Four key players who are crucial to the Charlotte Hornets’ success in 2017-18

In order for the Charlotte Hornets to succeed this season, they will need a few players to step up and take their games to the next level.

Now we all know what to expect from Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, and Marvin Williams. There are a few questions in this Charlotte Hornets teams that have the ability to excel greatly or dig a huge hole. The team’s success could hinge on the individual success of these four players during the 2017-18 season.

Dwight Howard

This is the biggest question mark. I wrote an article on how he can help the Hornets reach a three or four seed but I’ll admit I was being quite optimistic. Not saying that you shouldn’t be but you cannot deny his last few seasons have been disastrous.

Let’s say that Dwight does not finish the season with his high efficiency (after Monday’s preseason opener shooting 37% from the field but came back with 62.5% against Detroit in second preseason win). He will still average more than ten points, ten rebounds and give us rim protection (five blocks total through the first two preseason games).

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The biggest questions for people asking themselves if Dwight will help out probably include: Will he gel with his new teammates? Will he stay healthy enough to make a difference? What about his last few seasons? Time will tell.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

By now, we all know what to expect from MKG. The second overall pick of the 2012 draft is coming into his fifth season and the only thing that people want to know is when he will change his shot. Well, it is not a new issue and it puzzles everybody why he won’t change his horrific shot.

He’s done everything to try to make his shot more efficient but the results are just not there. If MKG developed a three-point shot it would do wonders for this team especially when we could benefit greatly from it.

However, MKG can play some ball. From his defense to his finishing around the rim, he can do everything we want him to. He has a high basketball IQ, he can be a ball handler for fast-paced possessions, and he can guard multiple positions. We love you MKG but we need you to take the next step which will lead you to become one of the best small forwards in the Eastern Conference.

Jeremy Lamb

I always thought that the Hornets giving the now 25-year old a three-year contract extension just to sit on the bench for most of the games was diminishing his career. He was a key role player in OKC. However, the young guard who has always had a solid shot and god gifted athletic ability has taken these past couple years to mature, learn about his aging body, and learning more about the game.

I have no doubt that Jeremy Lamb is an underrated guard that will have an unforeseen breakout season this year. Clifford, a Popovich kind of coach, would rather have players with experience that know how to play at an NBA level. Hopefully, his first two seasons here won’t scare him away during free agency because this guy is a great player and could be a potential starter in other destinations with more money.

Frank Kaminsky

My biggest question about “The Tank” is that he makes some very questionable plays. The same kind of selfish play that leads to mistakes such as turnovers and missed shots early in the shot clock. Clifford has been on record for critiquing players that make bad decisions that will diminish the efficiency of the offense.

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He has too many missed shots and questionable plays. This has led to Clifford benching young guards in the past such as PJ Hairston and Jeremy Lamb. Frank has the ability to star in this league but he must look up to smarter decision making to strive.