2014-15 Review

The Charlotte Bobcats disappointed last season as many thought that they would be in a position to build off their playoff appearance from the season before. An injury to Kemba Walker really set this team back as he had been the catalyst of the success.

The Bobcats did make a fairly significant change last season in lieu of that disappointing end and that is that they changed their franchise name back to the familiar Hornets. New name, logo and jerseys to go along with some new faces have rejuvenated the playoff hopes throughout the city for this season. 

New Additions

Nicolas Batum

This was a huge addition for the Hornets as Batum came over via a trade with the Portland Trailblazers. Batum was an under appreciated asset in Portland, one that Michael Jordan saw value in. So much so that Charlotte shipped their former first-round pick in Noah Vonleh out. Batum is absolutely setup for success this season and beyond in Charlotte. This could very well be one of the best pickups of the offseason. 

Jeremy Lamb

Lamb was another player acquired via trade, this one went down on draft day as Oklahoma was looking to clear salary. Lamb will see some significant minutes in the two-guard spot as well as at small forward in lieu of go injury to MKG. Lamb is a decent enough offensive player; however, he makes up for any shortcoming by playing solid defense and that willingness is what will earn him minutes in Charlotte. 

Key Losses

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

This is a huge loss for the Hornets as MKG is lost for at least six months due to a torn labrum that he just had successful surgery on. This injury comes in the heels of a new contract and high expectations for Kidd-Gilchrist.

Fortunately the Hornets did acquire the above mentioned Lamb and Batum; however, this severely affects the rotations and depth of the team. His injury is as significant to the Hornets as losing Kemba Walker and it casts a significant cloud of doubt on their playoff chances this season. 

Biggest Strength

Defense

The Hornets must continue to do what they do best and that is play defense. As a team they lack that offensive-God that can score at will and who commands the ball. Instead the Hornets must rebound defensively, cherish every possession and at least get a scoring opportunity out of their trips down the floor.

If the Hornets can protect the ball like they have shown themselves capable of and continue to limit second-chance points; they have a legitimate chance of winning night in and night out. 

Biggest Weakness

Roster Depth

Once you get past the starting five for the Hornets they don't have anybody on their bench who could start for any other team in the league. This is severely problematic as NBA teams nowadays are built seven or eight deep with consistent offence being available off the bench on a nightly basis.

The Hornets are weak here and teams know it. Once the starting five for the Hornets are run out there, teams know that there is a reasonable chance that someone in that mix will falter, have a poor night or get into foul trouble. 

Bottom Line

The loss of MKG will certainly hurt the Hornets here and while they could conceivably improve upon last season's record it won't be enough to get this club into the postseason. This team is actually one injury away from being a top five lottery team and while their competitors in the Eastern Conference have improved, the Hornets have not and that will be reflected come season's end. 

Fantasy Slant

Most Overrated

Al Jefferson

The 12-year veteran is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons of his career and as a result he is back with the Hornets as redemption project. Jefferson should have had a solid season that would have allowed him to exercise his option to become a free-agent.

Instead, Big Al is looking to bounce back and cash in next season on a new deal. Don't buy the hype here as Jefferson has been trending down for years and this season will be no exception. Jefferson is still trading on namesake rather than actual production and his fantasy value is artificially inflated. 

Most Underrated

Kemba Walker

Walker is and continues to be a bit of an enigma in terms of fantasy value. He is an attack first point guard who doesn't distribute well and who shoots even worse, yet he does just enough of everything to make him an appealing option without putting up big numbers. A healthy Walker is a player that hasn't been seen in nearly a season and a half. Should Kemba be able to stay on the court this season there is no doubt that his fantasy stock will continue to rise. 

Biggest Surprise

Jeremy Lin

Lin is a long way removed from his days as a New York Knick and the 'Linsanity' that followed him around. Nowadays, Lin is content to be that veteran presence off the bench who can contribute in a variety of ways for this offence. Although it isn't likely going to happen, Lin would be best served as the starter here with Kemba Walker starting at the two-guard.

Despite Lin's role as a reserve, he will be an integral part of this offence and he will see stretches of significant minutes. Lin's fantasy value has never been lower and with a new start and a young team, he could just flourish and come through with some great value plays over the course of the season.