Pass or Shoot: D’Antoni to the Hornets, Westbrook’s 180 and Donovan Mitchell’s future

The NBA never has a shortage of storylines that always need some fresh takes. Although we’re in the midst of what will be a wonderful NBA Finals, the NBA offseason is already POPPING. 

Time to pass or shoot. 

Mike D’Antoni to the Charlotte Hornets

SHOOT 

What do the Hornets have to lose here? D’Antoni would at least be able to get the Hornets to the playoffs, give them a few years of exciting runs and make them a prolific offensive team. Hornets owner Michael Jordan will probably make more money because ticket sales will be through the roof to see the fun Hornets. 

But after two years of excitement, the Hornets will realize they haven’t really moved any closer to championship contention because they will likely be poor defensively and be a squad that’s constantly ramrodded by the progressively more elite east teams. 

Even with D’Antoni, Chicago, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Philly, Boston, Miami and Toronto (on a good day) will still be better. 

Long term, it’s a terrible decision. But for some instant gratification, excitement and short-term success, D’Antoni’s your guy. 

Darvin Ham will positively impact (or change) Russell Westbrook 

PASS

The new Lakers head coach was talking a big game in his introductory press conference. More specifically, his comments about Russell Westbrook made headlines.

Ham said he still believed Russ “had a lot left in his tank”, that the Lakers PG wouldn’t have the ball in his hands as much and that Westbrook would shine more on the defensive end next season. 

I don’t know much about Ham and I’m sure he means well,  but Russ gon’ Russ. I’d love to be wrong about that but he hasn’t disappointed since he entered the league 13 seasons ago. He is ball dominant, reckless turnover machine. 

He hasn’t changed for any current or past teammates (Kevin Durant, James Harden, Paul George or Bradley Beal), and I don’t see it happening now in Year 13 for Ham. 

I hope I’m wrong. 

Donovan Mitchell should leave Utah

PASS 

Mitchell is still young and has a lot of growing to do. He’ll be entering his sixth year next season and still has tremendous potential. 

They simply need to fix the pieces around him. I know he is shaken by Quin Snyder’s exit but a coaching change may be the jolt Mitchell and the Jazz need to get them going in the right direction. They have all that talent and haven’t even made it to the Western Conference Finals. It’s shameful.

Nevertheless, Mitchell needs to stick it out as he is the face of the franchise. I’d also like to see how Dwayne Wade can impact him. 

I believe he can win in Utah if he gets a good coach and improves as a player. Utah has the personnel right now to compete for a championship. One could argue they are piece away but I think they’re ready. Again, coaching and player development are key here. 

Stay, Donovan.