Charlotte Hornets
Offensive Rating: No. 13 (102.6)
Defensive Rating: No. 14 (101.7)
The Charlotte Hornets are falling apart — quickly.
The team has lost six straight, and it is beginning to make its early season success look like nothing more than a mirage.
Key in this descent has been the disappearance of Al Jefferson. Jefferson has been a big disappointment this year, and he is expected to miss another four or five weeks recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. Jefferson had already been a colossal disappointment and his play seems to reveal the body of a guy far older than his 31 years.
This season had already been cast in doubt when Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was ruled out for the season, but Nicolas Batum stepped up brilliantly in showing more offense than most ever knew he had (though for those who watch the French National Team, this was known). Batum is averaging 16.3 points, 6.5 boards and 5.3 assists per game — entirely filling the role Kidd-Gilchrist would have to some extent defensively, plus everything on offense.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker has still been his shot-chucking self, and is scoring 20 points per game. But this is a team that is likely a season away, and a Kidd-Gilchrist recovery away, from being formidable threats.
There is some talent on the roster, but it will take a fully healthy contingent to bring this team back to the cusp.
Centers Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky will both need to develop further. Since Jefferson is in a contract season, it seems fairly predictable Charlotte will allow him to sign elsewhere while building this team around a promising core.
Next: Wizardry Wonders