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Buzz City Beat: Monk falls to Charlotte Hornets in latest mock, Forecasting Ntilikina

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the latest and greatest news and stories from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.

Despite not having Isaiah Thomas, the Boston Celtics found a way to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at Malik Monk possibly falling to the Charlotte Hornets, forecasting draft prospect Frank Ntilikina and two former players face off in the EuroLeague third place game.

Malik Monk Falls to Hornets in Latest Mock Draft (FanSided.com)

"This would represent a pretty precipitous fall for Kentucky’s Malik Monk who could realistically go as high as No. 3 to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, it also showcases some of the depth of the draft and the lack of separation among those players ranked down into the late lottery."

I don’t think there is any way that Monk falls to Charlotte at 11 on June 22nd but if that does somehow happen, the Hornets will be extremely lucky and they shouldn’t hesitate to pick him.In reality, the Kentucky product will probably go in the top-10. On the off chance that he falls, it would be a steal for the Queen City-based team.

DraftExpress.com has Malik going as high as sixth to the Orlando Magic. Charlotte would improve their chances of landing the shooting guard if they were to trade up but other than that, this outcome seems unlikely. This would probably be the best case scenario in the draft as Monk checks all of the boxes for the Hornets’ needs.

Forecasting Frank Ntilikina (QueenCityHoops.com)

"There is zero question that Frank is in play for the Hornets if they do indeed end up picking late in the lottery. He would be a nice fit next to Kemba defensively, providing the size and switchability to Kemba doesn’t have. Having another ball-handler other than Batum to create offense would also be a plus for Charlotte, which Frank could provide."

Ntilikina is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft this year because of his international mystery and potential. He is arguably the most unknown player in this draft class but he could turn out to be the biggest steal if his upside pans out. Again, looking at the draft boards, it is unlikely that he falls to the Hornets as most mocks have him going in the top-10.

Even if he does fall to Charlotte, I’m not 100% certain that they would take him. The team has shown a reluctance to draft project/unknown players in the past. It would definitely be a risk to take Frank but his potential is just too good to pass up.

Former Charlotte Players Battle in EuroLeague Third Place Game (EuroLeague.net)

"Madrid has made a change in its starting lineup with Jeffrey Taylor stepping in for Luka Doncic alongside Sergio Llull at guard, while Jonas Maciulis, Anthony Randolph and Gustavo Ayon complete the lineup."

Next: 10 Stats From Kemba's 3-Point Shooting in 2016-17

Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow faced off in the EuroLeague’s third place game. Former Charlotte players faced off as Jeff Taylor suited up for Real Madrid and Cory Higgins came off of the bench for Moscow. Higgins’ side came out on top, 94-70, as he scored 12 points compared to only eight points from Taylor.

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