In the fifth of 30 NBA previews prior to the start of the season, we will take a look at the Charlotte Hornets. In these previews, we will take a look at the key acquisitions, fantasy stars and predicted finish.
Key Acquisitions
The Charlotte Hornets did not make any significant moves in the offseason via trade or free agency. Their most notable acquisition from a player perspective was the fact they drafted big man Mark Williams with their first round pick, 15th overall, from Duke University. Williams, who is 7’0″, 240 pounds, is expected to backup Mason Plumlee at the center position. Do not be surprised if Williams gets significant playing time and ends up being the Hornets starter at center as the season progresses. That is because Plumlee is not much of a threat offensively as he has only averaged 8.3 points per game in his career and 6.5 points per game last year.
The other significant move the Hornets made in the offseason was a change at head coach. Out goes James Borrego and in comes Steve Clifford. There is no doubt Clifford was the Hornets’s second choice. They initially came to terms with Kenny Atkinson, however Atkinson changed his mind and remained an assistant coach in Golden State after the Warriors won the 2022 NBA Finals. This is Clifford’s second time coaching Charlotte. He was initially there from 2013 to 2018.
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Fantasy Star
The Hornets have one player at the guard position worth selecting. LaMelo Ball is third among shooting guards (behind Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers) and fifth among point guards, heading into the year. An all-star for the first time in 2021-22, Ball averaged 20.1 points per game, 7.6 assists per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, a field goal percentage of .429, three-point percentage of .389, and a free throw percentage of .872.
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Projected Finish
The Charlotte Hornets are the one team in the NBA that Joel Beatton and I disagree with the most. I firmly believe the Hornets can make the next step in the Southeast Division, and take the division title. While I believe the Miami Heat will take a step back, due to the fact that their core are showing signs of age. Joel is concerned about the Hornets’ depth and the fact that forward Miles Bridges, who averaged 20.2 points per game last season, may be out a while due to legal issues. The specific legal issues are related to domestic violence according to the Associated Press.
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