Anyone for the Toronto Raptors to worry about from the Southeast Division?
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Last season actual: 36 – 46
This season forecast: 35 – 47
Welcome: Miles Bridges, Arnoldas Kulboka, Devonte’ Graham, Tony Parker, and Bismack Biyombo
Farewell: Michael Carter-Williams and Dwight Howard
Will it be a happy 30th anniversary for the Charlotte Hornets?
The Hornets are an interesting enigma who, despite moves that seem solid on paper, have never materialized.
This is yet another team in the Southeast Division that has made a coaching change as the Hornets said goodbye to Steve Clifford and have welcomed first-time NBA head coach James Borrego.
James is a welcome addition who grew in the San Antonio Spurs’ system and should be someone who can juice up a team that has been unfortunately stagnant.
The Hornets have not made the playoffs in a handful of years, and it has been ages since they have won an opening round series. This is unfortunate, especially with a superstar player in Kemba Walker.
The additions Charlotte has made are also a little peculiar.
There is nothing wrong with Tony Parker. Still, he is undeniably in the twilight of his career. While he might be a great veteran backup to Kemba, it’s not a move that will move-the-needle for this team either way.
Other additions will also help to bolster the bench such as Bismack Biyombo, but is the starting line-up enough to compete with the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff race? Much less the Celtics, Raptors, or 76ers.
On paper, the Hornets could make a jump this season, but the pieces around Kemba have never been able to step up as he has. With lackluster expectations, expect to see much of the same for the Hornets this season.