NBA Power Rankings: Is it time to start talking about San Antonio Spurs?

team. 170. After quietly starting out the season hot, and then just as quietly faltering, the Charlotte Hornets have found themselves on an upswing again. They currently sit just a half game back of the Boston Celtics for the three seed in the Eastern Conference through 28 games. Kemba Walker continues to make his case that he should be an All-Star this year. Walker is knocking down jumpers at an insane rate and is one of the better finishers around the rim in the league. Walker’s improved play coupled with Nic Batum’s all-around play and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s defense gives the Hornets have one of the best perimeter trios in the East. Hornets head coach Steve Clifford has made Charlotte a defense-first team and that has helped keep them at the top of the Eastern Conference standings this year. If everyone can keep playing at the level they have been so far than there’s no reason why the Hornets shouldn’t be fighting for home court advantage in the playoffs once again.. 16-13. . Charlotte Hornets. 11