Charlotte Hornets: What Would Be A Successful Year?

The Charlotte Hornets may not be primed for expectations that even sniff the playoffs, but they still have expectations that should measure success by the end of the season.

All NBA and Charlotte Hornets fans have expectations for their favorite team. For a majority of fans, their team is at least competitive enough to fight for a playoff spot.

This upcoming year is unlike recent seasons because of the copious amount of teams that are good enough to make the playoffs. However, because only eight teams in each conference qualify for the postseason, the suspense of being a fan intensifies.

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This playoff race is perceived by most people not to include the Charlotte Hornets and appears rightfully so. This does not mean that the upcoming year is a waste or to decimate all expectations since a playoff appearance is unlikely.

This leaves the question of ‘what expectations should Hornets fans have’ and ‘what would deem the year as a successful one. Long term success is building a core of players that can win together, but that doesn’t happen overnight. Building a winning team takes time and is a step by step process.

Step one is to collect talent that can help you win basketball games. Charlotte has attempted that by assembling a group of young players that they believe in both through the draft and trades.

Step two is to allow them time to grow as players and get comfortable in the league. This is where we are as Hornets fans, and some would even argue that Charlotte has not completed step one.

If the preseason is to be of any sign of things to come, then the organization certainly is not deprived of all talent whatsoever.

There is reason to believe in players like Malik Monk, Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, and PJ Washington. These players are talented and young enough to build the future of an organization around.

These players should be the focus of any expectations for Charlotte this year. The team will go as far as those players can take them.

Malik Monk needs to show consistency in his jump shot, consistency in his decision making, and an aggressive effort on the defensive side of basketball.

Terry Rozier needs to prove that he can be a leader of this team and to elevate himself as well as others around him. He is not Kemba and should not be compared to Kemba in any way.

Miles Bridges needs to show some creativity when looking to score. He is a good player when given a clear lane to the basket, but he is limited when having to create off of the dribble.

PJ Washington is a wild card and is mostly unproven to this team and organization; however, he has shown his incredible versatility in multiple areas in the preseason. If he can shoot the three and defend at a high level, then he is easily one of the most valuable pieces to the Hornets going forward.

These are the goals that, if completed, I look at as a successful year in a season that may not see a high number in the win column.