

Due to their need for development and growth, the Hornets might end up competing for a low playoff seed.This season, the Charlotte Hornets took a massive step forward in their quest to become perennial contenders in the NBA, finishing with a 48-34 record. Playoffs: This team should be eligible for postseason play. Having an athlete who is capable of delivering solid minutes off the bench will be crucial for the Hornets going forward. Finding a replacement for Lin will be a key task as well. Zeller’s ability to influence the game will also be a big factor, as the team relied heavily on Jefferson for production in the paint. If he continues to struggle with injuries, the team will need to look to their bench or perhaps consider trading for an effective wing player. If Kidd-Gilchrist is able to maintain his health and play at a high level, the team will receive a needed defensive boost. Ultimately, the success of this Hornets team will rely on who is able to step up. Guards: Ramon Sessions, Brian Roberts, Marco Belinelliįorwards/Centers: Jeremy Lamb, Frank Kaminsky, Christian Wood, Roy Hibbert, Spencer Hawes Post defense has been an issue for Zeller in previous years, and he’ll need to work on that as the season progresses. His numbers have not been outstanding in his three years with the Hornets, but Zeller has plenty of room to discover his own untapped potential and become another option for the Hornets. Zeller will need to steadily develop after taking over as Jefferson’s replacement. With the departure of Al Jefferson, Williams will need to increase his effectiveness in the post and at mid-range.Ĭenter: Cody Zeller (8.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 0.9 bpg)
#Charlotte hornets roster 2015 2016 free
He also is effective from the free throw line, where he posted an 83.3 percent clip.
#Charlotte hornets roster 2015 2016 series
Although he struggled for a portion of the team’s playoff series against the Miami Heat, Williams proved to be a difference maker on both sides of the ball.

Williams was a reliable starter for the Hornets last season. Considering he is one of the league’s elite defensive threats, the Hornets hope Kidd-Gilchrist will remain healthy throughout the course of the year.įorward: Marvin Williams (11.7 ppg, 1.0 bpg, 6.4 rpg) His off season was stalled by operations resulting from a torn labrum in his shoulder, but guard insists that he is ready to return. 2 pick missed 122 games over the past three seasons due to injury. Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the biggest question marks on the Hornets roster. His 36 percent career mark from 3-point range combined with sheer athleticism makes Batum a legitimate weapon from all areas of the floor.įorward: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (12.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.3 apg) After coming to Charlotte from Portland prior to least season, Batum found a groove alongside Walker and added another reliable threat to the Hornet offense. Guard: Nicolas Batum (14.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.1 apg)īatum is a versatile athlete who is regarded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders. He shot 37.1 percent from deep last season, the highest mark of Walker’s career. Walker’s effectiveness from 3-point range will also need to keep getting better. He will need to continue to work on his role as a distributor in order to help maximize the contributions of the rest of the starting five. The five-year veteran led the team in scoring last season and his ability to run the offense allowed the Hornets to utilize all of their options. Walker is perhaps the most significant returner for the Hornets. A front court loaded with potential could help steer Charlotte in the right direction, but voids left by the departure of players such as Sixth Man of the Year candidate Jeremy Lin will need to be fixed if the franchise expects to compete in the Eastern Conference. Under the direction of third-year head coach Steve Clifford, the Hornets hope to continue to move forward after earning a share of the Southeastern Division title last season. After an offseason that saw the team lose consistent contributors while adding experienced free agents, the Charlotte Hornets are gearing up for the start of their 2016-17 campaign.
