Tons of fans are frustrated that LaMelo is not starting, which is understandable, but wrong. LaMelo is a 19.5 year old who is already crushing it in multiple fascists of the game and is the clear front runner for rookie of the year. The Hornets are building something for sure, but we aren’t at a point where we need to start a rookie whose thighs are still the size of most players forearms. I get antsy for LaMelo to get into the game too, because he is electric to watch. Then I take a second and realize it’s probably best for him and his development to stay this course. As long as this course means him starting before the end of the season.
Hornets’ fans have never agreed on the Martin twins’ effectiveness, often debating whether they are even worth the roster spots. The twins do deserve criticism for their play, but there is a spot for them on the current roster and moving forward. Maybe a comparison to a couple of computer game legends will make fans more willing to accept the twins for what they are SOLID players.
The Martins aren’t going to WOW anyone on the court and that’s ok because they’re not supposed to (we have LaMelo and Miles for that). Cody’s and Caleb’s purpose on this team should be to eat up minutes, play solid defense, and get a lot of hockey assists. Just like Amir and Achmed Khan of Backyard Basketball, the Martin’s are both fairly athletic players who shoot decently well.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not starting the Khan’s or Martins but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for them on the roster. The Martin brothers are both 6’5 and 205, which gives them a lot of value when you have a couple of undersized guards on the team. Borrego can utilize them for specific matchups or just to eat minutes and not fuck things up too bad. That’s chill because the twins only account for 2.7% of the salary cap combined.
Next time you feel yourself hating on the Martin twins think about how much they cost, how decent they are as overall players, how they remind you of the Khans, and how they were ready to (try to) beat the shit out of black belt James Johnson…
The Bulls and Hornets first matchup of the season is tonight which marks Zach Lavine’s first return to Charlotte since he beat the shit out of the Hornets for 49pts on 13 three pointers last season. The Bulls are coming off a 2-game win streak, they have also not lost by more than 4 points since January 1st. The Hornets are coming off a 3-game losing streak and are looking to get back into the win column, which they have been able to do the last 5 out of 6 times against the bulls.
Charlotte Keys:
Perimeter Defense – need to rotate onto Lavine faster than usual, switches have been lagging lately.
Drive & Dish – need to improve passing off drives and slashes. Hornets have got into a bad habit of getting near the hoop and bulleting the hell out of the ball at Biz standing behind the backboard.
Shot Clock – Cannot let the shot clock force bad shots and turnovers like we have been. Not knowing the time and score is a frustrating weakness but should improve with experience.
Hugo CLT 