Predicting the final records of each NBA team
By Brad Rowland
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets (then the Charlotte Bobcats) were one of the more surprising stories of the 2013-2014 season. Al Jefferson was fantastic in leading the team to a wildly unexpected playoff appearance with a 43-39 record, and under the direction of Steve Clifford, the organization appears to be legitimate. In an attempt to capitalize on their new-found competitiveness, the Hornets cashed in their chips this off-season, inking Lance Stephenson and Marvin Williams to lucrative deals in an effort to help their positioning in the Eastern Conference, and I like both moves.
However, the Hornets likely overachieved a bit last season, and they were largely healthy with the four best players on the roster appearing in 73 games or more. In addition, Charlotte lost a vital piece to their frontcourt in Josh McRoberts, and while he definitely isn’t a “star”, his length and passing ability complemented the suddenly unique back-to-the-basket game presented by Jefferson.
The addition of Stephenson to the proceedings should definitely help, and Charlotte has a legitimate rotation on the wing with Lance adding to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Gerald Henderson. The bookends of the roster are strong with Jefferson and point guard Kemba Walker, but much like Kidd-Gilchrist, Walker must improve his shooting efficiency in order to reach his full potential.
It will be exceedingly interesting to see how Marvin Williams (who Charlotte professes to be their starting power forward) handles a major role, and big-time questions remain about the interior defense. Still, the talent level is real for the Hornets, and they have every opportunity to make a statement in the wide-open “middle” of the East.
Projected Record: 45-37, 5th in East