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NBA Charlotte Hornets

Top 5 Charlotte Hornets’ Storylines To Follow During Preseason

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5 Biggest Preseason Storylines For Charlotte

5 Biggest Preseason Storylines For Charlotte
Bill Streicher - USA Today Sports Images

When projecting for the 2014-15 NBA season, there’s an argument to be made that the newly rebranded Charlotte Hornets could end up as the three-seed in the East. There are plenty of things that would have to break right for that to happen, but it’s not a far-fetched idea at this point. With those hopes in mind, these are the five biggest things to keep an eye on in the preseason.

5. Potential Impact of Rookies

5. Potential Impact of Rookies
Brad Penner - USA Today Sports Images

5. Potential Impact of Rookies

5. Potential Impact of Rookies
Brad Penner - USA Today Sports Images

The Hornets were able to get great value and address big team-needs with their duo of first-round picks in the draft. Now the question is whether Vonleh and Hairston will be able to contribute a great deal to the cause immediately or if it will take some time.

4. Kemba Walker Needing To Take Next Step

4. Kemba Walker Needing To Take Next Step
Getty Images

4. Kemba Walker Needing To Take Next Step

4. Kemba Walker Needing To Take Next Step
Getty Images

With the end of his rookie deal coming up, having a big season would be in the best financial interest of Kemba. In terms of the Hornets’ success, him taking the leap is also quite a big deal and something that is necessary.

3. Kidd-Gilchrist, Henderson Battle For Starting Slot

3. Kidd-Gilchrist, Henderson Battle For Starting Slot
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3. Kidd-Gilchrist, Henderson Battle For Starting Slot

3. Kidd-Gilchrist, Henderson Battle For Starting Slot
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Henderson’s hamstring injury in the preseason certainly throws an added wrinkle to the battle for the final starting slot, but there’s no doubt it’s still a competition. What we’ll really learn is how far along MKG is and where the team stands in regards to two players that have been important contributors for them recently.

2. Power Forward Position Battle

2. Power Forward Position Battle
Bill Streicher - USA Today Sports Images

2. Power Forward Position Battle

2. Power Forward Position Battle
Bill Streicher - USA Today Sports Images

With Marvin Williams, Vonleh, and Cody Zeller all looking for minutes at the position, it’ll be interesting to see how the minutes distribution is at the four. The preseason will give us a first glimpse at what Steve Clifford is looking to do in regards to that situation.

1. Lance Stephenson’s Chemistry

1. Lance Stephenson’s Chemistry
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1. Lance Stephenson’s Chemistry

1. Lance Stephenson’s Chemistry
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This is going to be the biggest story for the Hornets all season. In terms of his talents, Stephenson fits right into what the Hornets need to make the jump. However, his personality is infamously enigmatic and how it gels with the rest of the Charlotte roster is going to be vitally important to the level of their success this season.