Charlotte Hornets: 3 bold predictions for 2022-23 NBA season

The Charlotte Hornets open the 2022-23 season on the road in San Antonio against the Spurs. LaMelo Ball won't play because of an ankle injury, Miles Bridges is out for the foreseeable future, James Bouknight was hit with a DUI charge and Gordon Hayward should be healthier than in the past.

PJ Washington and the Hornets couldn't come to an agreement on a contract extension before Monday's deadline. Washington will be looking to put forward a career season on the court and get a nice payday. He will score around 16-18 points, 8-8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 2022-23 season.

Gordon Hayward hasn't played over 52 games since the 2019-20 season. Steve Clifford wants to keep him fresh for the stretch of the season when Charlotte Hornets could be fighting for a playoff spot. Charlotte were in the thick of playoff hunt before Hayward got hurt.

LaMelo Ball is going to have the ball a lot more than other guards in the East. Charlotte Hornets are going rely on him for everything. He could average well over 25 points a game plus eight rebounds and assists per game. He exceeded expectations his first two years in NBA.