The newly renamed Charlotte Hornets (formerly known as the Bobcats) head into the season looking to make their first consecutive playoff appearance since 2002; and it’s quite likely they’ll do just that. With the same core (minus Josh McRoberts) returning this year, and the newly acquired Lance Stephenson, the Hornets will be a very interesting team to watch. They’ll be sure to grab a playoff spot, but just how high of a seed can they get?
- KEY ADDITIONS: Lance Stephenson (SG), Noah Vonleh (PF), Marvin Williams (SF)
- KEY LOSSES: Josh McRoberts (PF), Ben Gordon (SG)
My Starting Five
Kemba Walker (PG), Lance Stephenson (SG), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (SF), Bismack Biyombo (PF), Al Jefferson (C)
- Projected Win-Loss Record: 47-35
The Good
Michael Jordan’s team may finally start becoming a perennial playoff squad. The backcourt of this team is dangerous and there’s many young big men playing under one of the most underrated players in the NBA, Al Jefferson. Lance Stephenson will bring a huge spark to this team and Kemba Walker continues to improve his position on the top point guards list. Seeing as the point guard position is the deepest and most talented position in the league, this is no small feat. Depending on how Noah Vonleh develops in his first year, this team’s starting five could become even better.
The Bad
Charlotte lost their all-around power forward Josh McRoberts to free agency and the position is now up in the air. Offensively inept Bismack Biyombo and rookie Noah Vonleh are the top two options at PF outside of veteran Jason Maxiell. There’s not a lot of scoring punch on this team despite the well rounded roster, and that may be a problem if this team’s defense can’t hold. The inexperience of this team’s roster outside of Al Jefferson could also hinder this team’s success throughout a whole NBA season. One key injury and this team could very well slide right out of the playoffs.

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