The Charlotte Hornets had a disappointing season as they failed to make the playoffs, and this offseason will be key in determining the future of the franchise. Here are three burning questions they need to answer this summer:
1) Will Al Jefferson opt out of his contract?
The Hornets need to do everything they possibly can to ensure Jefferson is playing for them next season. After signing with the team two years ago, Big Al has emerged as the Charlotte's best player (All-NBA third team in 2013-14) and is the driving force behind their success. Quite frankly, the Hornets have no hope next year without him.
2) Can they make a draft pick that can contribute immediately?
Charlotte is expected to have a top-10 pick in the NBA Draft, something that has become far too common for the franchise. The Hornets keep landing in the lottery because of their seeming affinity for projects with potential that haven't panned out. Last year's first-round picks, Noah Vonleh and P.J. Hairston, rarely played at all this season, and the Hornets need to avoid another year of that.
3) What will happen with Lance Stephenson?
The Hornets were hoping they had found their star player when they signed Stephenson to a three-year, $27 million deal in free agency last season. However, he struggled early in the season and clashed with teammates and the coaching staff, Charlotte put him on the trade black on immediately.
Those struggles continued all year as Stephenson was demoted to a bench role, which has prompted him to, in his own words, re-dedicate himself to his progression and to the team this offseason. Charlotte appears to be taking a "wait-and-see" approach with him, but don't be surprised if he's playing somewhere else next year.
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