Hardwood Knocks

The Charlotte Hornets stayed true to their roots over the NBA's offseason: They retooled, despite being a non-factor in free agency, without embracing a total reinvention. Dwight Howard's integration will play a big role in whether the Hornets meet their ceiling. They have to indulge his post-up penchants to some degree, but head coach Steve Clifford has moved away from those back-to-the-basket sets in favor of more three-pointers. Can he sell Howard on a high-usage role as the pick-and-roll diver? And can Howard accept this job description without letting his volume on offense impact his demeanor on the defensive end? Getting more out of Nicolas Batum will also be key. He was a turnover machine in the pick-and-roll last season and has seen his efficiency drop from beyond the arc. His defense remains solid, even at the 2, but the Hornets may need to find time for him at the 4—where they're overstocked—if it turns out he cannot get by opposing 2s and 3s. Not to be lost in any of this is Kemba Walker. He has tr