The Charlotte Hornets are finding out that rebuilding in the NBA is humbling.
Despite their highest winning percentage since 2015-16, the Hornets are sitting at home before the playoffs begin for a second consecutive season, which resulted in a coaching change. James Borrego was let go and he was set to be replaced by former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson, but after the Finals Atkinson chose to remain on Steve Kerr's staff with the Golden State Warriors. Now the Hornets will have to start the offseason by restarting their coaching search.
The failure to reach the playoffs would seem to indicate a roster stuck in neutral.
However, that is far from true.
The Hornets had the 10th-youngest roster, and their two cornerstone players, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, are two of the top 25 players under the age of 25 in the NBA today.
So how does Charlotte take the next step forward this offseason?