Charlotte Hornets looking similar to ’16-17 Indiana Pacers
Throughout the first 30 games of the season, the Charlotte Hornets look extremely similar to the Indiana Pacers from 2016-17.
It’s been a bit of a frustrating season for the Charlotte Hornets thus far. The team is currently sitting in the 7th spot among the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-15 record. However, many feel that they should be playing better.
Don’t get me wrong, being in the mix for a playoff spot is an absolute positive for the Hornets. The front office did the right thing putting together a team that will compete rather than a team that will quit and tank the season.
However, the inconsistency of this team is very evident. They can’t seem to put together a solid winning streak, and when they do, they seem to then go on a losing streak. They’ve been hovering around the .500 mark all season long.
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So far, they really remind me of the Indiana Pacers from the 2016-17 season. That team featured Paul George, who is now with the Oklahoma City Thunder. They also had Jeff Teague on that roster, along with several players who are now out of the league.
That Pacers team had talent, and got into the playoffs that year to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. They may have gotten swept, but just making the playoffs is an accomplishment. They finished the season with a record of 42-40, good for the 7th seed, which is where the Hornets are right now.
The major problem with that team was inconsistency. In fact, the ’16-17 Pacers nearly set an NBA record. They alternated between wins and losses for 15 straight games. That was the second longest stretch of alternating victories and defeats in NBA history behind the 1977-78 Buffalo Braves.
Yeah, that had to be frustrating for Pacer fans. I doubt that the Hornets will break that record, but still, not being able to put together a consistent stretch of games is a major problem, a problem that needs to be addressed right away.
How do the Charlotte Hornets become more consistent? Well, for starters, everything begins with effort. I’m not saying the players don’t try hard enough, but at times, the players do become stagnant and they allow teams to get back into the game.
Defense has also been a concern for this team recently. They have the makings to be an above-average defensive team. They do a pretty good job on the perimeter, but in the paint and inside around the basket, the Hornets need some help.
Nevertheless, the Hornets must play hard, play for a full 48 minutes and defend if they want to be more consistent. Offensively, they’re good. That isn’t a problem for them. They all move the ball very well and can get hot at any moment.
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We’ll see if the Charlotte Hornets can become more consistent as we continue the marathon that is the regular season. They may be a playoff caliber team right now, but if they clean up some things and become more consistent, that could take them to the next level.