The Hornets Prove Why Depth is Important for the Playoffs
The Hornets have somehow taken a 3-2 series lead over the favored Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs, and the main reason is their great depth. They go ten-deep usually, and that is why they have outlasted the Heat, and it may also lead them so some success in the second round.
They have two more than reliable point guards in Kemba Walker, who has improved greatly this season, and Jeremy Lin, who may bring back Linsanity, which would be amazing for everyone. Lin had such a good year that he was one of the top candidates for the Sixth Man of the Year award, even though he was a backup to one of the most improved point guards in the league. At the two, there is Courtney Lee who was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies and has acclimated very well, averaging 9.7 points and shooting 37% from three-point range for the Hornets as their fourth or fifth option in the starting lineup.
In the frontcourt, the depth is even better. The star there is Al Jefferson, who has been a quality player in the league for years. His deputy as the four is Marvin Williams, who has averaged a decent 11.7 points per game this season. The backups at the center position are definitely above average, being a mix of Spencer Hawes and Frank “The Tank” Kaminsky, both of whom are reliable role players. The starter at center is Cody Zeller, who is a pretty average starter, but he gets the job done inside, averaging 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
When healthy, the 2012 2nd overall draft pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist gets heavy minutes as the small forward, but in his absence, ex-Trail Blazer Nicolas Batum has averaged nearly 15 points and around 6 rebounds and assists per night. The Frenchman has had a good career, and he, along with Kemba Walker, are the main reasons for the success of the Michael Jordan-owned team, but without so many reliable players able to come off the bench and make a positive impact, they would not have an edge over the Heat in the first round of the playoffs.
On any given night, there could be seven of the ten players who get good minutes to be in double figures, and with so many players able to have such a great effect on a game, it makes them tough to stop. It will not matter whom they play in the second round if they do make it through, the Pacers and the Raptors will have trouble handling the deep, diverse lineup of Steve Clifford’s team.