National Basketball Association

Swarm and Sting Round Table Discussion: Charlotte Hornets' Season Preview

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:17 p.m. ET

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Jan 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; A ball lays on the court during a timeout in the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Jazz in two overtimes 124-119. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

With the Charlotte Hornets res to get the 2016-17 NBA season underway, we here at Swarm and Sting preview the year ahead for the team.

The Charlotte Hornets are coming off of a surprisingly successful season last year. They will look to build from that in the 2016 campaign and improve in Steve Clifford’s fourth year at the helm. This team proved they could compete with some of the best last year, now they have to prove that it wasn’t a fluke.

Each of us here at Swarm and Sting gave our opinions to five questions that lie ahead for the 2016-17 season. It will be an interesting year but there is optimism surrounding the team in the Queen City. With the improvement over the past few year’s, hopefully the team can continue their development.

1. Where do you expect the Charlotte Hornets to finish this season? Win total? Seed in the Eastern Conference?

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Jerry Stephens (@JR_Steph23):

I think that the Hornets will be slightly worse than last season in terms of their win total. It will be difficult for this team to match or beat 48 wins but I expect them to finish with around 42-45 wins. This team might be as good as last years but the new players will need time to adjust and for team chemistry to reach its pinnacle. I think that 42-45 wins is enough for a top-six seed in the East.

Gabriel Davis (@gabriel_davis):

I agree that the Hornets take a small step back in terms of wins and losses. I think that 41-41 (give or take 2 wins) is this team’s most logical finishing point. With that being said, I have learned to have faith in Coach Clifford, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team finish with a top 8 defense and scratch out more wins than I predict. I think the 6-7 seed would be fantastic, and that the Hornets could give their first round opponent a run for their money no matter who they are.

Daniel Purcell:

Over the last couple of years the Hornets and Coach Clifford have done a masterful job of being better than people expect. This year I expect that we will be right there as expected. I expect somewhere in the neighborhood of 45 wins in a heated battle with Miami for the fifth seed in the east. A seeding I expect them to achieve. 44-46 wins and the 5th seed.

Rhett Koonce (@RhettKoonce):

I don’t think the Hornets will make it to 48 wins again. However, I am still expecting a winning recording. I think somewhere around 44-38 sounds reasonable. That was good enough for 8th place last year, but I think it will land us anywhere between 6th-8th this year. Regardless, the Hornets will make the Las Vegas prediction of 39.5 wins look foolish.

Russ Heltman (@RussHeltman11):

I’ve tempered my expectations a bit going into this season and I see Charlotte winning 44 games this year. They will be right in the thick of the southeast division title race and they could win and secure a 4-seed. The Vegas O/U of 39.5 is pretty disrespectful in my opinion.

Laieke Abebe (@StrikaNation24_):

I’m hoping for big things out of the Queen City this season. The Hornets have made some good additions to their roster. Overall, I think the Hornets finish 43-39 and 6th in the East. Also, a division title would be moving in the right direction.

Young Kim (@Young_k1m):

I expect a strong season from the Hornets. I’ve seen predictions range from a top 4 seed to a bottom 5 lottery team. I think Charlotte’s defense will be something to fear around the league. If everything clicks with the new roster, I think the Hornets can have a top 5 defense and finish as the 5th seed with a solid 49-33 season.

Deshawn White (@DeDashCray):

I’m a believer when it comes to my team, so I’m thinking that with a healthy squad that we can finish around 4th in the East. We may not win 48 games like last year, but I really think we can win about 42-48 games. The team looked great finishing the preseason, the returning players seem to be getting pretty comfortable with each other again and the newer players are proving useful. Though they still need to get a little better.

May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view the Easter Conference Finals logo on the basket prior to game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2. How far do you think the Charlotte Hornets will make it in the playoffs?

Jerry Stephens:

Charlotte must avoid making the playoffs as the eighth seed as that would likely pin them against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a top-six seed they have a good chance at making it out of the first round and winning their first playoff series since 2001-2002. If they meet the Cavs in the second round then that is the end of the road for the Hornets. If they avoid Cleveland and face a different team in the second round then Charlotte may do the improbable and make it to the Eastern Conference Finals but that is a long list of if’s.

Gabriel Davis:

My most optimistic prediction is that the Hornets are knocked out in the 2nd round of the playoffs. I don’t think this team has the playmakers to go any farther.

Daniel Purcell:

Seeding is everything in the playoffs. I expect that we will be the fifth seed. How far we go will have a lot to do with how the teams land. My preference would be to face the Hawks or the Raptors in the first round. I feel that we can upset either of them. So I think that we will reach the second round unless we are unlucky enough to face the Celtics. Our matchup with the Leprechauns would likely go to the team with home court advantage.

Rhett Koonce:

As long as we avoid the Cavs and Celtics in the first round, we should be able to make it to the second round. The playoffs are about playing fundamental defense and limiting transition points. This happens to be what the Hornets excel at.

Russ Heltman:

A playoff berth should be on the horizon for this team and they can win their first playoff series if they lock up the division, After the first two seeds there is a pool of teams with comparable talent levels and the Hornets have the personnel and playing style to grind out a second round berth.

Laieke Abebe:

Even as the 6th seed, they can still make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, avoiding the Cleveland Cavaliers in the process. I think getting the Conference Semifinals would be going in the right direction.

Young Kim:

As the 5th seed, I think they have a good chance of making it to the second round. I have a feeling they’ll be matched up with either Detroit or Indiana in the first round. Hopefully Charlotte’s defense is enough to contain either Andre Drummond or Paul George. Best case scenario is that we get a shot as a dark horse in the ECF, but most likely we’ll be a second round exit.

Deshawm White:

I’m comfortable enough to say that this team is somewhere around a second round playoff team. Defensively, we’re a better team than last year, and offensively the team seems to be pretty good at scoring around the court. If the three-point percentage stays around the same as last year or improves a bit, then I’m sure we can get a few surprise wins and maybe even a playoff upset. I really think that Hibbert and MKG will be the playoff X-Factors. Their knack of getting rebounds and defensive IQ could push the team over their playoff series drought.

Oct 8, 2016; Uncasville, CT, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) is guarded by Boston Celtics guard Gerald Green (30) in the 2nd quarter during a pre-season game at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

3. Is Frank Kaminsky ready to take the next step this season?

Jerry Stephens:

Based on his preseason performance, I expect Frank to average double-digits in scoring as well as over six rebounds per game. Outside of Charlotte, people are critical or Kaminsky but I think that most Hornets’ fans know his skill level. He can be a great contributor/sixth man/first big man off of the bench this season. His shooting ability coupled with his added strength, improved rebounding, and developed offensive low post game that we saw a bit of in the playoffs last year, Frank is ready to break out.

Gabriel Davis:

The “sophomore leap” is a pretty well documented NBA phenomenon. I see Frank very quickly asserting himself as this team’s most important bench player. I would even go so far as to say that Kaminsky will see more touches on the post in isolation, and that he will make opposing 4’s pay from the 3 point line as well. Frank the Tank!

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Daniel Purcell:

Frank has already shown to be progressing nicely. How far he goes is completely up to him. His scoring ability is obvious. My only concern about Frank is his killer instinct. I would like to see some passion from him on the court. If this aspect of his game continues to develop then he may turn out to be the Hornet’s very own MI Abram.

Rhett Koonce:

Frank the Tank has officially arrived! Well, at least he did in the preseason. The sophomore jump is real and he is showing signs that the game is slowing down for him. He averaged 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists this preseason. The departure of Big Al opened up more playing time for Kaminsky. Judging by some of his highlights this preseason, I would say he is certainly ready to step into a contributing role off of the bench.

Russ Heltman:

Frank is my guy, and he is primed for a leap into the top-tier of big men in the league. Frank should be one of the more effective sixth men in the league and his ability to space the floor and bang on the boards should be on full display after Big Al’s exit opened the door for him.

Laieke Abebe:

I certainly hope Frank is ready to take the next step. With the loss of Al Jefferson, it provides Frank more minutes to contribute off the bench as a stretch 4. Spacing will be key to the Hornets success and they need an improved season from the Tank.

Young Kim:

I don’t know if Frank has the ability to become a starter in this league. I really like his game don’t get me wrong, but he doesn’t have the same upside as many rookies from last year do. Already 23, Kaminsky doesn’t have massive room for improvement, but watching his preseason play did give me hope. His defense and most importantly his confidence has improved. While he hesitated to take a lot of 3 pointers last season, it seems he’s grown comfortable with NBA range. I think he can be more than an adequate sub for Marvin Williams when he sits.

Deshawn White:

I think Kaminsky is a better player than he was last year, so I’m pretty sure he’ll take a step this season. If his defense can improve a little more than he’ll definitely be a foundational player. We’ll definitely see in the first few games this year, if he’s healthy enough to play that is.

Oct 20, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Roy Hibbert (55) tries to shoot as he is defended by Miami Heat center Willie Reed (35) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

4. Which player will have a breakout season and who will regress/have the most disappointing year?

Jerry Stephens:

I think that Roy Hibbert is the best candidate to have a breakout season. After a career-worst year with the Lakers, the former all-star has the ability and now the team around him to succeed. He looks like the starting center for Steve Clifford this season and the opportunity will be there for him to average 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. I think that Marvin Williams is the most likely to regress. Not a lot but just to some degree his game will drop. He is getting older and after a career best season, a small drop off is expected. Plus with Frank coming into his own, he can replace some of the lost production. Hopefully, Marvin proves me wrong.

Gabriel Davis:

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, should his body allow him to play 70+ games, should receive votes as both the Defensive Player of the Year and as the Most Improved Player. He gives the Hornets a physical wing presence that they need so badly. I hate talking about regression, but I am afraid that either Marvin or Kemba will have to fall back to earth from a shooting percentage perspective. However, I hope not.

Daniel Purcell:

In my opinion the obvious break out player is Kemba. I am not afraid of his shooting percentages. I think with another year of Nic helping him facilitate he will score his way into the all-star game. With the continued development of Frank and Cody, and the very nature of his game I expect MKG to be the odd man out statistically. I think he will be a great teammate, and help anchor the defense, but his numbers will continue to underwhelm.

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Rhett Koonce:

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has my vote for breakout season. He seemed to gel well with the starters in the seven games he played in last year. He even posted a plus/minus of +13.5 while on the court. The rest of the league will finally take notice of him as long as he stays healthy. I am afraid that Marvin will regress. Last year was the best season that he has ever played. Marvin finally added a reliable three-point stroke and kept his body in game shape over the offseason. This led to a magical season and we all got to experience the results last year. I don’t know if he will be able to put on a performance like that again.

Russ Heltman:

My breakout candidate is MKG, the man is my comeback player of the year dark horse, he’s an elite defender who the hornets greatly missed when playing some of the premiere forwards in the game last year. He has been maligned for his poor shooting and inability to stay on the floor but he will stay relatively healthy this year and be a key part of the starting core. I envision some regression from Marvin Williams simply because of how big his numbers were last year, he hasn’t typically carried over big performances from year to year so a minor regression is very possible.

Laieke Abebe:

Let’s all hope there isn’t regression to the mean by anyone this season. That being said, Roy Hibbert has a big chance to revitalize his career which got lost in Los Angeles. He’s a good big man who can stretch his game to mid-range. He’ll certainly be splitting time with Cody Zeller at the 5.

Young Kim:

The popular choice is MKG, and for good reason. Coming off a 6 game season where his numbers were better across the board, MKG has definitely been putting in work. Although his shooting form is as unorthodox as ever, he has shown the ability to consistently hit long-range shots in practice. Now whether that will translate to in game success has yet to be seen but I have high hopes. He is quite possibly the most underrated defender in the league, and I wouldn’t have a problem comparing him to pre 2014 Jimmy Butler. Butler wasn’t much of a scorer before his MIP season, and I think Kidd-Gilchrist can become a reasonable facsimile of the Bulls’ star. Will he be as effective of a scorer? Unlikely. But if his offense has improved, the combination of that and his defense keep me optimistic.

Deshawn White:

My vote for the most improved/breakout player definitely goes to Roy Hibbert. He’s been looking pretty good during the preseason and seemed to get more and more comfortable with the rest of the guys. I was a big fan of the team signing him and to see him getting better was a great feeling. My vote for most disappointing is going to be a little different. I’d give Rich Cho the vote if he fails to find a suitor for Spencer Hawes. Honestly, it’ll be really disappointing to see him sit on the bench all year and not contribute. Hawes is a good player, but with the talent that we already have, paying around seven million for a third string center isn’t going to help the team in the long run. We could easily use that money to resign a key player or sign a interesting free agent whether during the season or more than likely during offseason of next year. It’ll be interesting to see what teams will inquire about the big man, but I’m a firm believer that Hawes’ days are numbered in Charlotte.

Oct 29, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets mascot Hugo the Hornet waives the banner before the tipoff of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

5. What are you most looking forward to this season?

Jerry Stephens:

I am most looking forward to the Charlotte Hornets winning their first ever Southeast Division title this season. I think that they have a legit shot with the Miami Heat regressing, the Orlando Magic not getting much better, the Atlanta Hawks losing Al Horford, and the Washington Wizards not getting better from the team that they had last year. Since the division realignment in 2004, the Hornets have never won a divisional title. This is their season to do just that and raise a banner withe 2016-17 SOUTHEAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS on it.

Gabriel Davis:

I am looking forward to seeing the huge new scoreboard in person! I also look forward to whatever interesting things Rich Cho will pull out of his hat during the trade deadline. The man can wheel and deal, and if the Hornets need a piece, he will try his darndest to acquire it.

Daniel Purcell:

I am looking forward to this team starting to gel. I think the defensive potential of Nic, MKG, and Hibbert is very exciting. I am extremely intrigued with whether or not they will give teams the fits I am expecting.

Rhett Koonce:

I am most looking forward to the revenge games against the Miami Heat. Losing to the Heat in the first round of the playoffs last year left a bad taste in my mouth. I hope our boys have every Heat game circled on their calendars. The Southeast division is wide open and ripe for the taking. Hopefully the Hornets will rise to the top and become the new team to beat in their division. But first, they must knock off the reigning champs. Win it for Purple-Shirt Guy!

Russ Heltman:

I am most looking forward to the Warrior games and how well these Hornets stack up with the superteam out west, I don’t see it going very well.

Laieke Abebe:

I’m looking forward to actually seeing the Hornets play on national television this season. They’ll be playing against the Warriors and Spurs on the ESPN networks and both teams are certain to be title contenders once again. It’ll be a great litmus test for how much farther the Hornets need to go as a team.

Young Kim:

I’m definitely looking forward to the Hornets’ best players in Kemba and Batum. Each had breakout seasons last year, and I am optimistic that they will only continue to improve. Batum was hindered by injuries and the constant shift in positions he had to go through due to injuries to MKG and the acquisition of Courtney Lee. With his position firmly entrenched at shooting guard, I think Batum can average even more assists than last year and be the primary playmaker in Charlotte’s offense. I expect Kemba to capitalize on his stellar season last year. I would like to see an uptick in his scoring and continued improvement in his scoring efficiency. Almost an All-Star last season, Kemba finally taking that leap would be awesome to see.

Deshawn White:

The two things I’m most interested in seeing are the team playing with a true center in Roy Hibbert and Belinelli, Lamb and Kaminsky leading the second unit. All four players are capable of contributing every night, and they all have something to prove after last year. I’m thinking that Lamb, Hibbert, and Kaminsky improve the most.

But I’m sure that EVERYONE will undoubtedly think that the return of MKG and the continued cohesion of Batum and Kemba are the biggest things to look for, but my gut feeling is that those three will continue to play at a high level. You can already see that they are already comfortable together, so it’ll be more interesting to see the bench improve after having such solid reservists last year.

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