“Rename the NBA Play-In Games as "The Charlotte Hornets Pretend They're Relevant Day"” - NBA world roasts Michael Jordan and Hornets after their unceremonious exit from Play-In tournament
With the Charlotte Hornets being bounced from the Play-In tournaments in extremely disappointing fashion, NBA fans on Twitter were relentless in their reactions to Michael Jordan's franchise failing yet again.
After being one of the most inconsistent teams this season, the Hornets found their way from being a playoff team in the middle of the season to fighting for a place in the playoffs by the end of it.
Occupying tenth-place and having to fight it out with the ninth-placed Atlanta Hawks, the Hornets were blown out 103-132 in the first-round of the Play-In tournament.
The Charlotte Hornets have been eliminated from playoff contention. https://t.co/IRO6uVpJYf
With their second consecutive loss in the first-round of the seeding game, NBA fans have been ruthless in reacting to Charlotte being bounced from playoff contention. While also factoring in the reputation of Hornets owner Michael Jordan on the line, the hilarious responses found their way home.
@SportsCenter MJ IS NOW 0-2 IN THE PLAY-IN THIS YALL GOAT??????
@SportsCenter Hornets puts last year’s play in score as motivation only for them to do worse this year 😭😭 https://t.co/26CDEQOxEd
@SportsCenter Bridges and Melo https://t.co/sYCjSBslYZ
@SportsCenter Hornets in the 2021 play-ins vs the Hornets in the 2022 play-ins https://t.co/NG0hajta0z
The Charlotte Hornets https://t.co/GLXgnWewU6
All the charlotte hornets roster do is make music and don’t play defense
@SportsCenter Last season: Hornets lose by 27 to the Pacers in the play-in
This season: Hornets lose by 29 to the Hawks in the play-in https://t.co/bvS3PfEHbQ
@big_business_ Hornets in important games https://t.co/jssAkVCeTA
@big_business_ Borrego watching his team ignore everything he said during the timeout https://t.co/JacYWgfOWN
@big_business_ Hornets during big games 🔥 https://t.co/QqSHYdnzxh
We should rename the NBA Play-In Games as "The Charlotte Hornets Pretend They're Relevant Day".
Charlotte Hornets in 20/21 = 10th seed and lose by 27 points play in game...
Charlotte Hornets in 21/22 = 10th and lose by 29 points in play in game...
And I’m supposed to believe this is “development” https://t.co/fU2NVc7pbn
With the disappointing showing resulting in fans dragging the Hornets through the mud, fans managed to drag Michael Jordan's reputation as an owner into the discussion as well.
As Charlotte struggles to establish themselves as a competitive franchise, the future looks bleak for the franchise as the consequences of Wednesday night's loss loom in the air.
The Charlotte Hornets' disappointing season
The Charlotte Hornets were one of the most inconsistent teams in the regular-season. However, words do not fully express that sentiment.
Charlotte started the season off strong. With three wins to kick off their season, the Hornets looked competitive behind the pairing of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. However, this streak wouldn't last as the Hornets went on a drastic losing streak to start November.
While the next few months saw massive ups and downs, the Hornets never established a solid rhythm throughout the season. The low point came at the start of February when Charlotte lost six games in a row. With a 2-10 record in February, the Hornets fell off drastically.
March would see the Charlotte Hornets cover up lost ground with Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges continuing their scoring barrage. However, the team's lack of defensive effort did them no favors throughout the season.
With a three-game winning streak to end the season, the Hornets still looked competitive as they head into the Play-In games. Unfortunately, poor performances and even worse shooting would see them come up short.
Back-to-back failures in clinching a playoff position do not bode well for the Hornets' future. Given the legacy their owner Michael Jordan has built as a champion, the Hornets will likely see some major changes in the upcoming future.
As things stand, Charlotte has emerged as a frontrunner to acquire Russell Westbrook in the offseason.
The Charlotte Hornets are 'a team to watch' to acquire Russell Westbrook 👀
(via Marc Stein) https://t.co/pcco2RHPrF
While these rumors have gained mixed reactions, it will be worth watching Michael Jordan and Mitch Kupchak's next move to improve the franchise.