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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets interested in Gordon Hayward, Forecasting Dennis Smith

By Jerry Stephens

Nov 9, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Utah Jazz guard forward Gordon Hayward (20) looks to pass the ball as he us defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Utah Jazz guard forward Gordon Hayward (20) looks to pass the ball as he us defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

The Golden State Warriors took a decisive 3-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs after taking Game Three in the Western Conference Finals. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets being interested in Gordon Hayward, forecasting draft prospect Dennis Smith and Damien Wilkins being named MVP of the week in Puerto Rico.

Rumor: Hornets Interested in Gordon Hayward (CommentaryBoxSports.com)

"Hayward became fair game for all of the teams involved, with reports that the Hornets, Heat, Nets, Knicks and Celtics are all zeroing in on making a pitch to Hayward."

It isn’t surprising that Charlotte and Hayward are linked. The two have a history after Gordon signed a four-year, $63 million max offer sheet with the Hornets back in 2014. The Utah Jazz ended up matching the price to keep their star forward but with the 27-year old set to be a free agent once again this summer, the possibility of him coming to the Queen City has new life.

Even though the Hornets don’t have the cap space to sign Hayward, they could make a few trades to create space. Michael Jordan and Charlotte made an “aggressive push” (ESPN.com) to sign Gordon just a few years ago so going hard after him this offseason isn’t out of the question. It may be unlikely but it isn’t impossible. Even a sign and trade could be a possible option.

Forecasting Dennis Smith (QueenCityHoops.com)

"This one isn’t easy… Truth be told, the Hornets badly need more ball-handlers and guards that can get into the middle of the defense and create offense. If Smith were to fall to Charlotte, they’d be foolish to pass on him."

Spencer Percy compares Smith to Terry Rozier of the Boston Celtics. The NC State guard might be available when the Hornets pick at 11 but there is a good chance that he is taken in the top 10 as DraftExpress.com has him going eighth overall to the New York Knicks.

HPbasketbll brought up a small issue. Dennis measured in at a height of only 6’3 with a rumored 6’3 wingspan which could scare some teams off. It might not be a big deal but without that length, he could struggle to defend at the NBA level. Still, Smith has loads of talent and potential so the wingspan issue could be overlooked. We’ll see how his wingspan affects his draft stock.

Damien Wilkins Named MVP of the Week in Puerto Rico (LatinBasket.com)

"Experienced American Damien Wilkins (198-G-80) put on an amazing game in the last week for Guayama and that’s him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 17. The 36-year old guard had a double-double of 30 points and ten rebounds."

Next: Frank Ntilikina is the right choice for Charlotte

After playing with the Greensboro Swarm this past season, Wilkins joined Guayama in Puerto Rico. The NBA veteran is already showing his skills even at his advanced age. That impressive 30-point 10-rebound game was good enough for him to be named MVP of the Week for the league.

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