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Swarm and Sting Round Table Discussion: Charlotte Hornets’ Season Preview

By Jerry Stephens

Jan 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; A ball lays on the court during a timeout in the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Jazz in two overtimes 124-119. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; A ball lays on the court during a timeout in the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Jazz in two overtimes 124-119. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Uncasville, CT, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) is guarded by Boston Celtics guard Gerald Green (30) in the 2nd quarter during a pre-season game at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Uncasville, CT, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) is guarded by Boston Celtics guard Gerald Green (30) in the 2nd quarter during a pre-season game at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Is Frank Kaminsky ready to take the next step this season?

Jerry Stephens:

Based on his preseason performance, I expect Frank to average double-digits in scoring as well as over six rebounds per game. Outside of Charlotte, people are critical or Kaminsky but I think that most Hornets’ fans know his skill level. He can be a great contributor/sixth man/first big man off of the bench this season. His shooting ability coupled with his added strength, improved rebounding, and developed offensive low post game that we saw a bit of in the playoffs last year, Frank is ready to break out.

Gabriel Davis:

The “sophomore leap” is a pretty well documented NBA phenomenon. I see Frank very quickly asserting himself as this team’s most important bench player. I would even go so far as to say that Kaminsky will see more touches on the post in isolation, and that he will make opposing 4’s pay from the 3 point line as well. Frank the Tank!

Daniel Purcell:

Frank has already shown to be progressing nicely. How far he goes is completely up to him. His scoring ability is obvious. My only concern about Frank is his killer instinct. I would like to see some passion from him on the court. If this aspect of his game continues to develop then he may turn out to be the Hornet’s very own MI Abram.

Rhett Koonce:

Frank the Tank has officially arrived! Well, at least he did in the preseason. The sophomore jump is real and he is showing signs that the game is slowing down for him. He averaged 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists this preseason. The departure of Big Al opened up more playing time for Kaminsky. Judging by some of his highlights this preseason, I would say he is certainly ready to step into a contributing role off of the bench.

Russ Heltman:

Frank is my guy, and he is primed for a leap into the top-tier of big men in the league. Frank should be one of the more effective sixth men in the league and his ability to space the floor and bang on the boards should be on full display after Big Al’s exit opened the door for him.

Laieke Abebe:

I certainly hope Frank is ready to take the next step. With the loss of Al Jefferson, it provides Frank more minutes to contribute off the bench as a stretch 4. Spacing will be key to the Hornets success and they need an improved season from the Tank.

Young Kim:

I don’t know if Frank has the ability to become a starter in this league. I really like his game don’t get me wrong, but he doesn’t have the same upside as many rookies from last year do. Already 23, Kaminsky doesn’t have massive room for improvement, but watching his preseason play did give me hope. His defense and most importantly his confidence has improved. While he hesitated to take a lot of 3 pointers last season, it seems he’s grown comfortable with NBA range. I think he can be more than an adequate sub for Marvin Williams when he sits.

Deshawn White:

I think Kaminsky is a better player than he was last year, so I’m pretty sure he’ll take a step this season. If his defense can improve a little more than he’ll definitely be a foundational player. We’ll definitely see in the first few games this year, if he’s healthy enough to play that is.

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