NBA: Every Team’s Best and Worst Case Scenarios For 2015-16
By Jordan Yant
Apr 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford gestures from the sidelines against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. The Hornets won 92-87. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Charlotte Hornets
Last Year’s Outcome: 33-49, Lottery
Best-Case Scenario: Win 40 Games
Why: Even though the Charlotte Hornets are two years removed from making a playoff appearance, I have a hard time drawing up a scenario in which they could return to the postseason this season. Despite adding Nicholas Batum and Frank Kaminsky this offseason, the Hornets are still much less talented than a number of the other Eastern Conference teams.
Coming off a season in which the Hornets won 33 games, Charlotte should aim to win at least 40 games this season. If so, perhaps they could even sneak into the playoff race.
Worst-Case Scenario: 25-30-Win Season
Why: The only thing worse than following up a 30-win season with another 30-wins season would be following up a 30-win season with a 25-win season. And even though the Hornets did make some “upgrades” this season, I’m not necessarily sure they got significantly better.
What Will Probably Happen: 35-Win Season
Why: I’m not all bad. In the Hornets situation, I predict that they’ll win 35 games this season. In essence, they’ll be two games better than the were last season, which is a good thing. The Hornets won’t be a playoff team, but they also won’t be in the running for one of the worst teams in the NBA. Not all bad, huh.
Next: Chicago Bulls