Even though the 2016-17 season was largely a disappointment for the Charlotte Hornets, they did have a number of highlight-reel plays.
The Charlotte Hornets finished the season with an underwhelming 36-46 record this season. Despite the team’s struggles, they had a number of plays worthy of being on multiple top-10 lists from poster dunks to killer crossovers. Kemba Walker is the likely candidate for a majority of these plays as he was the most exciting player for the Hornets on a nightly basis.
Although, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller and an unlikely suspect in Marco Belinelli make appearances on this list with highlight-reel plays of their own. These top plays were the ones that got fans out of their seats and exploded throughout Hornets’ Twitter. Even though Charlotte’s not known for being the most exciting team in the league, they did have a number of plays that caught the attention of national audiences.
Honorable Mentions:
These plays were great but ultimately couldn’t crack the top-10 because they didn’t result in a made basket. Even so, they were still pretty crazy and worthy of being mentioned.
Kemba Crosses Derrick Rose
Kemba crossed D-Rose so hard, he practically fell to the ground. Twitter went wild with this making fun of Rose for doing the superhero landing pose after being crossed by Walker. Unfortunately, the all-star point guard couldn’t finish off the play with a bucket. Nonetheless, it was still a nasty crossover.
Marco Belinelli’s Near Game Winner
If there was half a second more on the clock, this would have been one of the greatest game winners of all-time. The creativity from Marco to even attempt that move was insane. The fact that he made the shot was even crazier. Too bad it didn’t count.
Kemba Drops Stephen Curry
Okay, maybe Steph tripped over Roy Hibbert‘s foot. Who cares though, Kemba dropped the two-time MVP and it was incredible. This season sucked for Hornets’ fans so let us have this one Warriors’ fans.
10. Roy Hibbert’s Accidental Make
Hibbert’s time in Charlotte was shortlived and a majority of it was spent on the bench injured. This play wasn’t even intentional but that makes it so much better. For some reason, Roy tried to throw a lob to Marco Belinelli who hasn’t thrown down an alley-oop since ever. It ended with his pass missing the mark and somehow going straight into the basket.
Unfortunately for the veteran big man, this was probably his lasting highlight with the Hornets. He only appeared in 42 games with the team before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks mid-season. The face Hibbert made after accidentally making the shot was just perfect.
That image will live in my mind for at least a few years. Thanks for the memories Roy, even though they weren’t so great.
9. Kemba’s Clutch Stepback Against Toronto
This shot combined Walker’s killer step back with the clutchness of Kardiac Kemba all in one play. The star point guard led the Hornets to a comeback victory over the Raptors as he scored 11 points in the fourth quarter. This win kept Charlotte in the playoff picture and gave the team hope.
With the score tied at 111 and under a minute left in the game, Walker knocked down this clutch three over Cory Joseph to take a three-point lead. The Hornets weren’t the best late in games this season but this was one of the few exceptions. Kemba’s proven his clutch ability time and time again for Charlotte and this was just another example.
8. Jeremy Lamb‘s Big Slam Against Chicago
Lamb is one of the most athletic players on Charlotte’s roster and that was highlighted on this play. He not only took two Bulls’ players off the dribble but he then finished it off with a one-handed slam at the rim. This highlight dunk got the bench off their feet and the fans cheering.
Jeremy had a number of dunks this season but this was by far the best one he had this year. He finished the 2016 campaign with the third most dunks on the team behind Cody Zeller and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
7. Cody Throws Down on Bismack Biyombo
Former Charlotte big man Bismack Biyombo was on the wrong end of a number of Hornets’ dunks this season. Cody had 83 made dunks this year but this was one of his best. Orlando’s center tried his best to meet Zeller at the rim but GODZeller won this matchup.
Although Cody isn’t known for his dunking ability, he managed to lead the team in that category this season. He also threw down a few posters this year which may surprise a few. Both Zeller and Biyombo will make another appearance on this list later on.
6. Marvin Williams’ Halfcourt Shot
Believe it or not but this was the Hornets’ only made halfcourt shot of the season and it came in one of their last games of the year. It took a heave from Marvin but he managed to knock down the deep three-pointer. It was an unlikely shot but this is why players should attempt halfcourt shots at the end of quarters rather than protect their shooting percentages.
Williams takes home the award for longest shot made this year by a Hornets’ player this season after this one. This 65-foot heave was pretty remarkable. Even though Marvin struggled a bit from three this season, he had no trouble burying this one.
5. Marco Belinelli Crosses Klay Thompson
Who knew Marco Belinelli had handles?! Okay maybe Klay just slipped but you’ll have a hard time convincing me because the Italian international put the moves on for this play. Not only did he drop Thompson but he also euro-stepped Anderson Varejao.
It might have been the slowest euro-step of all-time but it got the job done. Whatever the case, it was still one of the best moves the Hornets’ sixth man made all season. Marco is mainly known as the three-point shooter but he displayed his dribbling skills on this play.
4. Kemba Puts Atlanta in the Spin Cycle
Not only did Walker use a behind the back dribble to create space on the fast break but he then proceeded to put Mike Muscala in the spin cycle. This play was not only highlight-reel material but it was also really important during this close game against the Hawks. The whole crowd exploded when Kemba finished off the sequence.
He displayed his speed and his handles on this play. This was an amazing coast to coast play for Walker as he grabbed the board and immediately attacked the defense. The layup was great within itself but the dribble moves leading up to it made the play even better.
3. Cody Dunks on DeMarcus Cousins
I bet DMC had no idea that Cody could throw down like that. Granted, Cousins wasn’t in the best position to defend a dunk as he was backpedaling in transition. Still, Zeller rose up and posterized the Pelicans’ big man.
Cody has turned into one of the most underrated dunkers in the league and he displayed that by throwing down a number of poster dunks this season. His athleticism is a bit underrated but people are starting to take notice, especially after slams like this.
2. Kemba Fakes Out Two Bulls’ Defenders
Walker not only fooled Jerian Grant but he also faked out Nikola Mirotic on his way to creating this highlight. Grant was completely spun around by Kemba while Mirotic fell for the hesitation move. Finishing off the move with a floater completed the move.
Kemba is known for his handles and he had plenty of plays where he crossed over opponents this season but this was his best one on the year. The poor Chicago defenders didn’t stand a chance against Walker on this play. This is the second time in his career that Mirotic has fell victim to Kemba’s moves.
1. Marvin Williams Absolutely Destroys Bismack Biyombo
This was by far the best play of the season. Marvin completely disrespected Bismack on this play. He not only brought the hammer down on Biyombo but it was also an and-1. The dunk was so emphatic that the former Charlotte big man fell to the ground while Williams did his robot walk celebration as the crowd went wild.
Next: Kemba Reveals Who He Wants Charlotte to Draft
Marvin destroying Biyombo will be the play most remembered from this season. Even at 30-year old, Williams still has the athleticism to posterize younger players. He had a few monstrous dunks this season but this poster should be put on a shirt and remembered forever.