Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Buzz City Beat: Charlotte may contend for division title, Zo thinks 90’s Hornets could’ve challenge MJ’s Bulls

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 05: Former Charlotte Hornet Alonzo Mourning is honored at halftime during the game at the Time Warner Cable Arena on February 05, 2016 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 Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 05: Former Charlotte Hornet Alonzo Mourning is honored at halftime during the game at the Time Warner Cable Arena on February 05, 2016 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 Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the latest and greatest news and stories from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.

Frank Kaminsky is the most average player in the NBA. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the state of the Southeast division, Alonzo Mourning thinking the 90’s Charlotte Hornets could’ve challenge Michael Jordan‘s Chicago Bulls and the 10 most improved teams this offseason.

The Southeast Division may run through Charlotte (iSportsWeb.com)

"On paper, the Charlotte Hornets have a lot to be excited about. It is plausible that they could be better than every team in their division, which would be a huge boost in their playoff hopes. If the Hornets can control their side of the East, this season could be full of upside for the teal and blue."

Although the Hornets aren’t the favorite to win their division, they are arguably the biggest threat to the Washington Wizards. The Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic are expected to miss the playoffs. As for the Miami Heat, they are in the same tier as Charlotte.

It’s a three horse race in the Southeast Division between the Wizards, the Hornets and the Heat. It’s unclear how things will play out but anything could happen in the NBA and the additions Charlotte made could be enough to help put them over the top. If they do win their division, it would be their first SE title ever.

Zo thinks 90’s Hornets could’ve challenge MJ’s Bulls (ThePostGame.com)

"If the Hornets found a way to keep their stars together in their prime, Mourning believes Charlotte could have given Michael Jordan’s Bulls a “run for their money.”"

What if Mourning stayed with Charlotte and signed a contract extension in 1995 and Larry Johnson was never dealt is 1996? It’s a list of what if’s for the Hornets’ franchise. The teams of the 90’s were some of the best in their history and if they would’ve stuck together for a few more seasons, who knows what could’ve happened.

The 90’s Bulls were a dynasty and in the 1994-95 season, it only took Chicago four games to eliminate Charlotte from the playoffs in the first round. The following year, the Bulls won their first of their three consecutive NBA Titles while the Hornets lost their best player and a once promising team began their downfall. Alonzo also mentioned that he saw a lot of Steph and Seth Curry at practice.

10 most improved teams this offseason (LarryBrownSports.com)

"The Hornets are sneakily moving in the East. After missing the playoffs by five games this past season, it was clear they had to retool, and they’ve made a few under-the-radar moves… should find themselves having moved up to the East’s second tier."

Next: Predicting Charlotte's NBA 2K18 All-Time Team

Charlotte ranks eighth among the 10 teams with the most improved rosters. The Hornets’ additions lineup with the rest of the East getting weaker as Paul George and Paul Millsap leaving to the Western Conference. It’s unclear how much better the team will be but a top-four seed isn’t out of the question.

Home/Hornets News