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NBA: Biggest surprises and disappointments of the 2017-18 season thus far

By FanSided User

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 13: Victor Oladipo #4 of Indiana Pacers and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watch the action during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 13: Victor Oladipo #4 of Indiana Pacers and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watch the action during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 06: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Golden State Warriors during their game at Spectrum Center on December 6, 2017 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)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 06: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Golden State Warriors during their game at Spectrum Center on December 6, 2017 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) /

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are in the middle of another disappointing season. After going 36-46 last year and missing the playoffs, it felt like this would be a bounce back for a franchise that is in “win now” mode. Instead, it has been a struggle to stay afloat. Kemba Walker is having another All-Star year but the Hornets find themselves at 14-23 and already 5 games out of the 8th seed.

This is a team that lacks a true identity and, despite their efforts, has failed to surround Kemba with enough talent to make them a threat in the East. The most telling number for the Hornets, as it has been in recent years, is the team’s net rating with Kemba off the floor. When he is on the court they are outscoring opponents by 5.2 points per 100 possessions, which would be the 4th best mark in the leauge. When he is off the court the Hornets are outscored by 15 points per 100 possessions.

For reference, the Kings currently have the worst net rating in the league and they are at a -9.8. Dwight Howard and Jeremy Lamb have had solid seasons but the rest of the roster just isn’t good enough. Until the Hornets assemble a real bench, this team is going nowhere fast.

What to Watch For:

Nicolas Batum has had rough start to the year after missing time early on with an elbow injury. He will still have three years left on his five-year, $120 million deal after this season (last year of that deal is a player option). With the way that the contract has played out, it will be interesting to see if the Hornets make any attempt to trade Batum.

The Hornets would likely have to give up an asset to shed the contract but with Batum on the books it will be almost impossible for Charlotte to make any significant improvements to the roster. Look to see if Batum’s name comes up in any trade rumors.

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