Charlotte Hornets Could Be Annual Contenders If Key Free Agents Return

MIAMI — Behind a spread-out offensive attack and a near-All-Star-level climb from Kemba Walker, the Charlotte Hornets forced their way onto the NBA radar in 2015-16.

But injury issues, shooting woes and lack of experience ultimately forced the Hornets out of the playoffs and into an offseason littered with question marks.

Sunday’s 106-73 Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat was hardly indicative of their ability. The Hornets encountered nightmare scenarios on both ends of the floor, failing to find any offensive rhythm or defensive stability. Charlotte’s 32.1 field-goal percentage sagged 16 points below Miami’s, and the Hornets’ final scoring tally barely covered the Heat’s paint points (58).

“We didn’t play obviously anywhere near the way we would have liked to,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. “So, today is tough.”

Still, progress was clearly made. The Hornets posted their best record since 1999-00 at 48-34 and enjoyed their first postseason victory since 2002.

“A lot of people didn’t even think we’d be here,” Walker said. “I’m just really happy with my team’s effort. .. We’ll be back better and stronger.”

The sentiment is easy to follow.

Charlotte showed steady progress throughout the season, posting the NBA’s third-best record after the All-Star break. It also has a nucleus of young talent that should continue to develop, including 25-year-old Walker, 23-year-old Cody Zeller, 23-year-old Frank Kaminsky and 22-year-old Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who lost all but seven games of this season to a shoulder injury.

But improvement is never guaranteed. The Hornets had all the makings of an up-and-comer in 2013-14, reeling off 43 wins and snapping a three-year playoff drought. Then, injuries struck key contributors, a free-agency gamble on Lance Stephenson failed and Charlotte sagged back to a 33-49 record in 2014-15.

It’s hard to predict how much of this corps will call Charlotte home next season. The Hornets have an important group of veterans heading to free agency, several of whom will be heavily courted in a market where demand far outweighs supply.

Do-it-all swingman Nicolas Batum could be worthy of a max contract in this new economic environment. Three-and-D wing Courtney Lee might fetch a massive raise. Marvin Williams is entering free agency at a perfect time, with his …

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