With the start of the team’s training camp less than a week away, Charlotte Hornets Head Coach James Borrego hosted the organization’s seventh annual Season Tip-Off Luncheon for local media on Tuesday afternoon. Over the course of the meal, Borrego touched on a number of different topics related to what will be a very different-looking Hornets squad this season.

Success this year will be defined by the team’s ability to compete every night, foster player development, establish an identity and build winning habits.

There have been 10-20 guys in the practice facility at all times throughout the summer. Borrego called it “one of the healthiest gyms” he’s ever witnessed during his time in the NBA.

Point guard Terry Rozier has been in Charlotte for about a month now. Borrego stated, “The number one thing about Terry Rozier is that he competes every night. He’s a very competitive kid. He will drive our defense and our competitive spirit on a night-to-night basis.”

Forward Marvin Williams and Rozier will be counted on more than any player for leadership. Borrego states other players will be expected to step up and lead, as well.

Replacing Kemba Walker is not solely Rozier’s responsibility. Instead, it’ll be a collective effort by many to make plays and get to the rim in order to fill the void Walker left.

Borrego stressed the team must improve defensively this season after finishing 23rd in the league last season (112.0 points allowed per 100 possessions). This roster as currently assembled is much more defensive-oriented, a charge led by Rozier.

Miles Bridges is a versatile forward who is expected to take another step with his playmaking and passing. Borrego is leaning towards playing him more at power forward with some time spent at the three, as well.

Playing time will be tied to defense. If players aren’t committed to the defensive end, they won’t be getting minutes, according to Borrego.

Rookie PJ Washington will play power forward and center this season. Borrego stated, “He’s a guy that can rebound, he’s skilled, he can handle on the break. When you look at Miles and PJ, my hope is that those guys can lead the break on a number of nights and they’re making plays for others.”

Washington will be shooting three-pointers from the get-go and is “a very willing passer,” added Borrego.

Third-year guard Malik Monk has bulked up physically after committing himself to an intensive weight-lifting program this summer. Borrego hopes the added mass will benefit him most especially on the defensive end.

After playing just 82 games the last two seasons because of injuries, center Cody Zeller says he’s feeling the best he’s felt physically in years. Borrego stated Zeller’s had a very good summer and is a major part of what the team is trying to do this year.

Zeller will continue working on spacing the floor in terms of shooting three-pointers. Ideally in the modern NBA landscape, teams love to have five guys on the floor at all times who are capable of knocking down shots from the perimeter.

Dwayne Bacon “will be a significant player on the Hornets roster [this season],” says Borrego and he’d be “very surprised” if he wasn’t.

Both Bacon and Rozier have the potential to lead the team in scoring this season.

The G League will be utilized more than ever this season according to Borrego. The team is in the process of hiring a coach that will accompany players going to and from Greensboro.

Two-way signee guard Ahmed Hill appeals to the team because of his defense, intensity and effort. “He’s an extremely hard worker, who is committed to shooting every single day. He is relentless with his effort,” said Borrego.

While there is certainly an emphasis on the younger players this season, veterans will still be expected to improve. Everybody on the roster can get better regardless of experience in the league. Young guys will have to earn their minutes and part of that is giving those minutes to veteran players for the time being.

Playing in pressure-packed games at the FIBA World Cup earlier this month has been great for both center Willy Hernanómez and wing Nicolas Batum. Borrego singled out Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol (whom Hernangómez plays with on the Spanish National Team) as a fantastic player for the Charlotte big man to emulate.

Batum will continue serving as a major defensive piece for the Hornets. He’s a playmaker, a willing passer and is coming off one of the most efficient offensive seasons of his career.