Charlotte Hornets Round Table: Mid-season review and trade discussion
The biggest surprise of the season so far?
Caleb Baugher (Contributor): The biggest surprise has been the overall success of the team record-wise. A lot of experts predicted the Charlotte Hornets to be the literal worst team in the league but look at us now within range of a playoff seed. A win over the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas is pretty shocking too.
Austin Daisey (Contributor): I think the biggest surprise thus far is that the Hornets only find themselves 3 games out of a playoff spot. In an offseason where all I heard was that this team would only win 10 games, or how they would get an easy lottery pick, I am impressed with how they have scrapped out some wins. Devonte’ Graham has also been a very pleasant surprise, as he has made himself known throughout the NBA. He is someone that Charlotte needs to make sure they keep on their roster for the future. This is just a fun team to watch.
Elijah Edwards (Contributor): It’s gotta be the play of Devonte’ Graham. Sure, his recent output has been stymied a bit by increased defensive pressure from other teams looking to shut him down, but overall, he’s been the leader of this team for much of this season. He’s a strong candidate for Most Improved Player and while he most likely won’t make it, some consider him to be All-Star material.
Noah Farrell (Contributor): The answer to who the biggest surprise for the Hornets would be this season starts (rightfully so) with Devonte’ Graham. But since I feel like this is too obvious, I am electing to go with PJ Washington. This guy is way better than I had ever expected him to be. He is more athletic, more physical, and more polished on the offensive end of the floor. A very modern big guy and I cannot be happier that he is on my favorite team.
Aaron Khor (Contributor): Devonte’ Graham. Easy. The man has been incredible. I always thought that he would be a half-decent player, but to turn into a 19 point, 7.8 assist guy is something else. I have no doubt in my mind he will end up with the NBA’s Most Improved Player award come season end.
Scott Overbey (Contributor): Since everyone will say Devonte’ Graham (and they should), I’ll say the lack of development from Miles Bridges. This is a guy who went back to Michigan St for his sophomore year and didn’t improve that year either so it’s fair to question is this who Miles is going to be as a player. A guy who is athletic but struggles with basketball IQ, position fit, and offensively in the half-court.
Zachary Padmore (Site-Expert): The biggest surprise to me so far has been the play of Devonte’ Graham. I don’t think anyone projected him to play nearly this well. After losing Kemba Walker in the off-season, Charlotte needed someone to step up, and Graham has done just that and has also proved to me that he is legit, not a one-hit-wonder.
Giovanni Spillman (Site-Expert): The easy and most simple answer here is the play of Devonte’ Graham. The second-year player is averaging fifteen more points per game than he averaged in his rookie year. He’s clearly a top candidate for the Most Improved Player Award, and the NBA has taken notice of his play. He’s also shooting threes at a high rate and could finish the season by breaking Kemba Walker’s record for three-pointers made in a season.