PHOTO | TROY HULL

LaMelo Ball, who earned his first All-Star Game berth last season, is the Hornets’ most accomplished player.

The Charlotte Hornets’ biggest offseason move was bringing Steve Clifford back as coach.

Clifford, who led the last Hornets squad to qualify for the playoffs (2016), has a better roster to work with this time around, at least in terms of athletic ability. Instead of Kemba Walker at point guard, Clifford has LaMelo Ball (20 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists per game last year), a transformative talent who should be better than his first two years in the NBA. He also has better complimentary parts in Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington and a veteran glue guy in the oft-injured Gordon Hayward.

There’s no reason to expect the Hornets will win fewer than last season’s 43 games. The main reason is that Clifford should be able to get this group to improve on defense, something that was hit-or-miss with his predecessor James Borrego.

The question is how much the Hornets can improve on defense. Outside Cody Martin, Charlotte doesn’t have a totally committed stopper, especially in the paint. If 2022 first round pick Mark Richards, 2021 pick J.T. Thor or Nick Richards can show some shot-blocking ability, it’ll be a major upgrade. Regardless, they’ll get a chance to earn minutes early.

The great unknown as camp opens is the status of forward Miles Bridges, who is awaiting his day in court after being charged with felony domestic violence in Los Angeles. The Hornets have been quiet on his situation, and the same can be said for the NBA. Depending on what happens in the judicial system, sanctions will likely be forthcoming given the seriousness of the charges. If he’s available, Charlotte will have the benefit of last season’s top scorer and an exceptional athlete to run alongside Ball.

Best bet for a breakthrough
There are several candidates, but James Bouknight must be top of mind. The guard showed flashes last year as a rookie, but his defense was suspect enough to limit his playing time as the Hornets fought for postseason seeding. A year of maturing on and off the floor should put Bouknight in a better space as a combination guard, especially if he can be paired opposite Ball.

Hayward’s health
That’s been the question since he arrived three years ago. Every season has been marred by various injuries and ailments that last long enough for the Hornets to miss his presence. Good health for Hayward can only improve Charlotte’s cohesiveness on both ends of the court.

Establish an inside presence
This might be Clifford’s toughest task. The Hornets are athletic, but in Clifford’s scheme, big men need to be rim protectors. Thor and Richards have offensive limitations, but Williams has enough potential to get a serious look for time in the rotation. Blocking and altering shots will certainly keep him in the mix, even if it means rounding into shape on the offensive end.

Backing up Ball
Isiah Thomas did a good job as the second unit point guard after Charlotte shipped Ish Smith back to Washington. Now it’s Dennis Smith Jr.’s turn to back up Ball. A former lottery pick, Smith has the size and athletic ability to be a suitable second-string point.

Playoff odds
The Eastern Conference took a leap forward last season and there’s every expectation it’ll continue. Milwaukee will be tough; Miami and Boston will contend and so will Brooklyn as long as Kevin Durant is healthy and semi-happy.

Charlotte isn’t likely to crack the top four, but fifth or sixth are doable. The Hornets won 43 games last season and Clifford inherits a squad capable of doing better if it makes a leap defensively.

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