After trading for Dwight Howard, drafting Malik Monk, and signing Michael Carter-Williams, many fans are wondering what the starting lineup will be, especially with Steve Clifford's mantra being "Earn your minutes." Now, we will take a look at what the depth chart should look like.

Starting Lineup:

PG: Kemba Walker

Kemba is easily the best player on the Hornets' roster, period. With his All-Star game appearance, he is coming off what is easily the best season of his career.

SG: Nicolas Batum

Batum is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. Last offseason, the Hornets paid him like so, signing him to a five-year, $120 million deal. He is a solid offensive weapon but can be inconsistent at times. All in all, there is no way Batum does not start for this Charlotte Hornets team.

SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

The second overall pick in the 2011 draft will most likely start in the three slot for the Hornets. His perimeter defense is some of the best in the league. What some Charlotte Hornets fans do not actually know, is that MKG hired a shooting trainer to help him work on his jump-shot over the offseason. If his offense can improve, Kidd-Gilchrist could become one of the better small-forwards in the NBA.

PF: Marvin Williams

Marvin has established himself as one of the better three-point shooting power-forwards in the NBA. He is also one of the better above-rim players on the Charlotte Hornets. The former Tar Heel is probably the most inconsistent starter for the Hornets, however, all in all, there is nobody on the Hornets that should start above him.

C: Dwight Howard

The recently acquired center still managed to average a double-double last season, despite many age concerns from critics. I believe Dwight will get the nod over Cody Zeller due to his rebounding ability. If Charlotte is able to surround him with shooters they may be able to make a playoff run. Personally, I am intrigued to see how good the Hornets will be at defense. The offense is the main question with Charlotte.

Bench:

PG: Michael Carter-Williams

SG: Malik Monk

SF: Jeremy Lamb

PF: Frank Kaminsky

C: Cody Zeller

The recent signing of Michael Carter-Williams means that the Hornets have finally found their guy to back up Kemba Walker. The former rookie of the year has been bouncing from team to team, so it will be interesting to see if he will be able to re-discover his form. When the Hornets drafted Malik Monk, I am sure many Charlotte fans were bouncing up and down in joy. The projected top-ten pick led the Kentucky Wildcats in scoring, on a team with two other lottery talents: De'Aaron Fox and Bam Adebayo. Jeremy Lamb is somewhat undersized for a wing-player, but his wingspan is 7'0", which does make up some of the difference. Many Charlotte fans are convinced Frank Kaminsky will start. I do not believe this is the case. When Frank was in games, he often showed flashes of inconsistency with his shot and defense. Cody Zeller is one of the most underrated big men in the league. He quietly averages 10 PPG and 7 RPG. When Charlotte had him, they were easily in the playoff picture, and when Zeller was injured, the Hornets seemed to have fallen off of a cliff.

Reserves:

PG: Undecided

SG: Dwayne Bacon

SF: Treveon Graham

PF: Johnny O'Bryant

C: Undecided

With the third string point-guard and center slots unfilled, Charlotte looks to add veterans to their roster for cheap. They do not need anything special, just an emergency guard, and a third string center.