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Buzz City Beat: Ranking the Charlotte Hornets’ future, Zeller to graduate from IU

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 26, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) looks to pass the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Suns 120-106. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) looks to pass the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Suns 120-106. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the latest and greatest stories and news from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 2-0 lead in their second round series after blowing out the Toronto Raptors while the San Antonio Spurs evened up their series against the Houston Rockets at one game apiece. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we take a look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ future, Cody Zeller ready to graduate from Indiana University and Marco Belinelli loves the Queen City and the franchise.

Ranking the Hornets’ Future (CBSsports.com)

"Considering their core, which won 48 games just last season, is returning, and the fact that the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture is not strong, the Hornets should have a great chance to get back to the postseason in 2017-18."

Of all lottery teams, Charlotte’s future ranks seventh of the 14 teams that missed out on the playoffs this season. That is fair considering the Hornets don’t have a lot of young talent on their roster which limits how strong their future could be. Despite that, the Hornets are still a good team and they will likely be fighting for a playoff spot next year and for a few seasons to come.

Jack Maloney also pointed to Patty Mills as a realistic free agent option for the team this summer. Getting the Spurs’ backup point guard would fill a need for the Hornets. With only a Mid-Level Exception to spend this offseason, that may be enough to lure the 28-year old to Charlotte.

Cody Zeller Ready to Graduate From IU (HoosierSportsReport.com)

"For the past four years, Cody Zeller has been determined to make this weekend a reality. By Saturday, he’ll be an Indiana University graduate. Zeller, who left IU after his sophomore season to begin his NBA career, will return to Bloomington this weekend to accept his bachelor’s degree in management from the Kelley School of Business."

After starting college at Indiana University in 2011, Zeller is finally set to graduate. He left school after his second year to go pro but has taken one online class per quarter since being drafted. It’s pretty incredible that he balanced playing in the NBA and doing homework to finish school in four years time.

Congratulations to Cody on the major accomplishment. His mom wrote a heartfelt message about how proud and happy she was for him. Maybe he could get a front office job with the Hornets’ marketing team one day after his playing career is over considering that he knows business.

Marco Belinelli Loves Charlotte (NBA.com)

"“I love Charlotte. I love the organization. I think we are not happy about not making the playoffs. In some time, we need to be better next year, have [everybody] have a good summer and try to come back here and try to do something big. I think we have the potential to do that. We just have to work and be better next year,”"

Next: MJ to recruit Griffin if he opts out

The 31-year old Italian enjoyed a solid first year with the Hornets as their sixth man. With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Charlotte will have to make a decision on whether or not to bring him back. Considering that he loves the team, Belinelli could be brought back if he continues to play well.

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