Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets’ X-Factor, MKG’s Relentless Effort
Buzz City Beat is a daily roundup of the latest news and stories from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
After their recent loss to the Miami Heat, the Charlotte Hornets return home to take on their division rivals in the Orlando Magic. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the team’s X-Factor, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist‘s relentless effort and how Michael Jordan spends his millions.
Hornets’ X-Factor (BleacherReport.com)
"Zeller still doesn’t receive much national hype, but that should start to change now that his importance to head coach Steve Clifford has become so readily apparent. Not only is he a tremendous interior defender but also his screen-setting and knack for efficient scoring helps make the Charlotte offense hum."
It’s pretty clear that Cody Zeller is the Hornets’ X-Factor this season. His numbers don’t jump out but all you have to look at is Charlotte’s record with and without him playing this season. They are 25-19 when Zeller plays and only 3-17 when he’s out. His absence in the starting lineup due to multiple injuries this season could actually be a big reason as to why the team misses the playoffs this year.
Cody doesn’t score or rebound at an all-star level but he does the little things and puts the Hornets in a position to compete and win games. It’s hard to measure his value based on only his individual stats but by looking at the team stats with and without him, it is clear that Zeller just makes Charlotte better.
MKG’s Relentless Effort (NBA.com)
"Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s five-year NBA career has largely been defined by an unparalleled, relentless energy he brings to his team on a daily basis. Although not necessarily a high-volume scorer, Kidd-Gilchrist has made his living in the league by doing the dirty work, playing to his strengths that don’t always resonate in a traditional box score. Mild-mannered and soft-spoken away from the game, you’d be hard-pressed to find any player with a bigger contrast in personas when it comes time to take the court."
Even though MKG’s lack of an offensive game and his “ugly” shot garners a lot of criticism, there is no doubting his heart and effort. Even in games where he goes scoreless, Michael will still find a way to make a positive impact on the game. His 7.6 rebounds per game, which ranks fourth best in the NBA among small forwards, speaks directly to his effort.
Kidd-Gilchrist’s not the biggest guy, by NBA terms, at only 6’7, 232 but he has found a way to lead the Hornets’ in rebounding this season. Charlotte will always be able to count on him giving 100% each and every game.
How MJ Spends His Millions (CharlotteObserver.com)
"Business Insider lists several other big expenses, including: An $12.8 million on a Florida mansion. A planned $15 to $20 million golf course in Florida. His 32,683-square-foot Chicago mansion on the market for $14.8 million. And he has a 154-foot-mega yacht called “Mr. Terrible.”"
Next: Steve Clifford Calls Out Poor Bench Play
Michael Jordan is the epitome of “you do what you want when you poppin’.” The craziest note from the article is that he makes about $100 million annually from Nike and he only paid $175 million to own the Charlotte Hornets. Now, the team’s worth $780 million. And did you see his private jet with the elephant print paint job?