Charlotte Hornets: 2017-18 NBA season preview
Predictions
If Malik Monk can become a two-way player he will be a serious candidate for Rookie of the Year. Again, Monk has to play defense every single time he’s on the floor, not when he feels like it. Defense is not an option, it’s mandatory.
Walker will earn his second All-Star nod. This year it won’t be as a reserve, but in the starting lineup. He just has to get his assist numbers up. Not only will that improve his game, but his teammates’ stat lines as well.
The former eight-time All-Star will find his way home, and Howard will return once again to the All-Star game. He must show that the game hasn’t left him behind, and he can defend the perimeter just as easily as he dominates the paint.
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Batum will improve his shooting, because he has the ability to do so — especially when he knows there’s a young rookie in the wings, ready to take his spot in the long-term. Batum has to become more aggressive in driving the lanes, and be more assertive in creating his own shots.
The Hornets won’t finish in the 11th spot in their Conference like last season, and will take the fourth spot next season. It doesn’t matter who’s at the top of the leader board, the Cavaliers will be in the conference finals. But Boston and Washington will also be in the top three. A battle for the fourth spot will take place between Charlotte and the Toronto Raptors.
Charlotte is not going to sneak into the playoffs, they will be a contender early on in the season. They just have to improve on defense, and everyone has to get their scoring up.
However, in addition to being an All-Star, if Walker dramatically improves his defense, he will make an All-NBA Team. That means he has to become a pesky defender.
I believe that the Celtics got worse when they traded Isaiah Thomas, along with their best defenders Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley. If Charlotte can become a physical team, they have the pieces to be a better team than Boston.
If Howard’s physical type of play rubs off on the team, add in a little bit of Monk’s confidence and cockiness, this year could possibly be the best season, for the Charlotte franchise.
Next: Top 10 candidates for 2017-18 Defensive Player of the Year
Last prediction: No one on this team can beat Michael Jordan one-on-one still.