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NBA Power Rankings: Re-seeding the East after the NBA Draft, Free Agency

By Michael Saenz

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first quarter against the Miami Heat in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first quarter against the Miami Heat in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

14. Charlotte Hornets

Over the next few years, fair or not, the Charlotte Hornets are largely going to be judged by how well Brandon Miller pans out as a prospect. With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Hornets decided to take Miller over Scoot Henderson. Those two prospects are now attached at the hips for the remainder of their careers. Beyond that, there’s little to be excited about for the Hornets heading into the season.

That said, Charlotte isn’t going to be terrible. If they’re healthier than they were last season, which shouldn’t be that difficult for them to accomplish, they’re going to be better. After his new contract, there are big questions about LaMelo Ball. Can he truly be the face of this franchise and lead them up the hierarchy in the Eastern Conference? That’s far from a given.

Ranked No. 14 may be a bit harsh. It may seem like a jab to the Hornets. But I firmly believe that has more to do with how talented the rest of this conference is. The Hornets will be better than they were last season but considering they only won 27 games last season, that really isn’t saying much.