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With only a few weeks before the start of training camp, Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford revealed his starters going into the preseason.
Cliff will run the following lineup, according to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer.
- (PG) Kemba Walker
- (SG) Nicolas Batum
- (SF) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
- (PF) Marvin Williams
- (C) Dwight Howard
The fourth-year head coach has not considered bringing Kidd-Gilchrist off the bench despite his shooting woes from beyond the arc.
The Hornets will have a major asset coming off the bench with the sharp-shooting Malik Monk, who could earn the starting shooting guard spot at some point in the season if he surpasses expectations or is called upon to start after an injury in the starting lineup.
Clifford also offered the chance that backup point guard Michael Carter-Williams is not ready for the season opener after undergoing an offseason knee procedure back in August. He's yet to resume basketball activities.
Charlotte has a definite boost on the rebounding end with Howard at the center position, but can be in trouble if Walker (who had a career-year last season), Batum, and Williams fail to hit consistently from deep — limited by MKG's lack of shooting.
The Hornets can prove to be an improved defensive team with the addition of Howard but will need to balance it with good offense at some point if they hope to make the postseason, after falling off the cliff following a torrid start to the season.
