After two seasons without flavor or brilliance, full of injuries and more than average performances, with Steve Clifford on the bench, the Hornets began a new turn with the arrival of Charles Lee. The former Celtics assistant will have one priority on the floor: rebuilding a defense.
In 2023/24, the Hornets occupied the last places in defensive statistics: 29th worst defense in efficiency (points conceded over 100 possessions), 26th in opposing 3-point shooting, 27th in defensive rebounding…
“If we can count on our defense night after night, it will give us a chance to win matches”, assures the Charlotte coach. “We need to be efficient on both ends of the pitch, but the defensive effort must not depend on our attack. It's a question of desire, of mentality to be more physical, more sharp. »
Brandon Miller, like Miles Bridges before him, points out: “We particularly worked on defense”he said after the first defensive exercises of training camp. With an acronym that stands out: the MIG, the “Most Important Guy”. “The one who defends against the ball carrier is the most important player”continues the player who is entering his second season in the NBA.
LaMelo Ball finally concerned on defense?
But be careful, the “MIG” must not become the only one to defend… There is no question of neglecting defense away from the ball. LaMelo Ball plays him very well. Already not always involved in one-on-one situations, the playmaker tends to forget himself when the ball is no longer in front of him.
“He is much more involved,” assures Charles Lee. “Against the ball carrier, he did a very good job. But, away from the ball, he must be in the habit of remaining concerned, alert, and not relaxed. He has to stay in the game.”
The All-Star explained that he was going to be ” implied “, was going “listen to the coaches”. Did he really do it during the first days of training camp? “He did defensive exercises […] I saw a different Melo in defense”assures Miles Bridges.
Driving force of the Hornets' attack, LaMelo Ball must also set an example in defense, to create momentum. If his teammates make the effort and he doesn't, then obviously it won't work.
“The most important thing is that the players understand why it is so essential to defend. Right now I'm trying to explain why the player handling the ball (the “MIG”) is so important, why we don't want to make mistakes, and why we have to know how to finish possessions and not give extra shots. I think it’s starting to take hold,” rejoices Charles Lee.
