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Charlotte Hornets: Missing the Playoffs Could Turn Out to be a Good Thing

By Jerry Stephens

Jan 5, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) reacts just after the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 115-114. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) reacts just after the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 115-114. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Even though the season came to a disappointing end, missing out on the playoffs could be a positive thing for the Charlotte Hornets going forward.

The Charlotte Hornets may be sitting at home this postseason but that doesn’t mean all is lost. There is a tough road ahead but missing out on the playoffs does have it’s advantages. Especially for a team like the Hornets who struggled and likely wouldn’t have made much noise in the East.

Charlotte’s been in and out of the playoffs over the past few seasons. Over the last four years, they have alternated postseason appearances. The Hornets have not made back to back playoffs in the Eastern Conference since 2000-2002. (Basketball-Reference.com)

If recent history holds true, they will make the playoffs next year. That is one positive thing that could come from this. Not only will players get an extended vacation and more rest but there are also a few positives for both the team and individuals looking ahead.

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Draft Pick

The most positive thing about missing the playoffs is that the Hornets will get a better draft pick than they would’ve gotten if they would’ve squeaked in. Charlotte had the 11th worst record in the league which means that they will have a 0.8% chance of getting the first overall pick and a 2.9% chance of getting a top three pick. (BleacherReport.com) Those odds aren’t great but if they would’ve made the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, they would’ve been stuck with the 15th pick.

Now they have the chance to get a star player as this draft class is loaded with talent through the lottery. With some luck, the Hornets could move up and possibly get a top-10 pick. If they end up getting a star, or even a quality player, in the draft, I think most will call missing the postseason a win.

Which Players Really Want to Get Better

As a result of missing the playoffs, the offseason started early for the Hornets. Even though players will get some extra vacation days before summer practices begin, the summer will separate the players who really want to work on their games and ones who are contempt with where they stand. Every NBA player wants to win but it takes a committed work ethic to improve.

Take a look at Kemba Walker, he’s worked tirelessly over the last few summers to improve his jump shot and it’s paid off. Nicolas Batum has already stated that he is committing the summer to Charlotte by skipping EuroBasket 2017 with France. (NBA.com) That choice was a statement from the 28-year old. Expect a number of other players to take short vacations and commit more time this summer to practice with their teammates and get better individually for next season.

Next: Four Concerns Entering the Offseason

We will have to wait and see what happens this summer but this will be an important offseason for the Hornets. The draft lottery will play a huge part depending on where the team’s pick ends up and players committing time to get better will as well. Getting a good player in the draft and seeing current players take a step forward with their production next year will determine if missing the playoffs was either a positive or just a waste of a year.

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