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HORNETS
Michael Jordan

Charlotte Hornets: No. 15 in NBA Watchability Rankings

Adi Joseph
USA TODAY Sports
Michael Jordan has been central in unveiling his Hornets' rebranding.

The buzz is back in Charlotte — and not only because of the name change. Michael Jordan's Hornets have high but realistic hopes and come in at No. 15 in our NBA Watchability Rankings.

2013-14 record: 43-39, lost in first round of Eastern Conference playoffs

2014-15 projected record: 43-39, No. 6 seed in Eastern Conference playoffs

What's new? Well, the name is back in town. After a year with no Hornets, the nickname returns to its original home in Charlotte. But causing almost as much talk is polarizing shooting guard Lance Stephenson. Forward Marvin Williams is a much-needed veteran in a young frontcourt. And No. 9 overall draft pick Noah Vonleh was considered a steal.

How good will they be? Much hinges on Stephenson, but center Al Jefferson will have to build off his career season last year, and point guard Kemba Walker must be more efficient. They could win a playoff series or two, but they may still be one year away from joining the East's elite. The biggest hole is a lack of shooting outside of combo guard Gary Neal.

What's the goal? The Charlotte Bobcats never won a playoff game, so that'd be a start. But as this team builds toward the future, figuring out what young big men Vonleh, Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo can do would be a big help in moving forward.

WHY YOU CAN'T MISS THEM

Good Lance vs. Bad Lance: Stephenson claimed he had LeBron James' number and blew in his ear during the Eastern Conference finals last year. Indiana Pacers President Larry Bird was unwilling to budge on his contract offer, and immaturity was a big part. Stephenson may be the best all-around shooting guard in the NBA, but he's just as likely to frustrate. Either way, he can be must-see TV.

Jordan rules: There's no way around discussing the owner. Jordan has, in name, given up basketball operations control to general manager Rich Cho. But he still calls the shots, and he still is the dominant presence around the team, even as he stays quiet for the most part. That happens when the greatest, most popular player in NBA history owns an NBA team.

Purple and teal: The Hornets' first run in Charlotte made them a favorite among jersey collectors, casual and devoted, because of their classic color scheme and logo. The logo has a slight makeover, and the jerseys no longer have pinstripes. But the colors are back, and Charlotte again will be one of the best-looking teams in the NBA.

PROJECTED STARTERS (with 2013-14 statistics)

  • PG: Kemba Walker — 17.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists a game
  • SG: Lance Stephenson — 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists a game
  • SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist — 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.8 assists a game
  • PF: Cody Zeller — 6.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists a game
  • C: Al Jefferson — 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists a game

NBA WATCHABILITY RANKINGS

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