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Eastern Conference playoffs predictions: Moving forward for the Charlotte Hornets

By Chase Pletcher

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 31: The Charlotte Hornets huddle up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 31, 2016 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 31: The Charlotte Hornets huddle up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 31, 2016 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The predicted Eastern Conference Finals are set and the Charlotte Hornets did not make it. In the upcoming seasons, just how far can they go in the playoffs?

In the most recent article on my Early Eastern Conference Playoffs Predictions, the Eastern Conference Finals were set. Sadly, the Charlotte Hornets were not included. I had them losing to the Boston Celtics in five games. Along with the Celtics is, of course, the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading to a rematch of last season.

After my prediction of how the ECF will go, I will analyze the Hornets situation. Would this playoff outcome be a success for them? Could they have a chance at the Eastern Conference Finals anytime in the near future?

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #1 Boston Celtics

Analysis:

Since their meeting last season, the Celtics have definitely buffed up their star power by adding Gordon Hayward. However, this still does not make them the favorites in the series.

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Assuming Kyrie Irving does not get traded, the Cavaliers still have an advantage in three, arguably four or five, of the starting positions. LeBron James is better than Gordon Hayward. Kevin Love is better than Jae Crowder. Kyrie and Isaiah Thomas are similar players, but I would personally give a slight edge to Kyrie. Additionally, depending on what you value more, you could argue that there are certain games where Tristan Thompson or JR Smith are more valuable than Al Horford or Marcus Smart in their specialized roles.

No, of course, Tristan Thompson is not better than Al Horford overall. When it comes to rebounding, though, he certainly is. I would argue that at the end of games Thompson is more valuable than Horford. Horford is never going to be the guy to take big shots down the stretch now, so his biggest contribution has to be on the boards. Thompson dominates him in that respect, though.

The Celtics aren’t necessarily doomed because of this since this is far from their set-in-stone starting line-up. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are both just waiting in the wings until their time to be a star comes. If the Celtics are to have any chance at all to dethrone the Kings of the East, one of them will have to be playing at all All-Star caliber level.

Although Tatum comes into the league very “NBA ready”, I think Brown is the more likely to be an X-Factor in the series. He truly is the only player on Boston that could do an admirable job of guarding LeBron. Jae Crowder isn’t fast enough, Gordon Hayward isn’t strong enough.

From Cleveland’s perspective, I think the main thing that could mess them up is potential chemistry issues. Kyrie obviously wants to be traded, and he and LeBron are clearly not on the best of terms. Who knows how that could possibly affect them if they are forced to still play together.

Additionally, there’s still the whole thing looming about whether or not LeBron will be in Cleveland following the 17/18 season. There’s no way to tell how things like this may affect or distract the team.

Regardless of any possible tension, the team could have, they are still pretty much the same team that has won the East the past three seasons. A big thing that will work against Boston is actually how home court is set up. IF they can push this series further than the five that it went last year, they will be heading into a Game 6 down 3-2, in Cleveland.

That’s not good for anybody. Unless they can win three of the first five games in the series, I don’t think they can win it or force a Game 7.

Result: Cavs defeat Celtics 4-2

Must Read: Part 1: Where will Charlotte rank in the East?

Charlotte’s Outlook:

The question many people have is, what would be considered a successful season for the Hornets? If Charlotte were able to accomplish my predicted outcome, that would certainly be considered a successful season.

To some, it may seem like low expectations to consider getting passed the first round successfully, but everybody has to start somewhere.

Going along with that, many fans are probably asking themselves if the Hornets have a realistic chance at the Eastern Conference Finals anytime soon. The answer to that is yes, of course, they have a chance. Even this upcoming season they have a chance. It’s unlikely, yes, but they certainly have a chance depending on how things play out.

Must Read: Part 2: Can the Hornets win a playoff series?

Moving forward and on from this season, I think their chances only get better. Not only will Malik Monk (hopefully) continue developing, there’s also the point I mentioned earlier of LeBron potentially leaving the Eastern Conference.

That would obviously greatly benefit the Hornets. Let’s be honest, the Cavs with LeBron are the team everyone wants to avoid. Beating a team like the Celtics or Wizards in the East Semis would be a tough task. Beating the Cavs, on the other hand, would seem impossible.

Next: Part 3: Uncharted territory for Charlotte?

As long as the Hornets are able to play up to their potential and guys like Dwight Howard are able to stay focused, they have a fairly positive outlook. In the next few seasons, a potential Eastern Conference Finals berth could be on the horizon.

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