17. Charlotte Hornets

By: Lucas Kochevar 

       The Hornets have made some off season noise by trading for Dwight Howard. Howard spent last year in Atlanta and as many thought, it did not work out. The Hornets also drafted star SG from Kentucky Malik Monk. Monk is a streaky shooter and he will be interesting to see if he can be an NBA caliber guard. The Hornets have high expectations coming into the season. They should make the playoffs in the East. With all star PG Kemba Walker, they probably squeeze in at the bottom of the playoffs. A big blow to the team is Nicolas Batum. He just suffered an injuery that will put him out 8-12 weeks. He has been very valuable to this team when he plays so having him out will likely put a large strain on Walker to carry this team. This is their projected starting lineup from me. 

PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Malik Monk
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF: Marvin Williams
C: Dwight Howard

6th Man: Cody Zeller

         The PG has been Kemba Walker for a couple years now and last year was a prime example of what he has become and that is an all star. He has established himself as a premier PG in the East. The backup is Michael Carter-Williams. The SG will more than likely be Malik Monk. Personally, I will be shocked if he does not start because Jeremy Lamb has proved that he is not a starting SG in the NBA. Whenever Batum comes back this will likely move Monk to the bench. The SF is Kidd-Gilchrist. Gilchrist is actually one of the better defenders in the league when he is not hurt. Sadly, he has had a major injury every season since entering the league. Marvin Williams is the starting PF and he is still having productive years. He is still a very capable shooter and he can still move pretty good. He reminds me of Ersan Ilyasova. The center will be Dwight Howard. He hopes to be rejuvenated as he is reunited with HC Steve Clifford. They spent time together in Orlando and people believe that he should be better this year. I am not buying it. After having him for a year in Atlanta, I see him as a cancer to a team and he will either drive out players or he will be driven out himself. Cody Zeller is a backup and actually a very good one. He should get significant playing time whenever Howard is playing bad. This team is playoff caliber and they might be able to sneak in if the dominoes fall in the right place.