NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are a work in progress. In their fourth year under Coach Steve Clifford, the Hornets finished 36-46 on the season. Here are five offseason needs to address.

While Charlotte remained in the playoff race until the bitter end, they did not have enough in the tank to make it to the playoffs. Finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference, Kemba Walker and company disappointed believers by ending the 2016-17 campaign with five straight losses…including three by double-figures.

It was not a good look. But even with the season reaching its inevitable end a little earlier than hoped for, all is not lost.

The option on the contract of General Manager, Rich Cho, was picked up. Couple that with another year of head coaching experience under the belt of Clifford, and things may be on the upswing in the 2017-18 season.

Here are five needs that, if addressed, may have the city of Charlotte unofficially changing its nickname from the Queen City to Buzz City.

5. An Identity

Google defines the phrase “identity crisis” as the following: “a period of uncertainty and confusion in which a person’s sense of identity becomes insecure, typically due to a change in their expected aims or role in society.”

Say hello to your Charlotte Hornets.

While the majority of the roster remained intact from the previous season (loss of Jeremy Lin excluded), the expectations of the Hornets seemed to rise. Playoff bound or bust.

I’ll take ‘What is bust for 400, Alex.’

The Buzz City Kiddies and their approach could be described in one word — average. Unfortunately for them, average doesn’t quite cut it in the Big Boy league.

Why average? Well let’s see.

Offensively, the Hornets averaged 104.9 points per game. One point below league average. Defensively, they allowed 104.7 points per game. Again, one point below league average. Even their home record for the year was a mundane 22-19.

Actually, calling that average may be slightly overstating it.

With numbers hovering around the average and the only individual standout stat on either side of the ball being Kemba Walker’s 23.2 points per game, one is left to wonder: Who are these guys? What can one count on each and every time the Charlotte team steps on the floor? A fierce defense? An explosive offense? A 3-point barrage? Intensity?

That is the question left to be pondered by NBA fans, moreover, Hornets fans. The answer lies in the mind and game plan of Coach Steve Clifford and his staff.

Because hovering around average just won’t do.