Hoops Habit
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: 2017-18 NBA season preview

By Jen Julie Smith

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 03: Hugo the mascot of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 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 - NOVEMBER 03: Hugo the mascot of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next
Charlotte Hornets
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

Storyline 3: Can Charlotte make a deep playoff push?

After finishing the season with a 36-46 record, not only did the Hornets miss the playoffs, they were three spots out of contention. They had a worse record than the season the before, winning 12 fewer games.

With the addition of Howard and Monk, and Walker taking it to another level, there’s no reason why Charlotte should miss postseason action two years in a row.

Making it pass the first round is another story, however. Charlotte has to start winning away from home, because they’re just not a good road team. They finished with a 14-27 record last year on the road. If they’re unable to win on the road during the regular season, then forget about winning on the road during the postseason.

Live Feed

Five players signed past their prime in the second Hornets era
Five players signed past their prime in the second Hornets era /

Swarm and Sting

  • Charlotte Hornets land Pelicans star in mock trade proposal Swarm and Sting
  • Hornets predicted to have just one Top 100 player in 2023-24 Swarm and Sting
  • 5 Players that could replace Gordon Hayward on the Hornets Swarm and Sting
  • Why bringing scoring guard off the bench gives Hornets massive boost Swarm and Sting
  • Grade the mock trade: Hornets flip Gordon Hayward for 12-Time All-Star Swarm and Sting

    • Despite the East being the weaker conference, Charlotte still has to get by someone like the Washington Wizards or the Boston Celtics. The Wizards were one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals last season, while the Celtics were the No. 1 seed.

    Despite the offseason trades, it’s most likely that whichever team makes it to the ECF, they still have to get past the Cleveland Cavaliers.

    Nonetheless, the Hornets can’t be playing catchup towards the end of the season to secure the final playoff berth. They must start the season strong and finish strong.

    Although, the Wizards didn’t change their starting roster, Charlotte, for the most part, also has continuity – with only the addition of Howard to their starting lineup.

    But in order for the Hornets to make a serious playoff push, everyone on the team has to improve. For example, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 9.2 points and 7.0 rebounds last season. What MKG lacks in offense, Clifford believes, he “makes up for it with his defense and other intangibles.”

    With that being said, MKG’s offensive efficiency has nowhere enough firepower for the postseason. Hopefully, he improves his scoring. Either that, or Monk is ready to take over his spot.

    Clifford fully supports MKG keeping his starting position, and had this to say:

    "“We have enough offense with him on the floor that we can be fine offensively,” Clifford said. “…It’s easy to look at guy who is not a range shooter and say he doesn’t belong in today’s NBA game.”"

    Walker averaged 23.2 points and 5.5 assists per game last season. Some would say Walker’s assist rate is respectable, in comparison to Kyrie Irving, who averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. But Walker wasn’t playing alongside arguably the best player in the league, LeBron James.

    As a fan casually pointed out, Clifford may have been referring to Walker, when he added:

    "“But if you can’t guard your guy in this league — and I’m talking about blow-by, being too small, not physical enough, not wanting to put any (effort) into it — you better be 28 or 29 (points per game) or it’s very difficult for your team to win.”"

    Although MKG should be creating his own offense, it’s incumbent upon Walker to get his assists numbers up, to help out all his teammates.

    Howard owns the paint, but outside the paint is his kryptonite. Bigs such as Al Horford and DeMarcus Cousins are knocking down threes. Therefore, Howard must adapt to the pace-and-space style of play, and improve his perimeter defense.

    Because Howard is prone to foul trouble, once outside the paint it will be easy for his man to draw easy fouls. Thankfully, the league has implemented new rules, which really should be called the “Harden Rules.”  Officials “will make sure jump shooters are in their upward shooting motion when determining if a perimeter foul is worthy of free throws,” instead of the shooter putting his arm out to draw contact from his defender.

    The league has also cut down on “Hack-a-Shaq” even further, which is good news for Howard. It still means that Howard has to make his free throws though, because the Hornets are in no position to be giving away to charity throughout the season.

    It’s all hands on deck. The Hornets must play with a sense of urgency starting with their season opener. Everyone has to up their game, because both Boston and Washington are trying to dethrone the Cavs, who don’t appear ready to give up their throne just yet.

    Each Hornet must carry his own weight, otherwise they will once again feel the sting of defeat in a shortened season. Walker’s job is not only to be better at his point guard duties, but to make sure everyone else does their jobs if Charlotte wants to make a serious playoff push.

    Home/Charlotte Hornets