The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA in recent months, suddenly turning themselves into a capable basketball team that is consistently winning. While the Hornets are still in tenth place in the East, due to some better basketball from the teams ahead of them, it is still an encouraging sign for the organization.
Hornets fans have become accustomed to the high-energy announcing style of play-by-play commentator Eric Collins, whose playcalling is more akin to a WWE event than a typical NBA game, and most recently, the viral sensation stopped by FanDuel's "Run It Back" show and broke down where he gets his energy.
"I'm not a caffeine person... it all comes out naturally. ... I'll go see a scary movie and I'll jump because that's where my body is... I'm a jumpy person right from the start," Collins, formerly of Run It Back on X, said on Twitter.
Collins' high-octane announcing style may be an acquired taste, but in an NBA media landscape that increasingly wants to criticize the product it's supposed to be promoting, his enthusiasm has certainly been a breath of fresh air for some. He has also started calling some national games for Prime this year in addition to his local Hornets duties.
The Hornets are hoping to reach the playoffs this year for the first time in a decade, and LaMelo Ball's resurgence, coupled with Kon Nueppel's Rookie of the Year-caliber season, has been a big reason. Head coach Charles Lee also deserves credit for turning a team that was once a laughing stock into a competitive team.
The Hornets next play on Tuesday at home against the Miami Heat.
