The Charlotte Hornets just pulled off one of the biggest roster overhauls this summer, saying goodbye to former All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball and long-time veteran Miles Bridges. That’s a massive change for any team, right? You don’t just move on from two cornerstone guys without seriously shaking things up.
A Team Rebuilt From Scratch?
It wasn’t just those two big names either. Charlotte also shipped out a couple of their bench guys, Josh Green and Tre Mann. When a team clears house like that, you’d think the locker room might be a complete mess, full of uncertainty and frustration. But if you ask Hornets guard Sion James, there’s actually a lot of trust in general manager Jeff Peterson and the front office. This isn’t just a blind faith thing either; the team is coming off a 25-win improvement from last season. That kind of turnaround definitely buys the GM some goodwill and shows they know how to get results.
Sion James on the Business of Basketball
James, who came up through Duke, admitted it was tough to see Ball, Bridges, and his other teammates head out the door. Who wouldn’t be sad about that, especially after a season of growth and building chemistry together? But he’s definitely not dwelling on it, which is the mark of a true pro focused on what’s ahead. He’s actually hyped for the new blood joining the squad. “We trust Jeff Peterson and the front office to do what they got to do,” James said, backing the moves made by the GM. He then specifically highlighted some of the new additions he’s genuinely excited about: “Excited to have Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, all these guys that are joining us.” That’s a solid group of players to bring into the fold, and James seems genuinely pumped about the potential. He sees it all as part of the game, a necessary step for any team with big ambitions. “It’s the nature of the business, and the reason we all play is to get better and to improve and to win a championship. The front office is just doing what they’re supposed to be doing.” There’s no drama, no hesitation; just pure focus on improving and winning, which you gotta respect.
James’s Own Rise
And speaking of getting better, let’s not forget about James himself. While he might not be a household name *yet*, this guy had a seriously impressive rookie year. He played in *all 82* regular season games, which is absolutely massive for a young player! That kind of durability and consistent play time speaks volumes about his commitment and skill. He put up solid numbers too, averaging 5.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two assists, plus chipping in 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks. All that in 22.5 minutes per contest. That’s a player who’s clearly bought into the team and is ready to contribute wherever he can, showing real promise for the future.
What’s Next for Charlotte?
So, what’s next for the Hornets with all these huge changes and a rising player like James ready to lead the charge? They’ve made their moves, brought in new talent, and their key returning guard is fully on board. The test for this new-look roster starts now. The expectation is clear: get better, improve, and push for that championship.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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