(8-4). Previous: . Charlotte Hornets. 7. team. 170. The Charlotte Hornets should probably be higher on this list, but like the national media as a whole, I’m having trouble giving them the proper respect they’ve earned so far this season. Their record is better than the Toronto Raptors, yet I wouldn’t consider Charlotte to be the superior team. Kemba Walker has elevated his game to All-Star level and his play has been one of the biggest reasons for the Hornets start through 12 games. The Hornets are the best-coached defensive team in the league and game by game they insist their will on the opposing team with their stingy defensive efforts. With Black Friday fast approaching and the Hornets winning games, things couldn’t possibly be going any better for Michael Jordan. I’m sure His Airness would rather be on the court as part of the team than just watching his money counter spin endlessly. Steve Clifford is probably the real man deserving of the Coach of the Year honors–and has a case for arguing that he should have taken the trophy home last year too. As long as Walker can keep this up and they can get performances out of Frank Kaminsky (23 points and nine rebounds) like they did last night than this team will definitely finish off the year with home court advantage in the opening round.