2014-15 Charlotte Hornets Season Preview

You know what? The Charlotte Hornets play basketball tomorrow night! Neat. So I guess it is time to take a shot at what the Hornets are going to look like in the 2014-15 NBA Season. So here comes the Charlotte Hornets Season Preview.

Oct 20, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Kemba Walker (15) during a time out in their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

THE COACH-

Steve Clifford, 2nd year, 43-39 career record
The former East Carolina assistant from 2000 and a number of NBA stops brought his brand of basketball to Charlotte last year. He brought a defensive mentality and turned the then-Bobcats into a top flight defensive unit. He also has the ability to make his vision plain to his players. That ability was critical to the recruitment of Al Jefferson in free agency last year.

Oct 17, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) holds the ball against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

THE FIVE-

C- Al Jefferson
PF- Marvin Williams
SF- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
SG- Lance Stephenson
PG- Kemba Walker

The offense centers on Jefferson, who has a post up game that just is not taught any more. The rest of the team spaces the floor to enable Jefferson to have as much space as he needs. Williams will play a stretch four and be called on to do some of these things Josh McRoberts did for the Hornets last year. Kidd-Gilchrist has worked on his jumper, but expect him to be a slasher or a last option on offense.

The backcourt has Walker, in a contract year, and Stephenson. Walker’s job will be primarily to get the ball down to Big Al, and then find an open spot. Stephenson offers a secondary ball handler and a guy who work pick and roll situations. He is not a 40% three point shooter, but he is an adequate threat. Stephenson also does not mind having the ball at the end of the shot clock or in close games.

The most exciting thing about this lineup may be the perimeter defense. Kidd-Gilchrist and Stephenson will cause havoc for opposing wings, and this is a division with John Wall, Bradley Beal, Dwayne Wade, and Kyle Korver.

Oct 23, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center forward Cody Zeller (40) (left), forward center Bismack Biyombo (8), and guard PJ Hairston (19) talk during a time out in the first half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

THE BENCH

G- Gerald Henderson
F- Cody Zeller
G- PJ Hairston
G- Gary Neal
G- Brian Roberts
F- Noah Vonleh
F- Bismack Biyombo

Coming off the bench gives this team more options. Henderson can come off the bench and play more of a slasher role, since there will be plenty of shooting on the court around him. This could be a source of high energy instant offense.

Neal and Hairston will provide long range options off the bench. Hairston offers the potential to develop his athleticism on the defensive end as well. Neal is in a contract year and when he gets hot, he still gets very hot.

Zeller will see time in relief of both Jefferson and Williams, particularly with Vonleh not quite at 100%. The Codysaurus will essentially be the third post. Biyombo will come in as a defensive substitution and likely spend most of his time at the center spot when he is in.

Oct 17, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dives to steal the ball from Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

THE DIVISION

Miami Heat –
Team is replacing LeBron James’ production with a guy the Bulls sent to Cleveland and proceeded to win more games without. There will be withdrawal pains. On the bright side, Shabazz Napier will get to play real point guard with two nice options to pass to.

Atlanta Hawks –
Team is mostly back from the campaign last year where they just missed the lottery. Biggest gain is a healthy Al Horford, which means that the Hawks should be a factor in the East. Of course that describes every team in the Southeast outside of Orlando

Washington Wizards –
A preseason favorite because of the backcourt of Wall and Beal. Washington will be seeing what it milk out of Paul Pierce. Underrated front court pairing of Marcin Gortat and Nene holds down the post. The Wizards are trying to be good enough to attract Kevin Durant next year, just after Pierce’s contract is likely up.

Orlando Magic –
Wow, look at all the young guys. You have Nikola Vucevic, Oladipo, Elfrid Payton, Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris, and Kyle O’Quinn amongst others. Not sure what the team scheme is, but there is a lot of talent waiting for some experience.

2014-5 Charlotte Hornets Season Preview

By John Woodcock | Oct 28, 2014