Here are the Charlotte Hornets’ biggest question marks heading into NBA training camp

With the NBA season rapidly approaching and training camp looming, Miles Bridges has a message for fans of the Charlotte Hornets.

“It’s going to be a different approach to every game,” Bridges said in an interview with The Observer. “You are going to see a different type of intensity from this team, a lot of guys buying into stuff. So, they should be very excited for this season.”

It all gets under way in earnest on Tuesday when Bridges, LaMelo Ball and the rest of the Hornets convene at Duke University’s Michael W. Krzyzewski Center in Durham for their first official practice under coach Charles Lee.

Here are five things to keep an eye out for over the next few weeks leading up to the regular-season opener in Houston on Oct. 23:

Will Mark Williams bounce back and stay off the injured list?

So far, the answer is no.

Things are already off to a rough start the big man entering his third season. Mere days before the start of camp, the Hornets announced Williams strained a tendon in his left foot during an offseason workout Thursday, and he’ll be out until he’s re-evaluated in at least two weeks.

This latest injury just adds to the question marks after Williams missed the bulk of 2023-24 after due to what was initially termed as a lower back contusion, needing more time to get himself right than originally anticipated. That left a shroud of mystery surrounding his health.

In his most recent public comments, which came to The Observer during summer league in Las Vegas, he insisted he was healthy and primed for a bounce-back season.

“I can appreciate concern,” Williams said at the time. “I can understand where they are coming from. Last year wasn’t the year we wanted to have. Me being in a good place, Melo being in a good place, all that is looking bright. We are excited and just ready for Game 1.”

Now, who knows it he’ll be available for the season opener against the Rockets.

Can LaMelo Ball remain healthy, return to All-Star form?

Good health and LaMelo Ball’s name haven’t been synonymous in his NBA career.

In Ball’s four seasons, he’s played in more than 36 games only once, which, not coincidentally, came in his lone All-Star campaign. He played in a career-low 22 games last season after experiencing lingering soreness in his surgically repaired right ankle, causing him to sit out the final three months.

He’s logged action in only 58 of 164 potential games the past two seasons, and the Hornets are a completely different team when he’s not on the floor. In his limited action a season ago, he posted career highs in points, made field goals per game, 2-point percentage, made free throws, attempted free throws, and steals.

He’s understanding the importance of staying off the injured list.

“Yeah, he’s been in Charlotte the whole summer, working on his game, getting better and showing that he’s committed to being the franchise player of this franchise,” Bridges told The Observer. “He’s been doing a great job playing in all the open gyms. He’s been getting better at defense. I feel like he’s in for a good year.”

How will things be different under Charles Lee?

The 39-year-old is finally getting his opportunity to sit at the end of the bench after learning from an array of coaches, and brings championship pedigree to a franchise in desperate need of altering its perception as perennial losers.

Lee has the credentials, given he’s reached the NBA’s promised land twice in the past four years with two different teams — Boston and Milwaukee.

He began laying the foundation for this season even while finishing up his duties with the Celtics, using group texts and video chats as a way to stay connected to his new team. It continued during the initial phase of NBA Summer League action, with Lee actually coaching the group during the California Classic before giving way to Josh Longstaff.

Such moves — along with his enthusiasm and exuberance — have helped him quickly win over the Hornets.

“Coach Lee is younger, so he’s more energized, wants to compete on both sides, won’t let you take plays off really, which I respect,” Nick Smith Jr. said during summer league. “He wants to get a lot of shots up, offensively but just the main thing is compete.”

Who will emerge as the team leader?

This will be the first training camp in five years without Terry Rozier’s presence.

Throughout his tenure in Charlotte, Rozier was among the most vocal. When things got tough, he voiced his opinion and the players followed his lead.

Last year’s preseason players’ workouts were organized by Rozier, and in part, Gordon Hayward. Neither is around any longer — with Rozier traded to Miami in January and Hayward retiring following his brief stint with Oklahoma City after being dealt in February — and it’s imperative for someone to help fill that void. Taj Gibson should be a huge asset to Lee, but the Hornets will also need someone who’s in the regular rotation to be a voice.

Perhaps that person is Bridges. He told The Observer he’s up for the challenge.

“I want to come in,” he said, “and show that I’m really a leader on and off the court.”

What should we make of rookie Tidjane Salaün?

Some organizations have the luxury of bringing their rookies along slowly, particularly lottery picks. Typically, the Hornets aren’t one of them.

But that could change this season with Tidjane Salaün. At least early on.

Because he’s still raw and needs time to develop — and adjust to the way basketball is played on this side of the pond — the Hornets could elect to build Salaün up by giving him spot minutes and making him a situational player at the season’s outset.

Defensively, he’s able to guard multiple positions and that could be a way he’s utilized until his offensive repertoire catches up to his acumen on the other side of the ball. But it will be fascinating to see whether the Frenchman can be a contributor on a team that has its share of question marks with its second unit.

One thing is certain: He has a little quiet swagger.

“I can be far from the 3-point line, but I’m sure I’m going to make it.” he said during summer league. “And that is the most important thing for me — to be in confidence. And game by game, I’m going to (have) more confidence. You will see.”