NBA Charlotte Hornets

5 Takeaways From Charlotte Hornets’ Early-Season Play

5 Takeaways From Charlotte Hornets' Early-Season Play

Lance Stephenson Charlotte Hornets
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The return of the Hornets to Charlotte hasn't gotten off to the start many thought it would. The Hornets have struggled in the first two weeks of the season. It's too early to panic, but things need to change soon for Charlotte. Here are five early takeaways from the Hornets' early-season play.

5. Improved Play from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Charlotte Hornets
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5. Improved Play from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Charlotte Hornets
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A lot was made about Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's reconstructed jump shot during the offseason. So far, it has looked better, and his play has improved this season. He is still far from being a good shooter, but MKG is becoming a valuable rotation player for the Hornets.

4. Offense Needs to Run Through Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson Charlotte Hornets
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4. Offense Needs to Run Through Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson Charlotte Hornets
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Kemba Walker is the young up-and-coming player, and Lance Stephenson is the exciting free-agent acquisition, but Al Jefferson is the key to the Hornets' success. Charlotte is at their best when the offense is running through Jefferson. He is the best offensive player on the team, and it isn't close.

3. Kemba Walker's Inconsistent Shooting

Kemba Walker Charlotte Hornets
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3. Kemba Walker's Inconsistent Shooting

Kemba Walker Charlotte Hornets
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This was supposed to be the Kemba Walker-playing-for-a-new-contract season. Instead, the Hornets signed Walker to an extension on the first day of the regular season. At this point, the early signing isn't looking great as Walker is once again struggling with his shot. He is currently shooting under 40 percent, which is debilitating for a score-first point guard.

2. Lance Stephenson Hasn't Fit In Yet

Lance Stephenson Charlotte Hornets
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2. Lance Stephenson Hasn't Fit In Yet

Lance Stephenson Charlotte Hornets
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Lance Stephenson has gotten off to a shaky start with Charlotte, which probably should have been the most predictable thing in the NBA. It just doesn't seem like he knows how to fit in with this roster. The good news is that he has plenty of time to get on the same page with his teammates. His level of play should improve as the season goes on, but it's become hard to believe in what should happen when it comes to Stephenson.

1. Lack of Scoring

Gary Neal Charlotte Hornets
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1. Lack of Scoring

Gary Neal Charlotte Hornets
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Gary Neal is a nice player, but he should never be the third-leading scorer on your team. This is a sign of the overall problem with this team. The offense just hasn't been there for the Hornets. They lack a real identity on offense, and it will be the most important part of this team to watch as the season progresses.

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