7. Charlotte Hornets
Starting Backcourt: Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum
Kemba Walker finally took the next step last season as he averaged 20.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists on his way to a second-place finish in the Most Improved Player voting. He also led the Charlotte Hornets back to the playoffs, losing to the Miami Heat in seven games in round one.
Nicolas Batum also rebounded from a poor final year in Portland by contributing around the board (14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists) to be considered as an all-star level player beside Walker.
If both of them can prove that last season wasn’t a fluke, then the Hornets are a likely bet to earn a second consecutive playoff berth.
Next: No. 6