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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets’ trade idea for third PG, Monk a sleeper to win ROY?

By Jerry Stephens

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Malik Monk of the Charlotte Hornets is seen during the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ashlee Espinal/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Malik Monk of the Charlotte Hornets is seen during the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ashlee Espinal/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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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.

According to EVP Pete Guelli, the work Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is putting in this offseason is paying off. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets possibly trading for a third string point guard, Malik Monk as a sleeper pick for Rookie of the Year and the new players being key for the team.

Trading Jeremy Lamb for a third point guard (BleacherReport.com)

"The Charlotte Hornets couldn’t find a competent backup for All-Star Kemba Walker last season. Depending on your view of Michael Carter-Williams, that need might still exist. Enter Barea."

J.J. Barea would be the perfect third point guard option for Charlotte. During his time with the Mavs, he’s shown in the past that he can help a contender off of the bench. With that being said, I’m not sure that he’s worth giving up Jeremy Lamb and a second roundness pick for. Although, getting Dorian Finley-Smith is decent compensation.

The Hornets need a strong third point guard because of the uncertainty surrounding Michael Carter-Williams. There isn’t no guarantee that he will fit and have a bounce back season. By getting Barea, the team would have a proven veteran who could step in if need be. Injuries are unpredictable and MCW could struggle, J.J. would be good insurance to have.

Malik Monk a sleeper to win Rookie of the Year? (UPROXX.com)

"If you like buckets, you like Malik Monk. However, he is flying under the radar after an ankle injury kept him away from Summer League and the odds reflect that longshot status. To be fair, Monk’s path to playing time isn’t exceedingly clear but, if Steve Clifford trusts him, Monk is going to score points."

The Kentucky product may have 16/1 odds to win ROY but by just looking at the players eligible, he is by far one of the most talented. His scoring ability alone makes him a prime candidate take home the honor. The problem is, he probably won’t get the minutes or large enough of an offensive role to compete with the likes of Lonzo Ball or Markelle Fultz.

If Monk was on a rebuilding team like the New York Knicks or the Chicago Bulls, then I would have him as a favorite to win or at least be top-three in votes for the award. Instead, he is on an established Hornets’ team who look poised for a playoff return. He probably won’t start and won’t get over 25 minutes a game like many of his peers will. Still, Malik should be able to get ample playing time and be able to show off his scoring ability quite often.

Dwight Howard and new guards are key for Charlotte (SirCharlesInCharge.com)

"The Charlotte Hornets’ fate in 2017-18 could lie in the hands of Dwight Howard and the complimentary guards that surround him"

Next: Difficult offseason for Charlotte's free agents

We are saw how far Kemba and company could get without the likes of Howard, Monk and MCW last season. While Walker and the players from last year’s team will still be important, the new acquisitions will determine if Charlotte can live up to playoff expectations. If the new players can come in and do what’s expected of them by immediately making a positive impact, then things should be good for the Hornets.

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