With new coach James Borrego steering the wheel next season, Dwayne Bacon expects the Charlotte Hornets to make a comeback to the postseason after a two-year drought. The Hornets' developing young sophomore recently sat down with Hornets.com, per Sam Perley.
“We want to get back to the playoffs,” Bacon stated when quizzed on the team’s primary goal for the 2018-19 season. “I think this was our second year [in a row] missing them. Definitely, individually, do what I can to help the team win, get to the playoffs and just have a great year.”
Aside from letting go of center Dwight Howard and signing veteran point guard Tony Parker, the Hornets did not make any drastic moves to its roster this summer. The team's most important offseason move is arguably when they brought in the former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach to assume head coaching duties. Bacon has huge praises for Coach Borrego.
Enter new Hornets Head Coach James Borrego, who built a strong reputation for player development during his 10 combined seasons in the San Antonio Spurs organization. Charlotte had little salary cap space this offseason, so a heavy emphasis on internal growth has been planted, particularly with regards to younger players like Bacon.
“Obviously, everybody knows if you watch basketball, in San Antonio, they did some great things,” said Bacon. “[Borrego’s] a championship guy. It’s just bringing in different coaches with great personalities, [who] are willing to help and help you get better. That’s what I’ve been doing all summer. All these guys are very genuine and very, very willing to help you no matter what.”
However, the Hornets are still a long way from being a darkhorse contender in the east. All-star point guard Kemba Walker will definitely work his magic next season but he needs more help if the team wants to be a serious threat in the league.