A Hornets Carol: Ghosts of past, present and future
The ghost of Hornets basketball present is a devastating reminder that-the Eastern Conference is absolutely stacked
Most NBA fans always neglect this fact because LeBron James and his Lakers are in the West alongside Steph Curry and his Warriors, but quite honestly, the Eastern Conference may be more competitive than the West. A strong case can be made for about five teams that they can make it to the conference finals.
The Philadephia 76ers have a really talented roster with a chip on their shoulders due to last year’s disappointing results. With a new General Manager who has added much-needed shooting talent, the team really can surge to the top of the conference very abruptly.
The Boston Celtics arguably have the best young duo in the NBA with stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown who pair together like fire and ice. With a veteran, All-Star in Kemba Walker the team has a starting lineup that scares any team in the league. The young talent on the bench includes Romeo Langford and Robert Williams, who are for sure starters on other teams across the league.
The Brooklyn Nets are making a come back with the effortless scorer Kevin Durant and the best handler in the game in Kyrie Irving. Adding both of these disgruntled superstars to a roster with a few young pieces gives them a chance to really put the conference on notice. Caris LeVert and Spenser Dinwiddie are starting guards almost anywhere in the league and it’s a shame that one of them will be coming off the bench. Regardless, the team still has an aging Deandre Jordan and a really good rim protector in Jarrett Allen.
The reigning Eastern Conference champions have done nothing but improve their team this offseason. The Miami Heat were able to pick up Precious Achiuwa, who is considered to be a draft-day steal. With the young lights out shooters in Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro, pairing them with the ferocious Jimmy Butler is a match made in heaven. There are so many great players on this team, the roster can definitely repeat.
Finally, let’s not forget about two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo having a modified roster to make a deep playoff push. Aside from the Greek Freak, there is All-Star Kris Middleton and the best two-way guard in the NBA, Jrue Holiday. With the addition of these players, the Bucks defense can propel Milwaukee into Finals contention.
Now all of these teams ARE great, but that doesn’t away from the talent that the Hornets have going into this season. The Eastern Conference is the most competitive conference but the Hornets can make a splash and surprise fans across the country.