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Charlotte Hornets: Potential Top-Five Defense?

By De White

Dec 26, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Grizzlies 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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As a new year approaches for the Charlotte Hornets, the return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and signing of Roy Hibbert could give the team a better chance in an open Eastern Conference. But with the new season, could a more efficient defense emerge?

Did you know that the Charlotte Hornets name has a bit of historical defensive significance? Well, it does. During the Revolutionary War, British forces invaded the Carolinas in their fight to reestablish the country under British rule. However, after arriving and landing in a trap laid down by Carolinians, an unnamed British general mentioned that it was “like a hornet’s nest”. Pretty cool Carolina.

Fast forward a few hundred years and some change and defense is still prevalent in the Carolinas. And no, I’m not referring to the Carolina Panthers, Luke Keuchly or anyone else from that particular team. Though they are great, I’m referring to the Charlotte Hornets and their top-10 defense.

On paper, the Charlotte Hornets roster seems absent of big name players. However, head coach Steve Clifford was able to instill a top quality defense in the Queen City. In the 2015-16 campaign, the Hornets were able to maintain a top ten defense without its elite defender in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and a quality rim protecting center. With a starting five of Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, P.J. Hairston (later Courtney Lee), Marvin Williams, and Al Jefferson (later Cody Zeller), the Hornets were able to not only maintain status quo, but also win 48-games and a trip to the postseason.

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This season, MKG looks to return back to form while also improving this offense AND the team has finally acquired an undervalued big man with a history of stellar rim protecting defense in Roy Hibbert.

With a defensive lineup of Walker, Batum, Kidd-Gilchrist, Williams and Hibbert, the team could theoretically be better than it has been since its return to Charlotte in 2004. With Walker, the team had a player who’s gotten better every year defensively; he’s a quick and pesky defender who knows how to read a passing lane. For Batum and MKG, the assignment of manning the perimeter should prove to be a routine task.

MKG is an elite level defender, and Batum is an adequate player who isn’t afraid to frustrate and step in front of one of the top two offensive players on each team. Williams, is a supremely undervalued player who teams haven’t respected.

Capable of providing a little bit of everything defensively as well as some rim protection, Williams is a quality two way stretch four. For more on this, check out this article by Swarm and Sting Editor Jerry Stephens. Hibbert may be seen as the wild card of the bunch to most, but defensively is a solid contributor to any team.

Though he suffered a few career lows last year with the Los Angeles Lakers, Hibbert has the ability to still be a force on defense. With a 7’2 frame weighing about 270lbs and the defensive acumen to alter shots and anything down low, the Hornets have a quality center that they don’t have to alter assignments to cover for.

With help from Jerry Stephens and Swarm and Sting Contributor Young Kim, I asked the guys their thoughts on this potential lineup.

Q: What are your thoughts on a potential lineup of Walker, Batum, Kidd-Gilchrist, Williams and Hibbert?

Jerry Stephens: I think, on paper, the lineup has the potential to be great offensive and defensively. If Hibbert can return to form, this will be the Hornets’ best defensive lineup. MKG and Batum are elite perimeter defenders. Kemba and Marvin showcased last season that they are more than ample individual defenders. This is a great team defense and with the addition of Roy Hibbert, they could be one of the best in the league.

Young Kim: Definitely a top 7 defense. I think Kemba and Batum give you great creation of offense but I don’t know how MKG will fit into that. Marvin certainly is a great piece to have and does a little of everything. Hibbert needs to revert back to 2012-2013 in order to be valuable.Definitely a top 7 defense

Q: Is Roy Hibbert and adequate replacement for Al Jefferson on a defensive squad like the Hornets?

Nov 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) and Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) in the second half. The Pacers won,88-86 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) and Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) in the second half. The Pacers won,88-86 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

JS: It depends on the definition of adequate. Is he an adequate replacement on the offensive end? No. But he is far better defensively than Big Al. I also think he is an adequate replacement because of his fit with the Hornets. Hibbert is a better fit in Steve Clifford’s system than Jefferson was. The ball froze at times when Big Al caught it on the low block. Hibbert will be better defensively and give the team a different dynamic.

YK: Defensively? Sure, Hibbert could break a leg and be as good on defense. I loved Jefferson, but he was slower than molasses. Hibbert is certainly taller, longer and provides more shot blocking.

Q: Ok guys, last question. Given the fit and defensive abilities, do you think Hibbert should start or come off the bench like everyone believes he will?

JS: Hibbert should come off of the bench. Zeller was the starter last year and he fits better with the first team. If Hibbert can return to his all-star form, then by all means, he should start. I just don’t see that happening. He will improve but not that much. (I would love to be proven wrong on this) Zeller is more familiar with the system and he made strides with his play last year. I think we could see some situational starts for Hibbert though. He matches up better against guys like Hassan Whiteside, Andre Drummond, and DeAndre Jordan than Cody does. I would love to see him start those few games against bigger centers where Zeller could be outmatched.

YK: If Hibbert proves that he can be the defensive stud he was in Indiana, then he should definitely start. If he can’t, well it’s only one year right?

Next: Hornets Destined For Mediocrity?

Of course all of this dependent on Hibbert’s possible resurgence as a defensive anchor, but one thing is for sure. The Charlotte Hornets are potentially in for a great season no matter who starts or comes off the bench. Could the team become a top-10 defense again? Top-five?

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