NBA: New Year's Resolutions For All 30 Teams

NBA: New Year’s Resolutions For All 30 Teams

December 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) dribbles the basketball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the fourth quarter of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 89-83. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 26, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets

Capitalize On Good Vibes

At 17-14, the Charlotte Hornets are, surprisingly, right on the cusp of a playoff spot in the suddenly competitive Eastern Conference.

Even without Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the Hornets have managed to bring back the buzz thanks to the Nicolas Batum addition, the most efficient shooting numbers of Kemba Walker‘s career and the Jeremy & Jeremy punch off the bench (Jeremy Lin and Jeremy Lin).

But even with the Hornets exceeding expectations so far, they need to capitalize on all these good vibes to convince Batum that Charlotte is the place for him once he hits free agency this summer. They need to make the playoffs, advance as far as they possibly can and keep as much continuity on their side as possible to build toward being a contender in the future — no easy task with Al Jefferson out for the next six weeks.

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