Christmas in the NBA: What sits at the top of each team’s wishlist?

Brooklyn Nets: Peace and quiet

Kyrie Irving has been known to be a little “moody” at times during his well-documented career of burning bridges. From his Cleveland days when he stopped talking to everyone, the subsequent trade to Boston and “If you’ll have me” speech, followed up by another awkward exit and early reports from Brooklyn about his erratic behavior. The guy is a roller coaster.

Of course, none of those incidents were ideal for the team, but Irving is so talented that he makes up for a lot of it. With a Kevin Durant return looming next season, the Brooklyn Nets‘ only goal from here on out should be keeping their stars happy.

Charlotte Hornets: A better tank

I think this might be the first team in NBA history where it would be considered a disaster if they make the playoffs, but that’s exactly what I would consider this to be. This Charlotte Hornets roster isn’t very good, and yet they are still winning enough games to push for the last playoff spot. Granted, that last spot will probably go to a team with roughly 35-37 wins, but it’s still a playoff spot.

It just doesn’t make sense. The front office did their best to build a team that can’t win, and then the group of ragtag fringe NBA players starring MIP candidate Devonte’ Graham wins enough games to likely take them out of the running for a top pick in the 2020 draft. The Hornets might just be cursed and are destined to win 36ish games every year for the rest of eternity regardless of what the roster looks like.