Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan is not the only one trying to find answers for his team, but he may have the loudest voice. According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, Jordan met with the players ahead of Saturday’s contest against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Veteran Marvin Williams described the talk as a “fact-finding mission”. He said the coaches were not part of the discussion and players were asked what their concerns are and to clear the air. “It wasn’t a talking to. He wanted to hear our thoughts, where we wanted to be,” Williams told the Observer. “It was very constructive, very appreciative, and very much needed.”
“He just gave us his thoughts,” Williams continued. “He said, ‘You guys are the players, and this is what I hope to see from you guys. He very much lets coach be coach and the players be players. Today he just came in and told us what he’s been seeing.”
The Hornets have lost six of their last seven, including their second loss of the season to the dreadful Chicago Bulls. Fresh off the meeting, Charlotte lost to the Lakers 110-99. Injuries have sapped the roster, with first-round pick Malik Monk still nursing a “significant” ankle injury. To make matters worse, underrated head coach Steve Clifford is away from the team for an undisclosed health issue. If the Hornets are to climb their way back into the playoffs, the changes need to start coming quickly. A pep talk from Michael Jordan may not be enough.
