Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets’ Four Biggest Concerns Entering the Offseason

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) argues a call in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) argues a call in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) drops back on defense against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) drops back on defense against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Their Defense Bounce Back?

The Hornets’ calling card let them down this past season.

Charlotte’s been known for their lockdown defense in recent years. They ranked 13th in opponents points per game and 14th in defense rating this season. Compare that to their top-10 finished in both categories since Steve Clifford took over in 2013.

Coach Clifford made it a priority to point out the team’s poor defense once the season was over. In his exit interview, he said “Our offense is not the problem, it was the defense,” Clifford said. “The defense didn’t get better.” (NBA.com) Charlotte’ head coach also spent most of the season calling out his player’s lack of effort on the defensive end after games.

Defense starts on the perimeter and that’s where the Hornets struggled. They were the sixth-worst team in the league at defending the three as opponents made 36.9% of their shots from deep. This was a result of opposing players blowing by their defenders then kicking out to open shooters throughout the season.

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