Charlotte Hornets: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

1. The Hornets will make the playoffs

Last season, the Charlotte Hornets missed the playoffs, coming in at the 11th spot in the standings with a 36-46 record. They aren’t missing the playoffs next season though.

The recipe for Charlotte’s success will include Walker taking the next step to become an elite point guard, with his passing abilities. Another key ingredient will be Howard returning to All-Star form, and also being able to make his free throws. And adding a little salt to the mix will be Monk taking the starting shooting guard position from Batum. However, the sweet taste of victory cannot be achieved without Kidd-Gilchrist expanding his range.

With Walker’s leadership, the Hornets will trust their teammates more, and provide help when needed. In addition to an overall improvement in the team’s offensive efficiency, Charlotte should become more of a defensive-minded team with Howard leading the way.

Factor in D-12 attacking the glass on both end, finishing off Walker’s alley-oops, and the Hornets will transform into one of the faster transition teams in the league.

There’s no reason for Charlotte not to protect homecourt, but they also must learn to bring that winning formula on the road. That’s where Monk comes into play. He is already playing with a chip on his shoulder, gunning for Rookie of the Year. So he’s ready to start playing at an elite level, where it doesn’t matter whose court they’re on.

Next: 10 young NBA players in need of a breakout season in 2017-18

If everyone does their job, from the first to the last man on the bench, not only will these five bold predictions come to fruition, the Hornets will achieve one of their best seasons in franchise history.