Celtics Influence Fuels Hornets’ Impressive Surge
ESPN analyst Jay Williams has noted the resemblance. He compared Charlotte to a younger Boston team. The observation underscores a larger trend.
Statistical similarities
Both teams lean heavily on three-point shooting. Charlotte has made the most three-pointers in the NBA this season, with 1,193. Boston ranks third with 1,113 made threes.
They also battle for extra possessions. The Celtics average the fourth-most offensive rebounds. The Hornets rank seventh in that category.
Midseason reversals
Charlotte endured a steep early slide. The Hornets stood 12 games below .500 on January 22. Since that low point, they have gone 23-7.
Boston underwent a similar midseason swing in 2022. The Celtics were 20-21 at the All-Star break. They finished the rest of the season 31-10 and reached the Finals.
Ex-Celtics footprint in Charlotte
Celtics influence is visible throughout the Hornets’ organization. Several coaches and staff came from Boston’s recent title run.
- Charles Lee is Charlotte’s head coach in his second year. He was Joe Mazzulla’s lead assistant on the 2024 championship staff.
- Blaine Mueller joined Charlotte after coaching the Maine Celtics in 2023-24. He serves as a lead assistant.
- Jermaine Bucknor moved from Boston’s player development staff. He now oversees work with guards such as Sion James.
- Patrick Chasse became the Hornets’ vice president of Medical and Performance last summer. He had been Boston’s head athletic trainer since 2022.
Player development approach
Bucknor often mimics opposing stars during scouting and drills. He has recreated players like Paolo Banchero. Teammates say his on-court work benefits the scout team and young players.
Knueppel’s rookie breakout
Filmogaz.com spoke with guard Kon Knueppel, a Rookie of the Year frontrunner. He is averaging 19 points per game and shooting 43.6 percent from three.
Knueppel set the rookie record for three-pointers with 256 made this season. He also announced a promotional partnership tied to his favorite snack.
Health, returns, and role players
Health proved central to Charlotte’s turnaround. Brandon Miller missed about 20 games early after separating his shoulder in game two. LaMelo Ball missed about 10 games.
Both returned on minutes restrictions and avoided back-to-backs at first. Role players such as Grant Williams and Josh Green also returned and boosted depth.
Veteran leadership
Former Celtics have become key figures in the locker room. Grant Williams arrived in a 2024 trade and quickly embraced a mentorship role. He shares routines like postgame sauna time with teammates.
Xavier Tillman was acquired at the trade deadline. His presence and family involvement have been praised around the team.
Playoff push and outlook
The Hornets sit 39-35, tenth in the Eastern Conference. They trail the Toronto Raptors by 2.5 games for the fifth seed with seven games remaining.
Charlotte aims to escape the play-in. A few divisional tie-breakers could decide their final standing. Team leaders stress daily focus as the path forward.
Across the roster and staff, Celtics influence has left a mark. That influence helps fuel an impressive surge by the Hornets this season.
