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Do the Charlotte Hornets have to win a playoff series for the season to be a success?

By Elijah Edwards

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: A close up of the NBA Playoff logo is seen before the game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: A close up of the NBA Playoff logo is seen before the game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It’s been some time since the Charlotte Hornets have won a playoff series. With a retooled roster, the team could have one of their best seasons yet. Getting past the first round, however, could be their highest hurdle.

2002. That was the last time the Charlotte Hornets won a playoff series. They were the 4th seed. Their opponent, the Orlando Magic, was the 5th seed. The Hornets won the series 3-1. They came close a few years ago, of course, taking the Miami Heat to seven games. Sadly, however, Miami took the last two games by a combined 40 points.

15 years is a long time without winning a playoff series. Granted, two of those years, Charlotte didn’t have a team, so it’s more like 13. The time could be now, however, as the Hornets seem primed for a deep postseason run.

With the addition of Dwight Howard and players like Paul George leaving for the Western Conference, the Hornets should fare much better than they did last year.

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Most fans don’t think a repeat of last year will happen given how much better on paper the Hornets seem to be.

Yet, the futures of most NBA teams aren’t set in stone. It’s almost a given that the Cavs, Celtics, and Raptors will make the playoffs, but after those teams, it’s a veritable free for all.

If the Hornets do make the playoffs, however, will that simply be enough? Hornets fans have been hungry for any kind of postseason success for some time now. Surely another first round exit would leave a bitter taste in their mouths.

The Hornets can certainly help themselves by snagging a top 4 seed in the East. Even if they don’t, however, they could still feasibly topple a higher seeded team as a Five or even Six seed.

Next: Is there a sense of urgency surrounding the Hornets?

Alas, the season still has to play itself out and if the Hornets can make the playoffs, fans and players alike will be excited. Still, given all the changes in the offseason and the heightened expectations, you have to think that anything less than a first round series win would be a disappointment for the Queen City. Here’s hoping we’ll see the Hornets playing in the month of May.

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