The Charlotte Hornets were among the most disappointing teams last season as they missed out on the playoffs and failed to build on their impressive 2015/16 campaign. 

With the roster they had, and with one of the most underrated coaches in Steve Clifford, the Hornets underachieved last year and didn't find any consistency. 

The only positive for Charlotte was the form of point guard Kemba Walker who was rewarded with his first All-Star nod. 

The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 23.2 points and shot a career-best 44.3 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three-point range. 

Despite his team having a losing record, Walker's contributions couldn't be overlooked and he deservedly headed to New Orleans with the NBA's elite players. 

That achievement has given Walker motivation to get better and accomplish more next season and he has set himself some lofty goals.

“All-NBA would be a huge honour, a huge challenge for myself," Walker said at an NBA 2K18 preview event in New York.

But as well as his individual goals, the New York native wants to make sure the Hornets are also competing with the best in the Eastern Conference. 

“I definitely want to continue to make the All-Star team, of course, but the main goal is to get my team to the playoffs,” he said.

“I hate missing the playoffs. It’s like we get in, then we’re not, we miss it, then we’re in. I want to be more consistent making the playoffs so hopefully we start that this season.”

In a league that is dominated by point guards, Kemba's name is rarely mentioned among the top players in that position. 

Of course, he has some stiff competition from the likes of Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving and John Wall and probably isn't in that class at the moment, but he is certainly making a name for himself. 

However, breaking into the All-NBA team ahead of those players will be extremely tough and he'll have to produce a truly incredible year, both on an individual and collective level, to stand a chance of making it.

The UCONN product has taken on a leadership role with the Hornets and doesn't have the luxury of playing with another All-Star like many of his rivals do, which makes his achievements more commendable. 

Making another All-Star appearance and leading Charlotte to the playoffs are more realistic ambitions for Walker. 

With the team bringing in Dwight Howard and drafting promising young guard Malik Monk, the Hornets star should have enough help to guide the franchise back into the postseason.