NBA Hope Index: How far is each team from a ring heading into 2017-18?

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 20: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during their game at Spectrum Center on December 20, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

30. Charlotte Hornets

No one sets up shop in Meh-ville quite like the Charlotte Hornets.

In 2015-16, they were one of the feel-good stories of the year. Kemba Walker made The Leap, Nic Batum justified his huge contract, and a fun roster lead by a well-respected coach pushed Miami to a Game 7 in the first round.

Here’s the thing: that end-result was probably always the ceiling for this team. The floor? We saw it last season. The Hornets were eleventh in the NBA in net rating, ahead of the Bucks, Grizzlies and Thunder, yet they stayed home for the playoffs despite a positive point differential.

They now have an Aging Dwight Howard (his new legal name, according to sources), but this team remains steeped in mediocrity with no clear path out of it. Whenever a contender does come to Charlotte, it will likely be long after the current core is elsewhere.

Path to Glory: Let this version of the team make a playoff run and then auction off Kemba Walker for a pick and/or young player next summer. Tank the 2018-19 and 19-20 seasons, and see if there are any takers for Batum’s contract over that time. Pray that the draft gods finally smile upon the franchise.

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