NBA State of the Tank Volume I: Race For the First Pick

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 08: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets is guarded by Ryan Broekhoff #45 of the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on February 08, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets

Record: 16-36

Current odds: 12.5%

Remaining SOS: 15th (.505)

Years Tanking: 4

Charlotte was tabbed by many to be the “favorite” to grab the league’s worst record coming into the season, and they have been a moderate surprise to this point. They started off with a 4-3 record, and even in mid December looked like they could make a run for the 8th seed with a 13-17 tally.

Since then however, the Hornets have gone 3-19, losing 13 of their last 14 games.

Sophomore 2nd round pick Devonte’ Graham has been a pleasant surprise for Charlotte, while Terry Rozier has looked like a competent starting point guard for them as well.

The buy-outs of Marvin Williams and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist suggest the Hornets are taking their stingers off for the rest of the season, which is pretty smart. Their remaining strength of schedule is right in the middle at 15th, and they get to play the Atlanta Hawks three more times, but also have to play the Bucks, Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets as well as the Raptors twice.

Charlotte is one of the worst teams in the NBA, sure, but also have a nice upside. They’re likely one or two solid picks away from contending.

State of the tank: Only one more year on the Batum contract