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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets’ Reaping Benefits of D-League, Experts Pick Kemba

By Jerry Stephens

Jan 21, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) talks to head coach Steve Clifford during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) talks to head coach Steve Clifford during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to Buzz City Beat, Swarm and Sting’s daily dose of the latest and greatest news surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

The Charlotte Hornets are riding a three-game win streak into their matchup against the Washington Wizards. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at reaping the benefits of the Greensboro Swarm, NBA experts select Kemba Walker as an All-Star reserve, and Treveon Graham trying to earn staying power in the league. 

Hornets Reaping Benefits of Having a D-League Affiliate

“In their first season with a NBA D-League affiliate, the Charlotte Hornets are already reaping the benefits of having a minor-league squad. The Greensboro Swarm, who topped the Erie BayHawks in their first-ever Showcase game, boast an ample amount of players with NBA experience, including Archie Goodwin, Aaron Harrison and Damien Wilkins. And although Harrison was waived by the Hornets this month, the club is still evaluating him thanks to his joining the Greensboro roster.” (Dleague.nba.com)

The Greensboro Swarm were expected to be a welcomed addition to the Hornets’ organization but I think it has been even better than previously thought. Giving Christian Wood ample playing time is one aspect but having a place where Harrison, Xavier Munford, and Goodwin can continue their development is another great feature of having a D-League affiliate. It’s only a matter of time, about a year or two, before we see these players who are currently with the Swarm contribute to an NBA team or with Charlotte.

More from Swarm and Sting

ESPN Expert Selects Walker as All-Star Reserve

“That would naturally mean Walker has to settle for the No. 5 spot in the East’s latest QB ratings. But I’m convinced he’s done enough — with a PER of 22.8 in his breakout season as the driving force for a team with a winning record — to earn his first All-Star berth. The selection would bring his city just a hint of solace after the city lost next month’s All-Star Game to New Orleans; Gerald Wallace was Charlotte’s most recent All-Star in 2010.” (ESPN.com)

Marc Stein is one of a few NBA experts who has put Kemba on their reserve ballot. Even though it doesn’t matter because the coaches make the selections, this is still an encouraging sign. Walker deserves to be an all-star and his play is reason enough for me. Hopefully, the coaches think the same.

Treveon Graham Working to Stay in NBA

“Treveon Graham took the working man’s route to the NBA, so it seemed routine that the Charlotte Hornets rookie was in the gym Saturday morning after a trip to Philadelphia last Friday. Graham wants to do whatever he can to earn staying power in the NBA. He’s trying to heed what others around the league tell him. “They just tell me don’t relax,” he said. “This is just the beginning. Keep working.” (Richmond.com)

Next: Four Under the Radar Trades That Could Help Charlotte

Steve Clifford thinks highly of Graham and he could be on the Charlotte Hornets’ bench for years to come if he continues to develop. He is a hardworking player that has good perimeter defense. These are the type of players that Coach Clifford raves about. I wouldn’t be surprised if Treveon found staying power in Buzz City.

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