[Make’Em Say UGHParticipant]

So far the Hornets are 4-0 in the preseason. Coming off of back-to-back wins against the Clippers in China, including this morning’s blowout of 113-71.

Now I could care less of the actual win-loss column in the preseason, but it’s the WAY they’re playing that blows me away. (Hornets shot 56% from distance today on 25 attempts) It’s almost as if they’re an actual NBA team now. The fluidity and movement on the floor is the polar opposite of what I’m used to from Charlotte. Couldn’t be more thrilled.

Completely remodeled with about 10 new roster players (about 7 that get real burn) they are primed for a good year. I remember the initial reaction of looking ‘desperate’ and trying to pull off a ‘win now’ mentality with all these players, but I disagree. They actually added some real pieces/talent/shooting and are still pretty young to grow and development even more. (Kemba, Batum, Lamb, Zeller, Lin, Frank)

I hate that MKG is out, and it hurts to say: but this current team is ALOT better than last years, MKG or not.

[T Rex]

 Jeremy Lin must have gotten All Star foul calls from the refs.

Just kidding, Lakers are going to miss Lin. He would have looked good next to Okafor or Porzingis in LA.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Jeremy Lin must have gotten All Star foul calls from the refs.

Just kidding, Lakers are going to miss Lin. He would have looked good next to Okafor or Porzingis in LA.

 

 

 

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Steve Clifford is a good coach and the Hornets have a some nice players (Jefferson, Walker, Batum) but they would not be a sure-fire lock for the Eastern Conference Playoffs with MKG, let alone without. Would I be surprised if they end up as a 7-8 seed with MKG? Not particularly. But without I don’t think they make it. I believe the team was 5-20 without him last year.

Offensively, they have options and some ways to be creative, especially with the stretch bigs and quick guards to compliment Big Al on the block. Batum is obivously versatile and should allow Kemba to work off ball and attack scrambling defenses. But their guards and bigs are all average defenders at best and that will likely be their downfall.

The Cavs, Heat, Wizards, Raptors, Bucks, Bulls, and Celtics are definitively superior to the Hornets and likely Pacers, Pistons, and Knicks as well.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Steve Clifford is a good coach and the Hornets have a some nice players (Jefferson, Walker, Batum) but they would not be a sure-fire lock for the Eastern Conference Playoffs with MKG, let alone without. Would I be surprised if they end up as a 7-8 seed with MKG? Not particularly. But without I don’t think they make it. I believe the team was 5-20 without him last year.

Offensively, they have options and some ways to be creative, especially with the stretch bigs and quick guards to compliment Big Al on the block. Batum is obivously versatile and should allow Kemba to work off ball and attack scrambling defenses. But their guards and bigs are all average defenders at best and that will likely be their downfall.

The Cavs, Heat, Wizards, Raptors, Bucks, Bulls, and Celtics are definitively superior to the Hornets and likely Pacers, Pistons, and Knicks as well.

[kobyzParticipant]

They should have been much improve this season with the great addition batum, with big al contract year and losing 20ibs, some yong guys that are being expect to improve and better balance and atmosphere,  but losing mkg who is the much important player and the glue of the group is a hard pill to swallow, before the injury i had them top 5 east team with good chance to make second round playoff, now the battle would be for the 8 seed…

[kobyzParticipant]

They should have been much improve this season with the great addition batum, with big al contract year and losing 20ibs, some yong guys that are being expect to improve and better balance and atmosphere,  but losing mkg who is the much important player and the glue of the group is a hard pill to swallow, before the injury i had them top 5 east team with good chance to make second round playoff, now the battle would be for the 8 seed…

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 I’m happy for you & all charlotte fans – they added some really nice pieces – I think they have a real shot of making the playoffs…

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 I’m happy for you & all charlotte fans – they added some really nice pieces – I think they have a real shot of making the playoffs…

[Make’Em Say UGHParticipant]

Since MKG was drafted at 19 he’s been starting at SF for the Hornets with little to no help at the position. Last year’s backup was Jeffery Taylor (4ppg) who is no longer in the NBA. I think that is indicative of the 5-20 record w/o MKG last year. His talents will DEFINITELY be missed – ESPECIALLY on the defensive end, but Batum is a more than worthy fill in at the SF position. (In theory you could even look at this as if it were a trade – some people are higher on Batum than MKG)

Playoffs are no guarantee. Although in a better place, I wouldn’t be so quick to use ‘definitely superior’ in relation to the Celtics and Bucks – they both made a strong push last year – hopefully the Hornets can do the same this year.

Again MGK will be missed, I’m just debunking all the static that The Hornet’s season is over before it began according to various articles.

[Make’Em Say UGHParticipant]

Since MKG was drafted at 19 he’s been starting at SF for the Hornets with little to no help at the position. Last year’s backup was Jeffery Taylor (4ppg) who is no longer in the NBA. I think that is indicative of the 5-20 record w/o MKG last year. His talents will DEFINITELY be missed – ESPECIALLY on the defensive end, but Batum is a more than worthy fill in at the SF position. (In theory you could even look at this as if it were a trade – some people are higher on Batum than MKG)

Playoffs are no guarantee. Although in a better place, I wouldn’t be so quick to use ‘definitely superior’ in relation to the Celtics and Bucks – they both made a strong push last year – hopefully the Hornets can do the same this year.

Again MGK will be missed, I’m just debunking all the static that The Hornet’s season is over before it began according to various articles.

[TRC1991Participant]

Also, when Troy Daniels gets healthy, he’ll bring another shooter to the bench 

[TRC1991Participant]

Also, when Troy Daniels gets healthy, he’ll bring another shooter to the bench 

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

 I love these posts during preseason.  We get a few every year.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

 I love these posts during preseason.  We get a few every year.

[Rip256]

 Delly ran a clinic against MCW. Did anyone watch this..it was a joke how good Delly was.

Delly….13pts on 9 shots, 0 Turnovers, +14 in 20mins

MCW…1/11 fg, 2pts, 2 turnovers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rip256]

 Delly ran a clinic against MCW. Did anyone watch this..it was a joke how good Delly was.

Delly….13pts on 9 shots, 0 Turnovers, +14 in 20mins

MCW…1/11 fg, 2pts, 2 turnovers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sitlbitoParticipant]

 You put Batum on the floor,and the team he plays on will play better. He’s been criticized his whole career about not being/wanting to be the first option,but basketball the way he learned it doesn’t have a first or second option. The first option is the guy who’s open. Steve Clifford said it,the main reason they wanted him was his passing/drive and kick game.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

 You put Batum on the floor,and the team he plays on will play better. He’s been criticized his whole career about not being/wanting to be the first option,but basketball the way he learned it doesn’t have a first or second option. The first option is the guy who’s open. Steve Clifford said it,the main reason they wanted him was his passing/drive and kick game.

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Maybe a healthy Batum, who can do everything, is the most important change.

Lamb and Lin were bargain buys.  Should be useful for them.

All the depth to put beside, and behind, Jefferson should be useful.  Kaminsky, Hawes, Hansbrough, M Williams, C Zeller, they can provide energy and it doesn’t matter if they commit fouls.

Big Al, not sure if he has a contract year, but if he can score inside and stay healthy then some of the new shooters there should be able to benefit.

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Maybe a healthy Batum, who can do everything, is the most important change.

Lamb and Lin were bargain buys.  Should be useful for them.

All the depth to put beside, and behind, Jefferson should be useful.  Kaminsky, Hawes, Hansbrough, M Williams, C Zeller, they can provide energy and it doesn’t matter if they commit fouls.

Big Al, not sure if he has a contract year, but if he can score inside and stay healthy then some of the new shooters there should be able to benefit.

 

 

 

[Author]

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