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Charlotte Hornets Round Table Discussion: Regular Season Awards

By Jerry Stephens

Jan 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) during player introductions prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) during player introductions prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford gestures from the bench against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 113-98. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford gestures from the bench against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 113-98. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Who has the best chance of winning an actual award this season for the Charlotte Hornets? What award?

Jerry Stephens:

A strong push has been made by the Charlotte Hornets to gain recognition for Kemba Walker to win the Most Improved Player award this season. But I believe that Coach Clifford should be recognized as a viable candidate for Coach of the Year this season. He has made his team into a playoff contender that is now top 12 in points per game and top 10 in opponents points per game. He has also rebranded the Charlotte Hornets as a three point heavy team that moves the ball well. That is a complete change from last year’s team.

Deshawn White:

I think all in all, the player most likely to be nationally recognized is Kemba Walker. It might not be as the MVP, but Kemba could win the MIP for all of his efforts and all of the spectacular performances he’s put together this season. He deserves credit for everything he’s done this year. He deserves it for his part in leading the Hornets to the playoffs, for his 50+ point game, his multiple 20 and 30 point games, for his buzzer beating daggers and for his improvement into a top Point Guard, in not only the Eastern Conference, but the entirety of the NBA. Kemba deserves recognition inside and outside of Charlotte.

Connor Penegar:

Kemba should win the Most Improved Player award for the NBA. He has improved his game so much that the league should reward him. Honestly, I don’t think that it is going to happen. The national media never takes note of the Hornets, and that is a shame. If Kemba played in a similarly talented team in say New York or Los Angeles, there is no doubt that he would be an All-star, and his case for MIP would be increased. 

Next: The Hornets Improvement on the Road This Season

Walker really has changed his game a lot, and he is no longer just a quick and fast point guard who can occasionally make a shot. Now, defenses cannot go underneath screens on Walker, due to his improved shot-making ability.

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