Swarm and Sting
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Should Charlotte Hornets fans have tempered expectations for the 2017-18 season?

By Elijah Edwards

NEW YORK CITY - NOVEMBER 25: Nicolas Batum #5 and Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets high five during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY - NOVEMBER 25: Nicolas Batum #5 and Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets high five during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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How much does the injury to Nicolas Batum change things for the Charlotte Hornets? Will it derail their season or bring the team closer?

With the injury to Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum, the road to the playoffs could be just a little bumpier. What fans were hoping could be a landmark season may take a slightly different course. Should fans adjust their expectations or will the injury only prove to be a minor setback?

When Charlotte Hornets fans all learned of Nic Batum’s injury a week ago, we hoped for the best. Yet, with the initial uncertainty of the injury, no one was really sure what to expect. As it turns out, the 28-year old will not need surgery on his elbow and instead, the team and player will elect to rest and rehab.

Still, the six-eight week timetable that was initially listed still holds true. Depending on how fast it heals and the fact that it is not his shooting arm means he could be back sooner. Yet, as with most injuries, it’s best to be conservative.

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So, what does that mean for the team and their expectations for this season? Does Batum’s injury mean the end for the Hornets? Of course not, but he is a key piece to Hornets brand of play. Batum does some of his best work off the ball, setting or coming off screens.

Filling his role will be a tough one, but the Hornets have capable players to fill in. One silver lining from this is that it happened a few weeks before the season started, giving the team time to adjust. Yet, if the Hornets lose another player to injury, that could be something to worry about.

Teams like Oklahoma City, Golden State, Boston, or even Cleveland could still win without a key player, or even two. But the Hornets wouldn’t fare so well. Outside of All-Star Kemba Walker, there aren’t as many guys one could rely on night after night to make up for numerous injuries. This team almost has to stay healthy and/or someone has to step up.

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While all is not lost, the Hornets will lose a bit with Batum being out. They have the tools to persevere, but nothing in the NBA is certain. While optimism is great, one also has to be realistic With injuries, that’s even truer. Some teams thrive in a key player’s absence, some falter. Hopefully, the Hornets will be the former rather than the latter.

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