National Basketball Association

What Does Success Mean For the Charlotte Hornets in 2016-17?

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

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The Charlotte Hornets enjoyed a successful 2015-16 campaign, but what does the team have to do to be successful this coming season?

The Charlotte Hornets 2015-16 season ended with a beat down at the hands of the Miami Heat. In game seven of the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Heat dominated en route to a 106-73 victory to head to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. While the Hornets did get dominated, they still had a great regular season winning 48 games. That was the most wins in a Charlotte basketball season since the Hornets won 49 games in the 2000 season. Now the question is, what can they do to have more success in this coming season?

In my opinion, there are three really big things the Charlotte Hornets need to have a successful 2016-17 season. The first thing is that Kemba Walker must raise his play to an all-star level. The former Connecticut star had the best season of his NBA career last season with career highs in nearly every major statistical area. Kemba has a much better jump shot and it showed last season with a career high 37.1% mark from three. This season, Kemba Walker has to take what he did last year one step further. An all-star game appearance for number 15 will help the Hornets’ success.

The second thing the Hornets must have is excellent interior defense. Cody Zeller is the incumbent center and this season the Hornets have added Roy Hibbert in free agency. Hibbert stands at a towering 7’2″ and has been an all-star before. Both of these players are different in many ways from their mobility and athleticism to their overall effectiveness.

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However, they must be able to protect the rim and get defensive rebounds. The Hornets biggest weakness last season was allowing too many offensive rebounds. With better play from the Centers, the Hornets will do big things this season.

The third and probably biggest thing the Hornets need is a healthy MKG. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist played in only seven games last season and the Hornets defense was excellent. Albeit a small sample size, the Hornets were more efficient with MKG than without him.

MKG hasn’t played a full season since his rookie year and the team has missed his great defense and rebounding from his position. With him in the lineup, Nicolas Batum can play his more natural shooting guard spot, so it will be important for MKG to stay on the floor this season.

This season, the Hornets can’t just make the playoffs or fight for the 8th seed like the last few seasons. The Hornets have to at least win one playoff series next year because the entire Hornets staff could be under fire if they don’t. They also have to win around the same number of games as they won last year (in the 45-50 win range would be ideal). Buzz City has waited long enough for a playoff series win and the Hornets need to win at least one for me to consider the season successful.

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