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5 reasons the Charlotte Hornets will be a top 5 team in the East

By John Barnet

Oct 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford gives instructions to his team in a game against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. The Hornets won 108-104 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford gives instructions to his team in a game against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. The Hornets won 108-104 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Roy Hibbert (55) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Roy Hibbert (55) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Roy Hibbert

Charlotte presents the perfect opportunity for Roy Hibbert. Not only will he be playing for a great defensive coach in Steve Clifford, but he’ll also have support from Charlotte’s Associate Head Coach in Patrick Ewing. Hibbert and Ewing have a prior relationship due to their Georgetown connection. While Hibbert has certainly had his share of struggles and injury issues over the past few seasons, it’s been a while since Hibbert was in a stable environment. His final years in Indiana were volatile, to say the least, and playing for the rebuilding Lakers certainly didn’t help him.

As mentioned earlier, while the Hornets have been one of the best teams in the NBA at protecting the paint, they’ve achieved this by making sacrifices defending the 3-point line. Last season Charlotte ranked 14th in opponent 3-point percentage. This was actually an upgrade over the prior two seasons, when they ranked 21st and 25th. Last season’s improvement can be attributed to Zeller’s entrance into the starting lineup. Because he was an upgrade over Jefferson defensively, less help defense was required to protect the paint. Hibbert should have a similar, but more profound impact on the Hornets defense this season. If Hibbert can stay healthy, he’ll bolster the defense of an already great defensive team.

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