3 realistic goals for Charlotte Hornets in 2021 NBA Playoffs

2. Show the world how exciting Charlotte basketball is

While North Carolina is one of the most basketball-crazy states in the country, that mostly has to do with the outstanding collegiate programs in the ACC more than anything. Though the Hornets/Bobcats have been in the Queen City for the better part of three decades outside of a year or so here and there, there is a blank canvas in which this exciting Hornets team can paint.

The Hornets have an emerging star in LaMelo Ball that we have not seen in Charlotte since the expansion era days of Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning. Miles Bridges is more than capable of generating a highlight-reel dunk or two every night. While the Hornets will have “arrived” a year or two early by making the playoffs this season, it would at least be an introduction to the masses.

With every game they play together this postseason, it will breed confidence in knowing that they can belong on a moderately big stage. It will help set up the Hornets for a serious playoff run next year, as well as contend for a division crown in what shaped out to be a very competitive Southeast Division. If the Atlanta Hawks can win it this year, why not the Hornets next season?

Overall, this postseason run is an opportunity for Ball, Bridges and the rest of the Hornets to show the NBA world what they are about. Charlotte is not a big media market, and the Hornets have not won enough historically to regularly play on nationally-televised games a ton. Though it may only be upwards of seven games this year, that is seven more games to build their basketball brand on.