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5 Things Charlotte Hornets Must Improve After All-Star Break

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Playoffs or Bust

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On the edge of the NBA Playoff race in the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets are one buzzer-beater or bad game away from missing the postseason all together. With Kemba Walker expected to miss at least a few more weeks, the Hornets are just trying to maintain and stop the bleeding. However, if they do not make these five improvements, the offseason will start early.

5. 3-Point Shooting

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5. 3-Point Shooting

Kemba Walker Hornets
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Charlotte is the worst 3-point shooting team in the league, converting only 31% of their attempts from long. When a team averages 18.5 3-pointers per game, 31% is unacceptable. That is roughly 13 empty possessions. There is no question that the Hornets must improve in this category to even be considered a playoff contender.

4. Al Jefferson's Production

Al Jefferson Hornets
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4. Al Jefferson's Production

Al Jefferson Hornets
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Al Jefferson isn't having a bad season by any means, but you can't help but want a bit more out of him. The center is currently averaging 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 block In his first season with Charlotte, Jefferson averaged a double-double, but his problems lie in his shooting. He is having his worst shooting season of his career at just 48.7%. If Jefferson could average right around 20 points, it would make a big difference.

3. Team Play and Ball Movement

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3. Team Play and Ball Movement

Hornets Charlotte
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One crucial improvement that will also help the 3-point shooting and Jefferson is team play and ball movement. Charlotte only averages 20.3 APG, which is 25th best in the league. The ability to pass the basketball and move the defense leads to easier shots and open looks. If the Hornets can improve the ball movement, the aforementioned improvements will follow.

2. Overall Offense

Al Jefferson NBA
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2. Overall Offense

Al Jefferson NBA
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Ball movement and team play will also help the overall offense, which has struggled down the stretch. Charlotte is ranked 27th in PPG and is shooting a dismal 42% from the field. Only the Philadelphia 76ers shot the basketball worse at 41%. This are just unacceptable numbers, and if the Hornets continue to perform poorly on offense, all the defense in the world can't save them.

1. Get Lance to Earn His Money

Lance Stephenson Hornets
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1. Get Lance to Earn His Money

Lance Stephenson Hornets
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Michael Jordan and the Hornets brought Lance Stephenson to town in hopes his was the missing piece. Instead, Stephenson has bee the center of trade rumors and it is believed that he is unhappy in Charlotte. Whatever the problems might be, Stephenson is not performing like the million a year he is being paid. A measly 9 PPG and 37% shooting is pathetic at best. There are 9 million reasons why the Hornets need Stephenson to play better.

Shane Phillips is a Lead NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].

Shane Phillips is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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