Former Hornets Star Sends Blunt Message About Charlotte’s Future originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
It’s been over two decades since the Charlotte Hornets last won a playoff series, and Baron Davis knows exactly why.
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The former All-Star point guard, who led the Hornets to their most recent postseason success in 2002, isn’t holding back when it comes to diagnosing the franchise’s woes. In a recent Forbes interview, Davis laid out a no-nonsense blueprint to get the team back on track, and it starts with health, leadership, and vision.
“For one, they have to be healthy when you’re a young team like that,” Davis said. “It’s important that your chemistry is on.”
Davis pointed to the stalled development of cornerstone players like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Tre Mann. Ball, the 2022 All-Star, averaged 25.2 points this season but played just 47 games due to ankle and wrist injuries. Over the past three seasons, he’s appeared in only 105 games, a major reason why the Hornets have finished near the bottom of the league, including a 19-63 record this year.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1).© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
“It’s really derailed their growth as that next young team that could potentially be scary,” Davis said. “The next Detroit or Houston as far as talent.”
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Davis believes the Hornets must pair their young core with established veterans. With the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, he suggests the front office take an aggressive, open-minded approach.
“If I was the GM, I’d be exploring all options,” Davis said. “I’d be trying to complement LaMelo Ball with a veteran star or superstar.”
Beyond basketball, Davis is carving his own path in the business world. As founder of Business Inside The Game, he’s creating opportunities for athletes to grow as entrepreneurs. He’s set to speak at the Social Innovation Summit in San Francisco, where he’ll address how sports and business are merging in powerful new ways.
Still, when it comes to Charlotte, Davis’ heart remains with the team that drafted him.
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“We can’t really start the process of seeing what you have… until you actually have a full squad,” he said.
Hornets fans the message is clear: the pieces are there, but it’s time to invest in leadership, health, and strategy. Baron Davis has seen the blueprint work before. Now it’s up to Charlotte to believe again.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.