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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets’ Mock Draft, Belinelli for Most Improved

By Jerry Stephens

Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts on the bench against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts on the bench against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the newest articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

After getting their three-game win streak snapped by the Washington Wizards, the Charlotte Hornets will return home to take on the Miami Heat on the second night of a back to back. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at an updated mock draft, Marco Belinelli in the conversation for Most Improved and the reason why Michael Jordan didn’t hire Patrick Ewing in 2012.

Hornets to Draft Zach Collins? (SI.com)

"Rim protection and an ability to stretch the floor are the two most elusive skills for any center in the modern NBA, and Collins could do both for the right team. The Hornets need the help up front. If Collins is available, he could be worth it."

I’m just going to say this right now, Charlotte does not need another 7-footer on their roster. Unless that big man is going to take over the starting role from Cody Zeller or Marvin Williams immediately, then don’t draft him. Go for need and the Hornets need a wing with the ability to knock down three’s.

No disrespect to Zach Collins because he might be a great NBA player but he is not what the Hornets need. If Charlotte’s going to be drafting in the lottery this year (which is the most likely outcome) then they need to make sure that they make this pick count.

Marco Belinelli in the Most Improved Conversation (BleacherReport.com)

"He’s still a defensive negative for head coach Steve Clifford, and the overall product remains at a below-average level. But there’s a big difference between serving as a slight detractor to the team’s efforts while filling a big role off the bench and functioning as a glaring issue who jettisoned hopes of winning games upon entry."

No, Marco is not the Most Improved Player in the NBA but he is in the conversation according to this article. Bleacher Report has Belinelli as tied for the eighth most improved player in the league with a 16 improvement score. Not too bad for the 31-year old who has had a somewhat up and down season for the Hornets.

Just being in the conversation is impressive enough for the Italy international who has been one of Charlotte’s best and most consistent players off of the bench this year. In all reality, the award will probably go to Giannis Antetokounmpo but if the Hornets were giving out a MIP award, it would go to Marco.

Reason Why Ewing Didn’t Get Charlotte Job in 2012 (NYPost.com)

"In 2012, Ewing interviewed for the Hornets coaching job with his buddy Michael Jordan, but the job went to former St. John’s assistant Mike Dunlap. A source said Jordan didn’t think Ewing had done enough of his homework on Charlotte’s roster."

Next: 2019 All-Star Game in Charlotte?

If Ewing didn’t know enough about the job he was interviewing for with the Hornets a few years ago, that doesn’t speak well to his preparation. It also makes you wonder why he didn’t get the two jobs he interviewed for last summer with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings. Although, that was in 2012 and Patrick has probably changed that aspect of himself. Considering he got the Georgetown job so quickly, it’s safe to say he did his homework.

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