Hoops Habit
Fansided

2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 30
Next
(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets… messed up. Charlotte has been stuck in quicksand for years, fighting against the undertow but sinking nonetheless. Kemba Walker was the one force keeping Charlotte’s head above ground. It makes sense for Charlotte to rebuild, but opting not to trade Kemba at the deadline, only to let him walk in free agency is poor management.

But, still, it does make sense to rebuild, and Charlotte has started the post-Kemba era in odd fashion. The Hornets sent Walker to Boston in a sign-and-trade, using the additional flexibility of a trade to give Terry Rozier a sizable contract.

In the shortest of terms, Rozier isn’t good. At least not yet. There’s not much harm in a flier, but the Hornets are notorious for bad contracts and Rozier immediately stands out as a potentially catastrophic signing. He’s a less efficient, more erratic version of Walker who plays turnstile on defense and alienates teammates on offense.

Charlotte will give Rozier a large slice of the offensive pie — he will lead the Hornets in shot attempts and assists by a considerable margin. How the Hornets manage the hodgepodge of overpaid, solid-but-uninspiring vets next to Rozier is a separate issue. James Borrego will need to balance a full-on rebuild with a waste of resources.

The Hornets are set up to be a somewhat miserable experience, but there are still bright spots. On a good night, Rozier can put on an entertaining show. Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington are solid prospects in the frontcourt — the former offering an occasional highlight dunk to drown out the misery of losing. I’m still a believer in Malik Monk, for what it’s worth.

When the dust settles, Charlotte will hunker down on youth. It will be Rozier, Monk, Bridges, Washington and Dwayne Bacon at the forefront of the Hornets’ season. How the top prospects perform will set the tone for what promises to be an extended stay at the bottom.

Final prediction: 18-64, Miss NBA Playoffs