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NBA: A Look At The 5 Biggest Surprises So Far In 2016-17

By James D. Tillman III

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) looks on after getting called for traveling in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Hornets won 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) looks on after getting called for traveling in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Hornets won 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Charlotte Hornets

A year ago, the Hornets finished with a 48-34 mark, putting them at the No. 6 spot in the conference. Even more importantly, they were within one win of knocking off Wade and the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.

But after losing the likes of Al Jefferson, Courtney Lee and Jeremy Lin in free agency, it would be interesting to see how the Hornets would fare in 2016-17.

The early results are in and the Hornets are doing just fine. Despite the fact they dropped a pair of games against the Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, the Hornets have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference at 7-3.

Kemba Walker is off to a great start, averaging 25.8 points, 5.5 assists 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest on 49 percent shooting from the floor and a very efficient 48 percent from three-point range.

Additionally, Frank Kaminsky, who is averaging 11 points per outing, has increased his points-per-game average from his rookie campaign by nearly 50 percent, and he has been playing somewhat better from a defensive standpoint.

Nicolas Batum (13.8 PPG/6.4 RPG) and Marvin Williams (10.9 PPG/6.8 RPG) have been playing reasonably well, while Cody Zeller is averaging a career-high 10.6 points per contest on 58 percent shooting.

The key for this team going forward is balance. And as long as Walker isn’t forced to totally shoulder the scoring load as the season progresses, the Hornets definitely have an outside shot at securing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.