10-17-2018, 09:56 AM
|
#6
|
MVP
OVR: 9
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Charlotte, NC
|
Re: Survive The Swarm - Charlotte Hornets MyLeague
Last Season: 36-46 (3rd Southeast, 10th Eastern), Did Not Make Playoffs
Key Losses: C Dwight Howard, HC Steve Clifford
Key Additions: PG Tony Parker, SF Miles Bridges, HC James Borrego
With Charlotte missing the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons, the Hornets parted ways with head coach Steve Clifford and brought in James Borrego from the Spurs organization. Borrego wasn't the only one to arrive from the Lone Star State, as long time Spur Tony Parker joined the Hornets this off-season. Parker spent his entire career in San Antonio, who no longer have their long standing trio of Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginoboli. As for Charlotte, the search for consistency travels into another season. They're now three seasons removed from 48 wins and taking Miami to seven games in the first round of the playoffs, but haven't been able to replicate that success.
The roster looks like the organization wants to win now, especially if you look at the contracts. This season will start and end with All-Star Kemba Walker, who faced quite a few trade rumors last season thanks to some bloated contracts on the roster. Walker will be joined at the starting guard position by Jeremy Lamb, who showed promise in games he started last season. Lamb will have to take another step forward, not only because he's entering his seventh season but because Malik Monk is his backup and his aggressive scoring is a trait that can only help Charlotte.
Borrego faces a challenge determining what lineups he'll run with all the forwards and big men on the roster. With Lamb starting at shooting guard, Nicolas Batum will more than likely start at small forward, pushing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to the bench. Marvin Williams will continue to play the stretch four role in the starting lineup, while Frank Kaminsky III will have to improve his shooting to be a reliable scorer on the second unit. Cody Zeller will move into the starting lineup with the departure of Dwight Howard to Washington, and Charlotte brought back Bismack Biyombo as depth. Willy Hernangomez didn't have the same numbers as his rookie season in New York, but the team is high on his ability to contribute.
Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto, Indiana, Milwaukee, and Washington are considered locks to make the playoffs. That leaves Charlotte fighting teams like Detroit, Miami and Cleveland for the final two spots. Charlotte will have to avoid being on the outside looking in by that All-Star Break, as the last seven weeks of the season have 20 games against teams that made the playoffs last year, not to mention a trip out west to play the Los Angeles Lakers. Making the playoffs is possible, but I wouldn't ask Charlotte fans to hold their breath. At least this year's All-Star Game is in the Queen City this season.
Prediction: 39-43, No Playoffs
__________________
My Dynasties
|
|
|