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Charlotte Hornets: 5 keys to making the playoffs in 2017-18

By Jen Julie Smith

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 29: A general view of shirts on seats prior to the game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets in game six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 29, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 29: A general view of shirts on seats prior to the game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets in game six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 29, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images /

Bench must be productive

The first job for the second unit is not to lose any lead that their starters have built up. With Michael Carter-Williams leading the bench as Walker’s backup, that will be his main priority.

But Williams’ numbers last season show that he wasn’t quite ready to lead the second unit. While on the Bulls, he averaged 6.6 points and 2.5 assists per game. Hopefully, he like Walker, can also get his assist numbers up, so he is able to get the bench involved with the offense.

As NBA insider David Aldridge astutely points out in his Offseason Rankings, shooting could be an issue here:

"“Not exactly sure, then, how the non-shooting Carter-Williams will fit into that mix effectively at either guard spot, especially when Charlotte already has a guy in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist who doesn’t stretch the floor (in this NBA, how is it possible for a starting small forward to only attempt nine — nine — 3-pointers in an entire season?).”"

Until Williams proves not to be an offensive liability, there will be times where Walker must lead the second unit.

Cody Zeller, on the other hand, will prove to be a reliable backup to Howard, because he averaged 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. But similar to Howard, Zeller must also acclimate himself to perimeter defense.

Meanwhile, Frank Kaminsky did a good job stretching the floor at the power forward position last season. He averaged 11.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Even if Carter-Williams doesn’t get Kaminsky more involved in the offense, he can make his own plays, both on and off the ball.

Treveon Graham also needs to be in the gym with Howard and Batum, practicing shots until his arms fall off. The rookie only averaged 2.1 points and 0.8 rebounds per game. As a backup small forward, those numbers are unacceptable.

One could argue he didn’t see much time on the floor. Nonetheless, Graham should get those numbers up, so he’s trusted to be out there on the floor more.

If all else fails with the second unit, which it won’t, the Hornets have Malik Monk, who can shoot the lights out. Monk will already be playing with a chip on his shoulder after he said he’s gunning for the Rookie of the Year Award.

Not only can Monk be the leader of the second unit, he can prove himself to one of the best shooting guards in the league at an early stage in his NBA career.

The bench just has to play as a cohesive unit, and not drain away any sizable lead that their starters have built up. Also, it’s plausible that Monk will see run with the starting lineup.

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Let’s run this back. Walker must transform himself into a pass-first point guard, Howard must make his free throws, Batum must start shooting the ball more, Charlotte must protect home court, and the bench must be productive. If the Hornets accomplish these five goals, then the team will not only have found the keys to success, but a return to the playoffs.

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