NBA Pre-season win predictions: Eastern Conference, Southeast Division
By Brian Boake
Oct 4, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (right) listens to Hornets head coach Steve Clifford (left) during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Charlotte Hornets
Last season: 33 – 49
This season: 33 – 49
This team has been spinning its wheels for years, and will do so again. Their roster has turned over dramatically, but they will still lean on veterans like point guard Kemba Walker and centre Al Jefferson. Nicholas Batum will help them from outside, but they are still missing shooters.
The Hornets will need half a season to get everyone on the same page, and by then their playoff chances will have buzzed off. Perhaps they can give top draft pick Frank Kaminsky, the NCAA Player of the Year, his chance to shine. I think his career will not advance, due to his lack of athleticism, but we’ll see.
Coach Steve Clifford will be hard-pressed to stay out of the bottom five in defensive efficiency. Who’s going to defend the paint?
If Marvin Williams is still playing a bunch of minutes, the Hornets are going nowhere. If they decide to let their kids have a run, they might be better next year.
Next: Eager kids not ready for closeup