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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) /
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Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

Best-case scenario

(Michael Jordan suits up again. Just kidding.) Malik Monk sees equal starter minutes on the floor as Nicolas Batum. Monk has to also prove that he’s a two-way player, and not one-dimensional.

During his time at Kentucky, here’s what the rookie had to say about his defense:

"“I can play defense pretty good when I want to – when I want to/have to,” Monk said. “Cal is going to push me onto that, just make me play every play.”"

Monk isn’t in Kentucky anymore. Defense is something that’s not done on a case-by-case basis, it’s a must every single night. He has to leave everything on the floor.

If he’s a beast on the offensive end, and is able to become a two-way guard, then he may even become Charlotte’s starting shooting guard. But if he’s unable to implement defense, then he can forget about even being in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.

The Hornets win 45+ games and earn a top-five seed in the conference, advancing to the second round of the playoffs in a first round upset.

Worst-case scenario

Charlotte doesn’t utilize Howard and Monk effectively. Even though Walker has found a reliable man on the inside for the alley-oop, Howard can also create his own shots. There’s no reason to believe that Monk won’t be a scoring juggernaut. But will the Hornets know when he should have some run with the starters, particularly in the first quarter.

Between Howard and Monk, the Hornets have added a lot of firepower. However, it’s Clifford’s job to know when he should have the heavy artillery on the floor simultaneously. With Monk taking outside shots and Howard crashing the glass, that should be a dynamic duo.

Because with Howard, Monk, Walker, MKG and Marvin Williams on the floor, the Hornets are a much better than they were last season. But if Clifford is unable to find the right rotation at the right time, then Charlotte will be at a severe disadvantage in the East. And no telling what type of carnage will occur, especially when they play teams like the Cavs or Golden State Warriors.

Howard becomes a distraction, Monk struggles, Zeller has problems staying healthy again and the Hornets sputter to 38 wins in a weakened East, missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

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