National Basketball Association

Charlotte Hornets' Defense is Stinging to Start the Season

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With predictions all over the place for Charlotte’s 2016-2017 season, one thing remained consistent throughout the media; defense. The Hornets have certainly not disappointed.

Last season the Charlotte Hornets were just one of five teams to rank in the top ten in both offensive and defensive rating. Finishing with a 48-34 record, many believed Charlotte had actually overachieved. The losses of Jeremy Lin, Al Jefferson, and Courtney Lee were supposed to cripple the offense and inevitably cause the team to miss the playoffs. However, as some rightfully predicted, the defensive excellence of Charlotte has them off to a solid 3-1 start.

Return of the prodigal son

I cannot state the importance of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to Charlotte’s success enough. The ravenous perimeter defender simply envelops his man. Kidd-Gilchrist is the main reason behind Charlotte’s fifth-ranked defense.

More so than just his perimeter defense, MKG and Marvin Williams have provided excellent rim protection despite neither being centers. With Roy Hibbert‘s return imminent, Charlotte’s defense at the rim should only improve from its sixth-ranked paint defense. Giving up only 96 points per game, Charlotte has only given up more than 100 points once, in their road loss against Boston.

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Arguably one of the best rebounders at the small forward position, MKG has been the driving force behind the fourth-best defensive rebounding team in the league. Possessing an 81.2 defensive rebounding percentage is a huge factor in Charlotte’s ability to prevent opposing teams from getting extra opportunities to score.

Containing the Enemy

Stopping opponents in the half court is a vital part of Charlotte’s game plan, but as offenses get smaller and faster, defending transition attacks are more vital than ever before. Not giving away live ball turnovers is the first step to preventing transition opportunities to opposing teams.

Despite key playmakers lost in free agency, the Hornets actually rank first in assist to turnover ration, with 2.238 assists to one turnover. This has led to Charlotte only giving up 9.2 points in transition, good for third in the league.

Opponents have actually shot only 41.7% against the Hornets, giving them the second-best defense in that measure. However, Charlotte needs some more focus on the three-point line, as they are only ranked twenty-sixth in defense from behind the arc. If Charlotte can boost their perimeter defense further and get the offensive consistency from Kemba Walker and Nicholas Batum, the Hornets are bound for an excellent season.

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