Off Season Interviews: Charlotte Hornets
Aug 26, 2022 12:02:13 GMT -5
Kennan and LA Clippers GM (Remy) like this
Post by The Athletic on Aug 26, 2022 12:02:13 GMT -5
What are your thoughts on how last year played out?
Kennan: Last year was a disappointment, the team was hoping to take another step forward after barely missing the playoffs in the 20/21 season. Injuries slowed down the team from the beginning with Wiseman and McConnell going down. Then hope continued to dwindle after Blake Griffin had been reduced to a bench warmer, I thought he would be more productive in his 2nd year with the Nets. Overall, nothing went as planned. My core players have to play more games to get to the next level.
I’ll address the monkey in the room bro.. I think it’s fair to say you have a very patient approach and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact- that’s honestly a smart approach. I think what people want to know is do you have a plan. So now is your time to kinda speak on it. What are your goals and visions for the Hornets moving forward in the next couple years?
Kennan: I’ve been settled around my core of Brandon Ingram and John Collins for a couple years and have turned down some great offers for both but it’s really about seeing if this can work around them. I’ve made some not so patient moves as well trying to accelerate the process and most of it backfired. If all the guys can put together a consistent year, I think we can compete with anyone. The reports on Lowry are he’s in much better shape this year, getting a healthy McConnell and Wiseman will be huge as well. I think our new FA Robert Covington will bring steady production on top of getting the team back healthy. At this point, it’s about having guys who can show up and play every night. There are still question marks with Blake Griffin and Tristan Thompson, wasn’t expecting a large signing for either but could’ve seen them as a solid backup for someone. There remains time for them to get on a team but the talent in the NBA is overflowing and they might be on their way out of the league. Our other new FA Taurean Prince was just arrested yesterday with a fugitive warrant so that doesn’t look great but we need more information on the matter to see if will affect his solid role with the Timberwolves. Moves might have to be made before the regular season and the possibility of having to let go of some of the core guys remains a possibility if the season doesn’t go as planned. This is a crucial year for the Hornets.
I’d love to hear what your evaluation and expectations are for James Wiseman moving forward. He’s dealt with some injuries but he’s very clearly talented and on a team known for their ability to develop.
Kennan: With Wiseman, I would’ve hoped he was the starter with the Warriors by now but his injuries and the continued progression of Kevon Looney has hindered that. It seems Looney has the starting spot locked down but Wiseman will get good minutes as the next big man up. His size is important for the Warriors and will favor him in playing time for certain matchups. I think if he can average at least 15-20 FPPG, I can’t be mad. I’ll need more production but in his role currently, that would be solid. He looked great in Summer League and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to improve with the Warriors coaching staff.
Okay so I know you aren’t actively shopping either one of them and I don’t blame you,, but HYPOTHETICALLY between Brandon Ingram and John Collins who would you say is more likely to be moved in the next couple years?
Kennan: Hypothetically, they could both be moved this year. Everything good has to come to an end at a point and if we can’t get a healthy and productive team on the court this year, we won’t win. If we don’t win, we will have to look at all directions going forward.
You ended up bringing back Donte this off-season. What went into that decision and what are your expectations for him next year?
Kennan: Donte had an unfortunate injury and change of scenery that wasn’t productive for him. He was locked into a great role with the Bucks but the injury and uncertainty of the Kings made him forgettable. I was thrilled with his landing spot in Golden State cause he could be lethal in a small role for them. He should take on some of the role Gary Payton II had. He will have to earn playing time but see it as a great place for him to reignite his career. If he finds a role with the team I could see him as a 15-20 FPPG player again.
What would the record need to be this year for you to define it as a successful season?
Kennan: I think 20 wins would get us a solid a playoff seed, that would be a successful season. It will take a healthy team who can have consistent production each night. I see the team at a point where we can make a playoff push and especially if BG and TT can have any type of production. One injury could have us on the other end and have us looking into future as well.
If you could eliminate one team from the playoffs this year who would it be and why?
Kennan: Gotta beat the best to be the best so the Bucks would have to get beat to have a championship shot
Kennan: Last year was a disappointment, the team was hoping to take another step forward after barely missing the playoffs in the 20/21 season. Injuries slowed down the team from the beginning with Wiseman and McConnell going down. Then hope continued to dwindle after Blake Griffin had been reduced to a bench warmer, I thought he would be more productive in his 2nd year with the Nets. Overall, nothing went as planned. My core players have to play more games to get to the next level.
I’ll address the monkey in the room bro.. I think it’s fair to say you have a very patient approach and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact- that’s honestly a smart approach. I think what people want to know is do you have a plan. So now is your time to kinda speak on it. What are your goals and visions for the Hornets moving forward in the next couple years?
Kennan: I’ve been settled around my core of Brandon Ingram and John Collins for a couple years and have turned down some great offers for both but it’s really about seeing if this can work around them. I’ve made some not so patient moves as well trying to accelerate the process and most of it backfired. If all the guys can put together a consistent year, I think we can compete with anyone. The reports on Lowry are he’s in much better shape this year, getting a healthy McConnell and Wiseman will be huge as well. I think our new FA Robert Covington will bring steady production on top of getting the team back healthy. At this point, it’s about having guys who can show up and play every night. There are still question marks with Blake Griffin and Tristan Thompson, wasn’t expecting a large signing for either but could’ve seen them as a solid backup for someone. There remains time for them to get on a team but the talent in the NBA is overflowing and they might be on their way out of the league. Our other new FA Taurean Prince was just arrested yesterday with a fugitive warrant so that doesn’t look great but we need more information on the matter to see if will affect his solid role with the Timberwolves. Moves might have to be made before the regular season and the possibility of having to let go of some of the core guys remains a possibility if the season doesn’t go as planned. This is a crucial year for the Hornets.
I’d love to hear what your evaluation and expectations are for James Wiseman moving forward. He’s dealt with some injuries but he’s very clearly talented and on a team known for their ability to develop.
Kennan: With Wiseman, I would’ve hoped he was the starter with the Warriors by now but his injuries and the continued progression of Kevon Looney has hindered that. It seems Looney has the starting spot locked down but Wiseman will get good minutes as the next big man up. His size is important for the Warriors and will favor him in playing time for certain matchups. I think if he can average at least 15-20 FPPG, I can’t be mad. I’ll need more production but in his role currently, that would be solid. He looked great in Summer League and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to improve with the Warriors coaching staff.
Okay so I know you aren’t actively shopping either one of them and I don’t blame you,, but HYPOTHETICALLY between Brandon Ingram and John Collins who would you say is more likely to be moved in the next couple years?
Kennan: Hypothetically, they could both be moved this year. Everything good has to come to an end at a point and if we can’t get a healthy and productive team on the court this year, we won’t win. If we don’t win, we will have to look at all directions going forward.
You ended up bringing back Donte this off-season. What went into that decision and what are your expectations for him next year?
Kennan: Donte had an unfortunate injury and change of scenery that wasn’t productive for him. He was locked into a great role with the Bucks but the injury and uncertainty of the Kings made him forgettable. I was thrilled with his landing spot in Golden State cause he could be lethal in a small role for them. He should take on some of the role Gary Payton II had. He will have to earn playing time but see it as a great place for him to reignite his career. If he finds a role with the team I could see him as a 15-20 FPPG player again.
What would the record need to be this year for you to define it as a successful season?
Kennan: I think 20 wins would get us a solid a playoff seed, that would be a successful season. It will take a healthy team who can have consistent production each night. I see the team at a point where we can make a playoff push and especially if BG and TT can have any type of production. One injury could have us on the other end and have us looking into future as well.
If you could eliminate one team from the playoffs this year who would it be and why?
Kennan: Gotta beat the best to be the best so the Bucks would have to get beat to have a championship shot