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Charlotte Hornets: Year of the Buzz??

By De White

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What a great time to be a Carolina Sports fan. Everything is working like a machine. Panthers are 5-0 after beating the Seahawks, and the Hornets are 5-0 after taking down the New York Knicks. But I’ll only stick to my Hornets… Man, shots are falling, players are going strong, morale is high, and Charlotte Basketball is looking good. I mean they actually have fast breaks PLUS finish them with emphasis. It actually seems like a whole new team this year. With the way the offense is playing, you would never have guessed that half of the roster was rebuilt in one offseason, or that they’re playing without one of their best players.

After a disappointing 2014-15 campaign, the true homecoming of the Hornets has finally returned. Regardless of it being preseason (even if it is preseason, no one plays to lose), the Hornets are turning heads and gaining a bit of the respect that it once held. By making a few criticized yet important (well needed) exchanges and signings, the Charlotte based franchise has seemingly improved a sub par team into an entertaining yet productive team. Three of the biggest reasons for the improvement happen to be 3-point shooting, spacing, and aggression. Everyone is fired up for the upcoming season, and with production and better quality basketball, Charlotte may finally be ready to take a big leap into contention for the playoffs.

With so much to watch in this offense, there are many players to watch this season.

· Cody Zeller for one is playing at an unbelievable level that should lead to a career year

· Jeremy Lin is a walking scoring machine putting up double-digit numbers almost every night

· Tyler Hansbrough is looking like a rebounding monster

· Frank Kaminsky is showing his worth by smooth play as well as good decision-making leading to points and assists

· Nicolas Batum has become the missing scoring option Charlotte has been looking for as well as distributor

· Jeremy Lamb has been playing his best basketball coming off the bench, scoring double-digit points and providing excellent rebounding

· Al Jefferson has stepped back into the 2013-14 season and returned to the form of an All-NBA Center

· Kemba Walker has become more efficient, taking less shots and converting at a higher rate

· Marvin Williams continues to provide admirably no matter where he plays, always playing smart and sound basketball

· Honorable mentions: Elliot Williams and Aaron Harrison, both showing that they could be worthy of the 15th roster spot.

Jan 21, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward center Chris Bosh (1) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Zeller (40) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 78-76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Of all these players, I would say that Cody Zeller could be a surprise gem worthy of praise and new a new contract, as well as Lin, Lamb, and “Tank” Kaminsky. I see great seasons for all.

Another thought… If we manage to make the playoffs and the timetable is correct, we could possibly get MKG back. But don’t get your hopes up too high, he would still need conditioning as we many other things to work his way back. The positive to him sitting out is that it gives him another offseason to continue working on his improved jump shot as well as focusing on his health. We may get a bigger, stronger MKG to dominate on defense, as well as a good offensive player if he takes the time to do so. You never know…

But what do you think guys? Who could be a pleasant surprise for Hornet fans this year? Share and comment your answers below. Also, follow me on Twitter: @dedashcray for daily tweets, questions, and more in-depth answers. As always, thanks for reading, and see you later.

P.S. I hope you guys like controversy because my next article is sure to stir up conversation. Why were the trades, the drafting of Kaminsky, and free agency signings so well needed? Well a conversation between me and my brother @JosephFCalamore should help with that.

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