i agree. the kings' roster was completely overhauled in the offseason, and it stands a chance to compete for the eighth seed out west if the team gels reasonably well, but the hornets are returning with basically the same exact roster, and with their injury history and the meat grinder of the western conference still to consider, i haven't the slightest idea why so many "experts" have decided that the hornets are going to improve enough to be considered a playoff lock. in a mad dash to prize efficiency above all else, so many have anointed anthony davis as the next big thing, but i don't think he's ready for the mantle, and i'm not even sure what all of that individual efficiency adds up to in the end, given that basketball is a team sport in which chemistry, roster-wide commitment to defense, and competitive drive all matter...
i mean, there's no doubt that AD is a uniquely gifted and tremendously talented player, but, as with demarcus cousins, he's surrounded by players who may not be able to help elevate him into the upper echelon of a brutally tough conference, provided they're healthy enough to give him an assist in the first place. unlike demarcus cousins, however, i have yet to see anthony davis flash the kind of will that he can readily impose upon the game itself. DMC is so driven to compete that the overly emotional manifestation of that drive ends up holding him back. but, despite those faults, at least we know that he wants to be the best. with davis, it remains to be seen. as pop would say, i want to see some nasty from AD on a regular basis...