However, the Hornets hold the upper hand because they can offer him a longer term deal. Having his Bird rights also allows the Hornets to go over the salary cap to re-sign him if necessary. When adding it up, it equates to a very strong chance Bridges is back for more in 2024-25.

New head coach

Super Suavesky asks on X: What type of coach are they looking for? A specific structure or style?

Steve Clifford’s successor will have to be a jack-of-all-trades. He’ll have to be good at player development because the Hornets have a young crop that must continue to grow and blossom. The new coach must also connect with Ball and command respect in the locker room — and on the court. A willingness to work alongside Jeff Peterson, the Hornets vice president of basketball operations, and the team’s ownership.

These qualities are non negotiable. Remember, this will already be Ball’s third coach in five seasons and the Hornets have to get it right. If they don’t the consequences could be disastrous.

Tre Mann’s fit

Jamil asks on X: Tre Mann said something along the lines of how versatile he was. Is this true, and what role should he have going forward?

Mann turned out to be a very nice find in the trade for Gordon Hayward, which also landed Dāvis Bertāns and Vasilije Micić, and the Hornets showed their belief in him by starting him at point guard for an injured Ball following his arrival. It already feels like a departure of the norm from the last few seasons. The Hornets shuffled in backup point guards since drafting Ball, going with options like Dennis Smith Jr and Frank Ntilikina behind the star guard. But with Mann, they may have finally solved a piece of the roster puzzle.

The Hornets can use Mann in a variety of lineup combinations with Ball eventually to see what kind of pressure that puts on the defense. Mann has the chance to really be a major contributor on a fully (or close to it) healthy roster.

NBA Draft

J. Jonah asks on X: Do you think the Hornets should draft a big SG?

If ever there was a draft to take the proverbial “best player available” it’s this one. When the Hornets are on the clock, should the top guy on their draft board excel at shooting guard, then by all means. But to simply reach and grab someone at the position just because isn’t the smartest decision. There’s always free agency and the mid-October waiver wire once cuts take place after training camp to scour for a backup shooting guard.

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