CHARLOTTE – All of the new surrounding the Charlotte Hornets this year has been well documented. Only makes sense that there are differing opinions as to how far along the team is at this point of the preseason.

What we know is that the Hornets are 3-1 so far with their final exhibition game set for Friday night in Dallas against the Mavericks.What we don’t know is which side of the ball is more prepared. 

Is the offense ahead of the defense?

“I hope not,” Hornets head coach James Borrego said with a laugh Tuesday. “Every night our defense is where it starts for us.  It really starts our offense.  The more stops we get, the more we can run, the more pressure we put on defenses.  Our defense has to catch up.”

Rookie Devonte Graham thinks the offense has the lead on the defense, but that has more to do about learning the new system Borrego and his staff are trying to implement.

“Defensively, we’re still trying to learn the schemes and stuff like that.  Just help each other out defensively and that comes with getting in better shape to play better defense.”

RELATED: Charlotte Hornets Release 2018-19 Schedule

The season opener is rapidly approaching on Oct. 17, and the final dress rehearsal in Dallas will be the last chance to get as close to ready as they can be.

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