Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
We are less than a month away from the start of training camp. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at how the Charlotte Hornets could potentially make a playoff run, how Rich Cho addressed the team’s needs with limited cap space and the best NBA squad that no one is talking about.
Hornets are poised to make a playoff run (BasketballInsiders.com)
"The Charlotte Hornets aren’t going to be beating down the doors of the Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics next season for Eastern Conference supremacy, but after a more than successful summer, this team looks poised to be more than just a bystander next postseason."
Charlotte’s expected to make the playoffs this year but actually winning a series for the first time since 2002 isn’t anticipated. The Hornets’ potential postseason success will likely depend on who they are matched up against. Securing a top-four seed and getting home court advantage in the first round would also help.
A conference finals appearance isn’t likely but if the Queen City team could make it to the Second Round, it would be a huge step forward for the franchise. Especially after missing out on the playoffs entirely last year. If everyone on Charlotte’s new and improved roster can stay healthy, they could make some noise in the weakened Eastern Conference.
With limited cap space, Charlotte addressed their flaws (NBA.NBCSports.com)
"So, simple regression to the mean should lift Charlotte – which finished the season +16 – firmly into the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. But the Hornets didn’t stop there, addressing their two biggest issues in a quietly focused offseason."
Rich Cho made the most of what was given to him this offseason. Charlotte didn’t have a lot of cap space but they managed to get an eight-time all-star, a former Rookie of the Year and one of the steals of the draft. After all the moves they made, the Hornets still managed to stay under the luxury tax line.
Their two biggest flaws were a backup point guard and a true big man who could dominate the glass and defend the interior. Michael Carter-Williams and Dwight Howard helped fill both of those needs. Even though it took a bit of luck to have Malik Monk fall to them at No. 11 in the draft, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.
The best NBA team no one is talking about (HashtagBasketball.com)
"Their offseason has gone extremely underrated. They’ve managed to add Malik Monk, Dwayne Bacon, Dwight Howard, and Michael Carter-Williams to the roster, while only losing Miles Plumlee and Marco Belinelli. And yet, they get little to no media coverage for this roster revamp. In fact, the Hornets might even be the least talked-about NBA team."
Next: Who will be Charlotte's most improved player?
Until the Hornets actually have continued success and at least one playoff series win, the small market team will constantly be overlooked by the national media. Although, with Kemba Walker making an all-star game, he gives the team some added attention and the addition of Dwight Howard gives them some name recognition. Sometimes it is better to not be talked about and underrated rather than have a lot of pressure like the Knicks and Lakers do.