Why the Charlotte Hornets are likely to make the playoffs
In a weakened Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets could be in prime position to land a top-six seed and secure a playoff berth.
Some may say this is a rebuilding year but I think the Charlotte Hornets have a good shot to make the playoffs. The off-season acquisitions were smart and the heart and soul of the team Kemba Walker will be leading the way. Cody Zeller is now healthy and the young players will be key role players.
If Malik Monk performs exceptionally well then he could be in the Most Improved Player Conversation. The first round pick Miles Bridges looks sharp. Also, watch out for Willy Hernangomez and Dwayne Bacon. The young players have improved tremendously.
Coach James Borrego is young but at the same time has a lot of experience under his belt. He was an assistant for Coach Gregg Popovich for four seasons. Coach Pop has won five titles and made the Spurs a dynasty. To go along with Coach Borrego, Tony Parker came as well.
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This will help many of the young players develop while he also provides solid minutes off the bench. Parker is a four-time champion and has been around many basketball legends. So maybe Coach Borrego and Tony Parker can bring some of the Spurs’ legacy to Charlotte.
In my opinion, there are five teams guaranteed to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, and the Washington Wizards. I would consider these teams locks.
Then with the Toronto Raptors, it all depends on Kawhi Leonard. If Leonard plays, then Toronto could go back to back season as the top seed. But if he sits, I would say the Raptors are easily out of contention.
The Wild Card teams would be the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, and the Charlotte Hornets.
If Detroit can get Blake Griffin 100% healthy and have him and Andre Drummond play well together then this team might be a lock. Blake Griffin is rarely healthy and Drummond and Griffin could have bad chemistry.
Miami is the same way with Detroit. If Hassan Whiteside can stay healthy this team isn’t a lock but has a very good chance to make the playoffs. Another factor depends on Dwayne Wade. The Heat need him to be solid player on the team and perform well in big games.
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This was hectic, but I would say not every team has the best case scenario. At best, I could see the Charlotte Hornets as a six seed. And that’s if they avoid major injuries and everything goes according to plan with their new players and with a new head coach. It may seem unlikely but it is a realistic outcome for the Queen City team.