Welcome to Buzz City Beat, Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the latest and best articles from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.
After blowing out the Orlando Magic, the Charlotte Hornets now have their sights set on the New Orleans Pelicans on the second night of a back to back. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at why the team should tank, the organization is happy for Bismack Biyombo and the Greensboro Swarm fall to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Why Charlotte Should Tank (iSportsWeb.com)
"Finishing low enough to receive a top 10 pick not only compensates the Hornets in players or trades, but provides humility. It would cause the coaching staff to take a look at the system and figure out what needs changing. Some drastic changes must come to fix Charlotte’s offense and there is nothing like a losing season to help kick-start that process."
Tanking has been a topic of discussion for the Hornets over the past few weeks and no matter how much fans or experts want them to, this team isn’t going down without a fight. Kemba Walker and company will battle for one of the final playoff spots in the East for the remainder of the season. Even if it means facing one of the top teams and probably losing in the first round, their goal is to make the postseason.
While a top-10 pick would probably help, there is no guarantee in the draft and another playoff appearance would help continue to build the winning culture that Charlotte is trying to develop. Plus, even if they lose int he first round as the eighth seed, they will still get a pretty decent mid-first round draft selection. Even if they try to fight for a playoff spot, there is no guarantee that they’ll get it so a lottery pick is still a possibility.
Hornets Are Happy for Bismack Biyombo (OrlandoSentinel.com)
"“Biz, that’s my guy since Day One,” Walker said. “Of course, we had a lot of memories here in Charlotte. He’s evolved. He’s become a better player over the years, and that’s through all of his hard work. I’ve seen how hard he’s worked on his game when he was here, so I can only imagine what he does now.”"
Kemba Walker and Steve Clifford had nothing but nice things to say about Biyombo before their game against Charlotte’s former first-round draft pick. There were high hopes surrounding Bismack when he was first drafted but after not developing with the Hornets, the team decided to give up on the project. While Biz was largely underachieving in the Queen City, it is good to see him somewhat flourishing with the Magic.
Swarm Fall to RGV Vipers (TheTimesNews.com)
"Chick Diallo’s 25 points placed the Swarm. Archie Goodwin added 18 points, while Mike Tobey and Rasheed Sulaimon both chipped in with 13 points."
Next: Kemba Needs Another Improbable Run in March
The Swarm might have lost by 27 but Cat Barber had the highlight play of the night. Also, Diallo, an assignee from the Pelicans, continues to play well for Greensboro. Unfortunately, Greensboro, North Carolina native P.J. Hairston wasn’t available for the RGV Vipers in this one.