Hornets fan blogger John Hartman is a lifelong Charlotte basketball fan and current Swarm 365 team member. The opinions expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Hornets organization.
It’s been five years since Gerald Wallace represented our Charlotte team in the All-Star game. While I was watching this weekend’s All-Star festivities, I started to think about the current Hornets team and what it would take for any of them to become All-Stars:
Kemba Walker – Kemba was having the best season of his career until his knee started flaring up and he underwent surgery. He was playing like a seasoned veteran with a much-improved jump shot. This team thrives off Kemba’s leadership and never-say-never attitude. It’s definitely harder for point guards to become All-Stars, but if Kemba can come back from this injury and play at the level he was, there’s no doubt in my mind he will become an All-Star in the near future.
Al Jefferson – Big Al has had a tough season plagued by injuries. Last year there was no doubt that he was an All-Star caliber player. For him to get back to being an All-Star caliber player we need him to 1) focus on getting 100% healthy and 2) let the game come to him. At times, Al seems a little rushed and out of sync this year. Those should be two easy fixes for him to return to an All-Star level.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – MKG is another Hornet who has been dealing with injuries throughout the season. When he’s healthy, he is one of the top defenders and rebounders in the league. For MKG to get to All-Star status he needs to continue his improvements on offense. Another offseason of hard work with Mark Price would pay dividends. The more his jumper improves, the more defenses will need to respect him which will open opportunities for him to score on the drive or create for his teammates.
Cody Zeller – Cody was selected to participate in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge this past weekend and he did not disappoint. He didn’t seem fazed by the big stage finishing with 12 points and three steals. Cody continues to improve as the weeks go by. For him to reach All-Star status he needs to 1) continue shooting the 18-footer with confidence, 2) use his quick first step to drive to the rim when the lane opens and 3) become more physical in the paint on defense.
Out of this group, Kemba and Al have the best chance of making the All-Star game but I’m confident that MKG and Cody have the ability to reach All-Star status as well.