The Charlotte Hornets had a brief stay in the 2022 NBA play-in tournament, losing decisively to the Atlanta Hawks 132-103.
This loss continued a troubling trend for the Hornets. The team has reached the NBA play-in tournament each of the past two seasons but has lost both matchups and fallen short of making their way into the playoffs.
The team has not made the NBA playoffs since the 2015-16 season, and it appears that the Hornets organization realizes that something needs to change.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that the Hornets have parted ways with head coach James Borrego.
Charlotte suffered blowout losses in both postseason games, which appears to have negated regular season win improvement and player development among Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball and previously Devonte Graham.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 22, 2022
Despite the team’s improvement in each of the last three seasons under Borrego, it seems like they realize that they may not be able to get over the hump and into the playoffs with Borrego as head coach moving forward.
It is certainly surprising news considering the team agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Borrego just this past offseason.
This along with the improving record each year under Borrego has many around the NBA world thinking the organization may have made a mistake in letting him go.
If the. @hornets are moving on from James Borrego (yes. it's a #wojbomb which rarely miss the target if ever), then the team HAS TO have a candidate in mind. If not, it's a horrible move. It may be horrible anyway, IMO. (more)
— Mike Solarte (@MikeSolarte) April 22, 2022
Surprised to see Charlotte fire James Borrego, as @wojespn. By all accounts, Borrego did an excellent job. The injury to Gordon Hayward, a key piece of the Hornets offense, really hurt the Hornets down the stretch.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) April 22, 2022
A lot of teams should give James Borrego a solid look this summer.
Wouldn't be shocked if Utah needs to go in a direction soon.
— Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) April 22, 2022
wow, really didn't think the #hornets would make this move. james borrego out as head coach https://t.co/tmupgehAlC
— Zach Aldridge (@wzaldridge) April 22, 2022
Not sure James Borrego is the problem with the Hornets.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) April 22, 2022
Borrego’s overall record could tell the tale as to why the Hornets decided to make this move. In four seasons as head coach, he had a disappointing 138-163 record.
The team will now seemingly look for a candidate that they believe can best utilize star point guard LaMelo Ball going forward, as he pretty clearly took a step this season in proving that he will be their franchise centerpiece for years to come.
