Charlotte Hornets on the Brink of a Three-Year Postseason Return The Charlotte Hornets have endured a prolonged drought without a postseason appearance, a situation that has tested the patience of fans and the organization alike. After a disastrous 4-14 start to the 2024-25 season, many feared another lost year in the Queen City. However, the Hornets have staged one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds in NBA history, transforming from a struggling team into a competitive force. This resurgence has reignited hope for the franchise and its supporters, who have long awaited a return to relevance. The Hornets’ turnaround has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since their rocky start, the team has compiled a 36-22 record, pushing them to 40-36 with six games remaining in the regular season. A victory in their upcoming matchup against the Phoenix Suns would secure a winning record for the first time since the 2021-22 season. This achievement would mark the first non-losing season in Charlotte since that campaign, a milestone that carries significant historical weight. The 2021-22 season remains a high point for the Hornets, as they finished with a 43-39 record and reached the first play-in game against the Atlanta Hawks. That year, LaMelo Ball played a career-high 75 games and earned his lone All-Star selection. Key contributors like Terry Rozier III, Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, Montrezl Harrell, and PJ Washington Jr. all averaged double-digit points, forming a core that gave the team a fighting chance. However, the Hornets’ playoff run ended in heartbreak, as they fell to Atlanta in the play-in game. In the years following that season, the Hornets struggled to maintain their momentum. From 2022-23 to 2023-24, the team posted losing records of 27-55, 21-61, and 19-63, respectively.#miles_bridges #charlotte_hornets #la_melo_ball #gordon_hayward #terry_rozier_iii
Butler Basketball Coach Rumors: Odds Favor Candidates With Bulldogs Ties Thad Matta’s retirement as head coach of the Butler Bulldogs has left the program in search of a new leader, with athletic director Grant Leiendecker emphasizing the need to rebuild while maintaining the team’s identity. While the school has traditionally favored coaches with strong ties to Butler, Leiendecker clarified that such connections are not a strict requirement. “It’s important, but it’s not the biggest factor,” he said, highlighting the program’s unique approach to success through culture and teamwork rather than resources or star power. The Bulldogs’ “Butler Way” has long been defined by its emphasis on community, resilience, and collective effort, even amid challenges like limited resources and annual team rebuilding. Leiendecker acknowledged the difficulty of sustaining this model in a modern sports landscape but expressed confidence in the program’s ability to adapt. Among the potential candidates, former Butler player Ronald Nored stands out as the favorite, according to odds released by BetOnline.ag. Nored, who played for the Bulldogs in the early 2000s, is seen as a natural fit due to his deep familiarity with the program’s values. Other names on the list include Matta’s former assistant Jon Diebler, Indiana State coach Matthew Graves, and Illinois State coach Ryan Pedon. Gordon Hayward, the 2010 NCAA champion and a key figure in Butler’s recent success, also figures prominently in the conversation. The Brownsburg native led the team to its first Final Four appearance in 2010 and nearly upset Duke in the national championship game. His legacy and connection to the program make him a strong contender, though his odds are longer than Nored’s.#butler_bulldogs #thad_matta #grant_leiendecker #ronald_nored #gordon_hayward
