2015-16 NBA Season Preview: Charlotte Hornets

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Charlotte Hornets

2014-15

Offseason Roundup

Projected Starting 5

• PG Kemba Walker
• SG Nicolas Batum
• SF Marvin Williams
• PF Cody Zeller
• C Al Jefferson

MVP: Al Jefferson

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was the Hornets' MVP until a torn labrum in his right shoulder placed him on the IR, making Jefferson the new top dog by default.

Related: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's injury deals the Hornets a crippling blow

Jefferson, who's coming off his most disappointing campaign since his early days with the Boston Celtics, is 20 pounds lighter and motivated by a big payday next summer.

Charlotte relied far too much on feeding Jefferson in the post (26.3 usage rate), so a more free-flowing offense - along with his slimmer physique - should do wonders in helping the 30-year-old veteran remain healthy, while also upping his production as the team becomes less predictable in execution.

Breakout Player: Nicolas Batum

It took eight years, but Batum may finally be ready to break out of his shell and shine as a primary option.

Playing behind the likes of Damian Lillard, Brandon Roy, and LaMarcus Aldridge is a thing of the past. Batum, heralded for being a skillful, jack-of-all-trades wing, will be called upon by head coach Steve Clifford to shoulder more of a load than he ever had as a Trail Blazer.

Injuries played a large part in his shoddy numbers from 2014-15, and the Hornets hope a full offseason of good health will set Batum's percentages straight. His ability to distribute and take care of the ball - he ranked first among non-guards in assist-to-turnover ratio with 2.58 - can only benefit an offense that was stagnant (tied for 27th in assists with 20.2 per game) more often than not.

Season Expectations

Losing Kidd-Gilchrist for possibly the entire 2015-16 season is a major blow the Hornets likely won't be able to recover from. Charlotte allowed 7.8 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.

If there was ever a time for Jeremy Lamb and P.J. Hairston to emerge from obscurity, now would be it. They'll need to play an expanded role at the two- and three-spots, which is frightening considering their feeble play over their young careers.

Qualifying for the playoffs for the second time in three years is going to be a daunting task in a much-improved Eastern Conference, even if MKG was still in the fold. The best course of action may be placing more of an emphasis on outscoring the opposition, thereby improving an offense that finished third-last in the NBA in 2014-15. The additions of Lamb, rookie Frank Kaminsky, Spencer Hawes, and former phenomenon Jeremy Lin should boost the team's offensive production, but will it be enough?

If things go south in a hurry, don't be surprised to see general manager Rich Cho blow things up and contemplate dealing Jefferson and Batum - both of whom are set to hit unrestricted free agency after this season - as he scurries to acquire assets for two players who may elect to head elsewhere when their respective contracts expire.