Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: The Boston Celtics are back, baby

By Ian Levy

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 6: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks at TD Garden on December 6, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 6: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks at TD Garden on December 6, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 7: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts to a play during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 7, 2018 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 7: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts to a play during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 7, 2018 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

170. . 13-13. Previous: 14th. Charlotte Hornets. 10. team

I just can’t quit the Charlotte Hornets. Yes, they’re floating at .500. Yes, they can look downright awful when shots aren’t going down for Kemba Walker. But they still have a statistical profile that suggests they can be much more than their record shows. Charlotte has the eighth-best point differential in the league, better than teams like the Pelicans, Blazers and Lakers. Their offensive efficiency has been elite, top-five in the league, and their defense is hovering just below the league average.

I also can’t quite the Hornets because I believe in Malik Monk. Shots still aren’t going down for him but he’s a rookie with immense offensive potential and at some point, I believe, that jumper is going to start hitting. There may be a hard ceiling for them on the defensive side of the ball but their offense can be even better than it has been and at some point, they’ll balance out.

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