdemeanor child abuse and injury to personal properties.

Bridges' legal representatives filed for a motion last week to produce exculpatory evidence ahead of today's hearing. This motion suggests Bridges believes there is evidence which could exonerate him of guilt.

Neither the Hornets or the NBA have made a comment on Bridges' most recent arrest, meaning it doesn't appear anything will prevent him from making his season debut on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

So, what will Steve Clifford's starting five and rotation look like with Bridges back in the fold? 

It's a tricky question really as the status of Terry Rozier (groin), Gordon Hayward (hamstring), and Brandon Miller (ankle) are all up in the air. If Hayward is out once again, I think it would be safe to assume that Bridges will get the starting nod. 

If all three are healthy, then in my opinion, it makes sense to bring Bridges off the bench. This allows Bridges to be eased in rather than play a big role right out of the gate. LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington, and Mark Williams would be the starting five with Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, and Nick Richards being the first three off the bench. Once Bridges shakes off the rust and returns to his 2021-22 form, a conversation can be had about sliding Washington to the bench to make way for Bridges.

All that being said, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of Bridges starting Friday night regardless of who is available. Steve Clifford has mentioned a couple of times that he will have a "significant role" when he returns.

Here is my projected depth chart for the Hornets with all players healthy:

PG: LaMelo Ball, Frank Ntilikina, Ish Smith, Theo Maledon

SG: Terry Rozier, Cody Martin, James Bouknight, Bryce McGowens, Nick Smith Jr.

SF: Gordon Hayward, Brandon Miller

PF: Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington, JT Thor

C: Mark Williams, Nick Richards

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