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NBA Power Rankings: New Year’s Resolutions for Every Team

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Wesley Matthews (2) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 101-79. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Wesley Matthews (2) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 101-79. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Charlotte Hornets star and All-NBA center Al Jefferson is expected to miss four weeks with a groin injury. That’s terrible news for the 10-22 Hornets, but it may be a blessing in disguise.
Charlotte Hornets star and All-NBA center Al Jefferson is expected to miss four weeks with a groin injury. That’s terrible news for the 10-22 Hornets, but it may be a blessing in disguise. /

27. Charlotte Hornets

Previous: No. 21

Record: 10-22

Last Week: 0-3

New Year’s Resolution: Develop Young Players

In the previous edition of HoopsHabit’s power rankings, the Charlotte Hornets jumped up the rankings with a four-game winning streak. Since then, Charlotte has lost three in a row.

More importantly, the Hornets lost their franchise player.

Without Al Jefferson, its leading scorer and rebounder, Charlotte is an entirely different team. That’s bad news for a squad that’s already 10-22.

The only rational move is to commit to developing the young and promising talent behind him.

24-year-old Kemba Walker has his inconsistencies, but he’s putting forth one of the most impressive months of his career.

Beyond Walker, the Hornets must turn to players such as 22-year-old Bismack Biyombo, 21-year-old Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, 19-year-old rookie Noah Vonleh and 22-year-old Cody Zeller. Along with 24-year-old Lance Stephenson, Charlotte can build for the future.

Wins will be tough to come by, but the Hornets can make significant progress with Jefferson sidelined.

Next: It Takes Two to Tango