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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets most regrettable draft decision, Ferguson talks about playing overseas

By Jerry Stephens

Apr 2, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) drives to the basket between Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) and Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) drives to the basket between Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) and Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-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.

The Golden State Warriors were able to hoist their second championship trophy in the last three years after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Five of the NBA Finals. The 2016-17 NBA season is officially over. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ most regrettable draft decision, draft prospect explains why he chose to play overseas rather than in college and Frank Kaminsky/Cody Zeller join Cam Newton for a kickball tournament.

Hornets’ most regrettable draft decision (FOXsports.com)

"Trading Kobe Bryant. (1996, Pick No. 13) What is there to say about this one? The Hornets had a Hall of Famer in their midst and decided they’d rather have Vlade Divac. Oops."

While this was a poor decision, I can’t really blame Charlotte because Kobe forced his way to the Los Angeles Lakers. Although, there are plenty of other bad draft choices the Hornets have made in the past to choose from. Just a couple of years ago they took Frank Kaminsky over Myles Turner and Devin Booker. In 2013, they selected Michael Kidd-Gilchrist over Bradley Beal.

Looking at past drafts from the last decade or so, it’s clear that the franchise has missed multiple times on draft night. Just think of Adam Morrison and that’s a good representation of how Charlotte has drafted. Kemba Walker has arguably been the only great pick they have made during Michael Jordan‘s tenure.

Draft prospect talks about going pro as opposed to college (CharlotteObserver.com)

"Charlotte Hornets draft candidate Terrance Ferguson was blunt Monday when asked about college basketball as a farm system for the NBA. It’s a rip-off."

While many may disagree with Terrance Ferguson, I tend to agree with the idea of top prospects playing professionally overseas for a year rather than spend a meaningless semester of two in college. They are able to play against top competition, focus solely on basketball and make money. They won’t have to worry about getting good grades and they get a chance to travel the world.

Again, this is only for top prospects. If you’re not going to be one and done, by all means, go to school. While getting a scholarship is a great honor, most top players only stay for about half a year before leaving so they never get their degree anyway. Ferguson shows that his draft stock hasn’t taken that much of a hit by going overseas as he will be a first-round pick this year.

Kaminsky and Zeller join Cam Newton (NBA.com)

"The third annual KICKING IT WITH CAM! Celebrity Kickball Tournament was held on Friday, June 9 at Memorial Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. Celebrity guests included Cody Zeller, Frank Kaminsky, Terrell Owens and Muggsy Bogues."

Next: Rumor: MKG's name doesn't come up in trade talks

A few past and present Hornets’ players participated in Cam Newton’s kickball event. Even Hugo made an appearance. I can’t say this enough but it is always great to see athletes give back to the community and entertain fans by signing jerseys and taking pictures.

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