In the days since their season ended, nearly every Hornets player or coach has acknowledged this problem. During his exit interview<\/a>, Jeff Peterson didn\u2019t shy away from identifying physicality as the team\u2019s most glaring roster need:<\/p>\n “The thing that immediately jumps out is physicality. I’m not overreacting to what happened in Orlando, it was a theme all year quite frankly….Physicality is something I always appreciate personally, it ramps up even more in the playoffs… It’s not something you can just flip a switch on, it takes time to develop.”<\/p>\n The Hornets need to embrace physicality by next season<\/p>\n Peterson is absolutely right. The Hornets have been bullied by multiple teams throughout the season, and Orlando\u2019s dominance in the play-in game was simply the most obvious example. What had been a recurring issue became impossible to ignore. Charlotte\u2019s lack of physical presence isn\u2019t just a weakness; it\u2019s a barrier to becoming the team they want to be.<\/p>\n Charles Lee has already acknowledged the team\u2019s tendency to get pushed around by more physical opponents, so the hope is that a clear plan is in place. It has to be one that emphasizes getting into the weight room and learning how to withstand and deliver physical play.\u00a0<\/p>\n There were stretches against Orlando where the Hornets couldn\u2019t even initiate their offense because the Magic\u2019s on-ball pressure completely smothered them. Those empty possessions piled up quickly, and that simply can\u2019t happen again.<\/p>\n Charlotte needs answers through development or acquisitions<\/p>\n The frontcourt, in particular, struggled to hold its ground. Whether it was Moussa Diabate, Ryan Kalkbrenner, or Miles Bridges, the size gap was obvious in several matchups. Adding a defender with the versatility and physical presence of someone like Bam Adebayo<\/a>\u2014a player who can anchor a defense, switch across positions, and set a tone\u2014would go a long way toward solving that issue.<\/p>\n Regardless of how Jeff Peterson chooses to address it, the problem is too significant to ignore. With a full offseason ahead, prioritizing physicality and reshaping the roster around that need could make a dramatic difference for this young team.<\/p>\n Once they get that part right, you have to believe this team will be ready to make some real noise in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
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