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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets still seeking success, Consistency is key for Monk

By Jerry Stephens

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Malik Monk the eleventh overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets signs an autograph at 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 Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Malik Monk the eleventh overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets signs an autograph at 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 Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the latest and greatest news and stories from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.

With no NBA basketball, the biggest news was an AAU game between top high school prospects Zion Williamson (28p, 8r) and LaMelo Ball (31p, 9a, 8r) in which Williamson’s team won, 104-92. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ quest for success, the key to Malik Monk‘s rookie year and Dwight Howard‘s visit to Forbes Arena.

Charlotte’s still seeking success (QueenCityHoops.com)

"Although the 2017 NBA Draft seemed to be the first draft that fans generally thought the Hornets front office handled correctly, true fans still are able to see the weaker links that the team currently employ."

Consistent success has been hard to come by for the Hornets’ franchise as they haven’t made the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2000-2002. Charlotte’s actually missed the postseason in 10 of the last 13 years but there is some hope as they’ve won over 40 games and made the playoffs in two of the last four campaigns.

Still, the team is seeking a guide to success. While this is arguably the Hornets’ best team in some time, their roster still isn’t good enough to compete for a title. For me, consistent improvement is what will count as success. The next step for Charlotte is to win a postseason series.

Consistency is key for Malik Monk’s rookie season (BleacherReport.com)

"Between Malik Monk’s dramatic projected role change and his particular shot selection, staying consistent won’t be easy. Monk goes from No. 1 option at Kentucky to the likely sixth man in Charlotte, which could throw off his rhythm and potential to build it."

It usually takes some time for rookies to adjust to the style and pace of the NBA. Considering that Monk missed summer league, training camp and preseason will be important for him to get up to speed. The Hornets’ first round pick will likely come off of the bench to start the season and that should help him with his consistency as he will get regular minutes.

Even though Steve Clifford hasn’t always given rookies the minutes they necessarily deserve or need, that should (hopefully) change this time around. Malik should get free range on the offensive end with the second unit. Ultimately, it will be up to the Kentucky product to make the most of his opportunity and show that he can be consistent in the NBA with fewer chances than he got in college.

Dwight Howard visits Morehouse College (Social Media)

"@DwightHoward stops by Forbes Arena to practice w/the @MaroonTigers"

Next: Jackson's an intriguing option for Charlotte

The Hornets’ big man made an appearance at the Atlanta, Georgia based school and talked to players and coaches. He even showed off his athleticism with an impressive dunk. Dwight Howard has been active this offseason working out at local gyms in the Atlanta area.

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