24. Charlotte Hornets
There will be so much pressure on LaMelo Ball this season that it won’t be fair. The Charlotte Hornets will struggle because of that this season. The Hornets have a lot of good pieces but lack the true second start that they need next to Ball.
It wouldn’t at all be surprising if the Hornets decided mid-season to be sellers at the NBA Trade Deadline. If so, this team is going to take a couple of steps back before they take one forward again.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder
It’s a true shame that Chet Holmgren will miss the season. It’s almost like this is going to be another red-shirt season for the Thunder because of that. Still, there is plenty to look forward to for this team this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s continued development should be interesting to watch and the potential rise of one of their other young players – perhaps Josh Giddey.