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NBA Southeast Division Outlook: Which Team Is The Favorite In 2016-17?

By Austin Albertson

Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) reacts after a score in the second half against the Miami Heat in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Heat 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) reacts after a score in the second half against the Miami Heat in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Heat 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets

2015-16 Record: 48-34, 6th Seed 

Charlotte was the team that looked like they had the most to lose in the offseason, with most of the core of their team needing new contracts going into the offseason. It was widely known that Charlotte would have to make some sacrifices, and it certainly did.

Gone is Courtney Lee, whose rebounds and clutch three-pointer will live on in Charlotte infamy. Jeremy Lin, the team’s second unit leader and fan favorite, is also gone. Al Jefferson, the former face of the franchise, also followed them out the door.

The Hornets were able to retain Nic Batum, who will become the new feature of the team. They also have Marvin Williams, who has seen his career take off in the purple and teal. They added some pieces to offset some losses, bringing in Marco Belinelli to replace Lee and familiar faces Ramon Sessions and Brian Roberts to replace Lin. They’ve also taken a flier on Roy Hibbert, who is fighting to resurrect his career.

But the biggest addition to the Hornets will be something they already had in the return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. MKG’s return could propel the Hornet’s defense back to one of the top in the league. And it may improve the team more than it hurt in the offseason.

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