Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

The Eastern Conference is a mess (it’s not just the Orlando Magic)

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 11
Next
Mar 14, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford (C) talks with guard Courtney Lee (1) and guard Kemba Walker (15) in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford (C) talks with guard Courtney Lee (1) and guard Kemba Walker (15) in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets

Can they catch lightning in a bottle again?

The Charlotte Hornets have been to the Playoffs three times since re-forming as the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2005 season. Each time, they were flashes in the pan. They missed the Playoffs the following year.

The Bobcats made the Playoffs in 2014 on defense. Then lost it completely in 2015 as injuries slowed them down. They brought in Nicolas Batum on a contract year and made the Playoffs in 2016. And now . . .

Charlotte had to shed some players for salary reasons to keep Batum. It is unclear whether losing Jeremy Lin and Al Jefferson could break the camel’s back, as it were.

The Hornets are good enough to remain in the Playoff conversation. They should be. Especially with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist coming back fully healthy after missing most of last season. The Hornets have all the pieces to get back.

Unlike a young team, this team’s ascendance does not seem pre-ordained. Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum are nice and good players. But they may not have much more of a ceiling. A six seed might be just where the Hornets can end up.

And this team will have to prove itself once again.

Next: The contender that wasn't