2014-2015 NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets
Sep 29, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard
(1) during Media Day at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Continuing our NBA preview series, we take a closer look at the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets 2013-14 record: 43-39, third in the Southeast, seventh in the Eastern Conference
Charlotte Hornets 2013-14 MVP: Al Jefferson — 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds
Three Things I Think I Know about the Charlotte Hornets…
- Owner Michael Jordan’s decision to change the Charlotte franchise back to the Hornets instead of the Bobcats will be a huge success. Expect Charlotte to be near the top in attendance figures this year.
- Al Jefferson will dominate the paint again. Coming off a season that saw him average 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds, big Al will again put up strong numbers.
- The Hornets will make the playoffs. Charlotte plays great team defense and with the addition of Lance Stephenson they now have a solid playmaker to take some of the offensive load off Jefferson.
Charlotte Hornets Key Additions:
- Lance Stephenson (free agency)
- Marvin Williams (free agency)
- Brian Roberts (free agency)
- P.J. Hairston (draft)
- Noah Vonleh (draft)
Charlotte Hornets Key Losses:
- Josh McRoberts (free agency)
The Charlotte Hornets will be a playoff team if…
They continue to develop solid team chemistry on both ends of the floor. It’s no doubt that Lance Stephenson showed last season that he can cause issues in the locker room however, the change of scenery might be what he needs to get his act together. If Stephenson behaves and commits to Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford’s plan, then the Hornets should not only be a playoff team but a very tough out in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Team Strengths:
Low Post Scoring and Defense- the Hornets have one of the best centers in the NBA in Jefferson. His ability to finish down low gives Charlotte an advantage in that category every night against most teams. The Hornets also have a solid team defense philosophy that will be even better with the arrival of Stephenson.
Team Weaknesses:
Three-Point Shooting- The Hornets have players who can finish at the rim but they lack serious outside threats, especially with McRoberts leaving. His ability to stretch the floor insured that Jefferson could get one-on-one battles in the paint. Charlotte will need guys like Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson and others to hit their outside shots on a consistent basis.
2014-15 Charlotte Hornets MVP will be…
Al Jefferson- Even with the addition of Stephenson; this is still Jefferson’s team. He was an MVP candidate last season and should be once again this season. His ability to give you nightly double-doubles and solid defense is what you want in a team MVP.
Season Defining Question:
How well will Lance Stephenson fit in with the Hornets?
Stephenson took most of the blame for the Pacers collapse last season and now, with a new team and bigger role, how will he handle it?
Best Case Scenario:
48-34
The Charlotte Hornets feature one of the top defensive units in the NBA, and Stephenson becomes a leader in the locker room. Charlotte also gets solid contributions from both rookies (Hairston,Vonleh), as well as Cody Zeller.
Worst Case Scenario:
40-42
Stephenson ends up being a distraction causing friction between his teammates and coaches. This leads to the Hornets taking a small step back and missing the playoffs.