Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: Kemba’s hot start and other early-season observations

By Brandon Osborne

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 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 04: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Breaking down three early-season observations for the Charlotte Hornets after opening week of the 2018-19 NBA season

The Charlotte Hornets came into the 2018 NBA season under the radar as many didn’t know what to expect from the franchise after key moves were made during the offseason.

With a new head coach and new offensive strategy being implemented it was tough to figure out how good or bad the Hornets were going to be. After the opening week saw Charlotte play four games we now have an idea of what this team is going to look like.

Here are three early observations of the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets are a playoff contender in the East

More from Sir Charles In Charge

Charlotte finished last season 10th in the East and missed the playoffs by seven games. Coming into the season they were one of the many teams being talked about as a possible team to make the playoffs as the final seed but after the opening week it appears that the Hornets are not only in contention for a playoff spot but could possibly fight for a higher seed like 6th or 7th.

The Hornets have opened the season by beating the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, two teams that will compete for a playoff spot, and the Hornets losses came to the Eastern Conference favorite Toronto Raptors and the Milwaukee Bucks, who also are a contender in the East.

Charlotte doesn’t figure to be a contender for the top 5 in the Eastern Conference but as it looks now the Hornets are definitely a playoff contender.

Kemba Walker is an early candidate for MVP

Kemba Walker is thriving under new head coach James Borrego as the point guard is leading the NBA in scoring as of Tuesday with an average of 33.0 PPG. Walker’s shooting has also been outstanding as he is shooting 49 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from 3-point range.

Walker has a eFG% of 59.7 which is significantly higher than his career high of 52.7 which came in the 2016-2017 season. Walker’s early season play is a big reason why the Hornets appear to playoff contenders. He was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the opening week. Walker has more space this season to work with as Borrego’s system and Dwight Howard no longer being on the team has helped open the court up for him to attack more.

The Hornets are fun to watch

To say the Hornets were among the least enjoyable teams to watch last season would be a understatement. Last season, Charlotte did not have an effective offense and it was at times hard to watch. Under Borrego the Hornets have flourished as the team is embracing a faster tempo and looking to create offense with more space.

Related Story. NBA: 5 players attempting to resurrect their careers in 2018-19. light

The Hornets lead the league in 3-pointers made with 58 and 3-pointers attempted with 146. Charlotte is 8th in 3-point percentage as a team as well. With a new offense that looks for space and 3-point opportunities it’s not hard to see why the Hornets are more enjoyable now that they play a style similar to what the great teams in the league are implementing.

Home/Charlotte Hornets