(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets are really hoping that this is the season they finally rebound and become contenders in the Eastern Conference.
They have been quietly assembling an impressive young team with a lot of talent.
Unfortunately, they have been doing so in an increasingly competitive conference.
But head coach Steve Clifford believes they have what it takes.
Calling into SiriusXM NBA Radio, Clifford said he thinks his team could be in the postseason.
“I do think we can be a playoff team,” Clifford said after listing why his squad may have a good year.
Steve Clifford believes the Hornets are a playoff team in the East
Hear why when he joined @TheFrankIsola and @Scalabrine on The Starting Lineup!
Catch the @Hornets Preview Show on NBA Radio: https://t.co/IHMBxr4sQI pic.twitter.com/HZTkomtgrI
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) October 9, 2023
Last season, the Hornets ended with a 27-55 record, making them one of the worst teams in the league.
However, Clifford believes 2023-24 will be a bounce-back season.
That’s partly because of the return of Miles Bridges, according to Clifford.
Bridges sat out of 2021-22 because of legal issues and an NBA suspension but he will be back after sitting for the first 10 games of the new season.
In his last season, Bridges posted 20.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
Clifford also mentioned that rookie Brandon Miller will be something special for the Hornets.
Miller is a young star who is looking to really show what he’s capable of.
Luckily for him, he is on the sort of team that can easily make space for him on the roster.
That means he really might get plenty of time to shine during his first year in the league.
Clifford thinks these two will give the team a huge boost, along with returning stars PJ Washington, Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier, and, of course, LaMelo Ball.
Could this be a team that finally makes fans happy again?
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