Hornets’ rough start prompts insider to declare ‘panic time’

The Charlotte Hornets have dropped to a 3-6 record following a defeat to the Nets, leading Yahoo Sports insider Kevin O'Connor to declare it is "panic time" in Charlotte. After trading away LaMelo Ball, the team currently holds the NBA's worst offensive rating through nine games, largely driven by an inefficient shot profile where over half their attempts come from three-point range despite hitting under 30%.

O'Connor criticized coach Charles Lee's reliance on struggling shooters like Sion James, who is seeing extra minutes with Kon Knueppel sidelined by a left hamstring strain. Brandon Miller has averaged 22 points on more than 20 shots per game, but Amico notes that the Hornets must quickly adapt their offensive approach beyond perimeter shooting to recover.