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The Charlotte Hornets have quietly become one of the NBA‘s feel-good stories of the 2015-16 season. As of Thursday afternoon, they are second in the Eastern Conference when it comes to winning percentage, and they’re nipping at the heels of the Cleveland Cavaliers. This isn’t something that any pundits suggested could happen, especially after Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was sidelined for the season with a shoulder injury.
The Hornets recently proved themselves yet again vs. the Miami Heat after winning against Dwyane Wade‘s crew, 99-81. Nicolas Batum recorded a triple-double in the victory, and he has been a pleasant surprise to head coach Steve Clifford in the early season. The truly amazing thing is that Batum only took 28 minutes to record 10 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds. Everyone always knew he could shoot going back to his days with the Portland Trail Blazers, but his passing ability has had a real chance to shine with Charlotte.
The shocking part is how the Hornets are doing this without Kidd-Gilchrist or Al Jefferson. “Big Al” is currently out with a calf injury, but he will also have to sit out five games once healthy for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. The Hornets are keeping quiet about what substance was used, but it seems reasonably certain that it was of the herbal variety.
The Hornets are on a nice roll despite this; they have won eight of their last 10 games, and they are even competing in the matches that end in defeat. Batum is definitely setting himself up for a payday, and it remains to be seen if he will stay in Charlotte or seek greener pastures. The one fact that seems clear is that the Hornets are a dark horse contender, and if they continue playing defense once Jefferson returns, then this could be a scary team in the playoffs.
Dave Daniels is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter: @AllDave_AllDay, like him on Facebook here or add him to your network on Google.
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