Soaring Down South
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Southeast Division Forecast: How do the Hawks Stack Up?

By Collin Huguley

Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer watches from the sideline during the second quarter as they take on the Boston Celtics in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer watches from the sideline during the second quarter as they take on the Boston Celtics in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2), guard Courtney Lee (1) and guard Kemba Walker (15) celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2), guard Courtney Lee (1) and guard Kemba Walker (15) celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Charlotte Hornets

2015-2016 Record: 48-34

Predicted 2016-2017 Record: 43-39

The Charlotte Hornets have begun to find their winning formula.

Coach Steve Clifford has done a terrific job at the helm of this team. It doesn’t hurt that he has a terrific point guard in Kemba Walker either.

The team found its wing player to compliment Walker this season in Nicolas Batum, who was rewarded with a 5-year/$120M contract. Batum and Walker complimented each other well, as they are both unselfish and capable shooters. Keeping that tandem together means that they will have one of the best backcourts in the East for the foreseeable future.

But the team lost some key depth this season. The losses of Jeremy Lin, Courtney Lee, and Al Jefferson will certianly be felt for this team. The scoring punch off of the bench with Lin is hole that needs to be patched, as does the leadership of Jefferson down low. That being said, the team does have young pieces to fill these holes.

Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky appear to have formed a nice platoon at the center spot for the Hornets, while Marco Bellinelli was acquired to replace Lee’s shooting. The team also retained Marvin Williams as their versatile, combo forward who does a little bit of everything.

But the X-factor is the return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. This high-energy, ultra-athletic wing has great defensive abilities. He embodies the toughness that this team wants as its identity, and having MKG back will lift this team. He also continues to work hard on polishing his shooting, as he is already a solid interior and transition scorer.

This team will take a step back because of the lost depth, but can certainly still make the playoffs as they currently sit.

Next: No. 2

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