No pushovers here for Raptors: Power Ranking the Southeast Division
By Brian Boake
Dec 18, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (center) reacts behind Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) after scoring the game winning basket at the Air Canada Centre. Charlotte defeated Toronto 104-102 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Charlotte Hornets
Say Hello to: Nicolas Batum, Frank Kaminsky, Jeremy Lin, Spencer Hawes, Jeremy Lamb, Aaron Harrison, Tyler Hansbrough
Farewell: Lance Stephenson, Gerald Henderson, Mo Williams, Bismack Biyombo
’14-’15 record: 33-49
The Charlotte roster experienced more churn than anyone else’s in the Division. I don’t believe they are significantly improved, though. Nicolas Batum makes them better, but I’m not so sure about the others.
This team is overdue for some good fortune. Lance Stephenson, their much-vaunted free agent last year, flopped, and was donated to the Clippers. Low-post beast Al Jefferson got hurt. Will Frank Kaminsky be the draft selection Adam Morrison wasn’t?
Long-time point guard Kemba Walker needs to have that season he’s always promised but never delivered. Speaking of never delivered, they’ve still got Marvin Williams to hit just enough 3-balls to stay in the lineup.
Steve Clifford deserves to be a Coach of the Year candidate if he can somehow stickhandle this odd collection into the playoffs.
Next: 3. Will Miami be hot this winter?