An NBA Christmas: 1 thing every team should have atop their holiday wishlist

NBA Christmas (Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Christmas (Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)
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Ben Simmons
Brooklyn Nets Ben Simmons (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

Brooklyn Nets

Christmas wishlist: Ben Simmons to continue to blossom 

Over the past few weeks, it seems as if the Brooklyn Nets have begun to find their footing. They got off to a rough start but have truly turned it on once the drama has quieted around the team. Sitting atop their wishlist should be the ability for Ben Simmons to continue to blossom into his own in Brooklyn.

If the Nets are going to be a dark horse contender in the Eastern Conference, they’re going to need Simmons to be the all-star talent that he was during the best years of his career in Philadelphia.

Charlotte Hornets

Christmas wishlist: A clear vision moving forward 

If there’s one thing that the Charlotte Hornets need right now is some clarity regarding where this franchise is headed over the next few months and into the offseason. Let’s be clear, the Hornets are unlikely to make the playoffs this season. But they need a clear vision of how to not only approach the rest of the season but also the NBA Trade Deadline.

That’s what the Hornets should be asking for this holiday season.