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2018 NBA Power Rankings: The Warriors win the offseason; Lakers are back

Michael Saenz|
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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23. Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are facing an uphill battle heading into 2018-19. We know what they have in Kemba Walker, but after that much of this roster is pretty much an unknown. What could change the math for this team this season, however, is the progress of one Malik Monk.

Monk was the team’s first-round pick a year ago and while he didn’t have a rookie season to remember, he did have a promising latter portion of the season. He is one of the variables that could change it all for the Hornets this season.

There a re certainly some names on this roster, such as Nicolas Batum and Marvin Williams, but each of these players have vastly underwhelmed over the past two seasons. That’s the biggest why Charlotte isn’t ranked higher on this pre-season NBA Power Rankings list.