Finally, the Hornets’ interior sector is holding

The absence of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller prevent Charles Lee and Hornets to play their typical team at the start of the season. However, the coach is not satisfied with the record of his group after nine matches: three wins against the weak Nets, Wizards and Jazz. The team is young, thus neglected, and still searching for itself.

“Our identity is that we always play for the pass, we read situations and movements well”, noticed Charlotte’s trainer. “We have good players to carry the ball. Kon Knuepel is capable of that, Miles Bridges too, Colin Sexton. With or without injuries, we have the players to do what is needed.”

It is interesting that the labor force leaned strongly towards the external and inevitably the concern about the internal sector was great and justified. Finally, hold on. Two-figure proof: The Hornets are averaging 47.3 rebounds, seventh overall in the league. At the same time, they are limiting their opponent to 38.3 tackles per game, which is the third best total.

“We have very good interiors for screen creation and press circle”continues Charles Lee. “We’ve seen Ryan Kalkbrenner catch lobbed passes and Moussa Diabat improve game after game and day after day.”

Young people turn around Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate (each 23 years old) therefore do their job quite well. The former averaged 9.2 points and 6.9 rebounds in 27 minutes, the latter averaged 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in 20 minutes.

“I like what our interior has to offer. We have variety,” the technician rejoices. “Ryan has great instincts and leads the NBA in contested shots. He switches shots at the rim, which is great. Musa switches a little more on defense so he’s on the ball carrier more often. But he’s still there to block and disrupt shots near the basket. Those two are very good rebounders, offensively and defensively, it gives them the tools to play and be effective at this position.