NBA Midseason Grades: Where Every Team Stands At The Midpoint Of The Season

Charlotte Hornets

Record: 19-23

Considering what this team had to overcome before the season even started and that there weren’t even great expectations for this team in the summer, the Charlotte Hornets have been a pleasant surprise for much of the season.

After losing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who could still return at some point this season, I don’t think many p predicted that the Hornets would still be playoff contenders. Well, they are.

Even in an improved Eastern Conference, the Hornets are only 2.5 games back of the 8th and final playoff spot. And the only reason that they aren’t currently projected to make the playoffs right now is because they’ve been in a slump, losing nine of their last 11 games. Mind you, Al Jefferson has only played in 19 games this season and has been available for only two games since the beginning of December.

This team should really be worse than their record indicates.

Grade: B-

Next: Chicago Bulls