Why Charlotte Hornets Parting Ways with Mitch Kupchak isn't a Surprise
The Charlotte Hornets have had an extremely disappointing season, currently sitting at a record of 11-41. Given the trajectory of the season, changes were expected, and indeed, a move has been made. The team has announced that Mitch Kupchak will no longer serve as the General Manager. Technically, this move could be seen as a promotion, as Kupchak will transition into an advisory role, maintaining involvement with the team albeit not as the GM. While many were surprised by the decision, I personally am not shocked. Here are three main reasons why.
1. Mitch Kupchak time was ticking the moment Michael Jordan Sold
When a team gets sold, it's often the case that new ownership wants to replace the staff with their own people. Take the Carolina Panthers, for example, when Ron Rivera was fired less than a season after David Tepper bought the team. There are numerous other examples I could mention, but the point is that history tends to repeat itself. With Michael Jordan selling the team, Mitch Kupchak's time as the GM was ticking away because it was no longer a matter of if, but when he would be replaced.
2. Wasting all of the draft picks in the 2021 NBA Draft Class
When assessing his drafting, it's clear that Mitch Kupchak had some hits with picks like Mark Williams, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller. However, there were numerous instances of draft picks not panning out, leading to disappointment. A notable example occurred in the 2021 NBA Draft, where the Hornets had a total of six picks, all of which turned out to be wasted opportunities.
In the first round, the Hornets selected James Bouknight and Kai Jones. Unfortunately, Bouknight struggled in Charlotte and was eventually waived. As for Kai Jones, while he possessed talent, his tenure with the team took a sharp decline following bizarre social media posts, possibly indicating substance abuse or mental health issues, or both, leading to his release.
Among the second-round picks were JT Thor, Scottie Lewis, and Balsa Koprivica. Scottie Lewis and Balsa Koprivica failed to make significant contributions to the team, while JT Thor, although still on the roster, has primarily served as a benchwarmer or backup player.
These draft selections were largely disappointing, and while Michael Jordan may have influenced some of the decisions, as the GM, Mitch Kupchak's name is inevitably linked to them.
3. That Awful Gordon Hayward Contract
This has to be mentioned as one of, if not the worst contracts in Hornets franchise history. The team signed him to a 4-year deal worth $120 million, which was a gross overpayment considering his lack of availability. As mentioned in the trade grade article with Hayward, He only played in 41% of the team's games during his tenure, struggling with injuries consistently. This put the team in a tough spot salary-cap-wise and didn't provide the value they expected from such a significant investment.
It's no surprise that this move was made. In fact, it wouldn't be shocking if Charlotte decides to part ways with Steve Clifford as the head coach of the team. It seems only a matter of time until he's let go, especially considering the team's poor performance this year. Making the playoffs was likely a prerequisite to saving his job, but that doesn't seem achievable given Charlotte's struggles. Mitch Kupchak was just the first domino to fall, and with new ownership taking over, more changes are likely on the horizon.
Read more NBA news from Stadium Rant here: NBA News
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS:
Order your favorite whiskey or spirit for the big game right to your doorstep and use code STADIUMRANT10 for a 10% discount at Caskers
Use code STADIUMRANT20 for a 20% discount at Bulletproof Coffee, SwingJuice and Performix.
If you love to shotgun beers, use code STADIUMRANT10 at Wild Man Drinking Company.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe!