CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Last season: 48 – 34
This season: 43 – 39
Michael Jordan’s team made the post-season for the second time since their 2011-12 debacle. In that lockout-shortened affair, the Bobcats (as they were then) managed 7 wins in 66 games. I don’t like thinking they will slip back this season, as I’ve always had a soft spot for the Hornets, but it can’t be helped.
Marvin Williams had a career year by his modest standards. Can he do it again? Coach Steve Clifford, who’s a smart guy, had his faith in Williams and point guard Kemba Walker rewarded. If Clifford can light a fire under Roy Hibbert, he should be in Coach of the Year discussions. He’d be better off investing in Frank Kaminsky, who outperformed my expectations of him.
Nicolas Batum is a valuable swingman, and Marco Belinelli should do well now that he’s escaped from the mess in Sacramento. There’s depth on the bench for both the back- and front-courts.
This team needs a star; they’ve got their share of journeymen. Until that player emerges, or signs in the off-season, the Hornets will tread water. In this Division, that’s good enough to win the “pennant”, then say Adios early in the post-season.
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