Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the latest articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
After winning two straight, the Charlotte Hornets will look to make it three in a row and sweep their season series against the Orlando Magic in their next outing. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at to tank or not, Kemba Walker deserving of MVP votes and the Greensboro Swarm fall to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
To Tank or Not to Tank (WBTV.com)
"Before the season, no one would have thought we would be asking this, but it is a reality now. To tank or not to tank? That is the big question for the Charlotte Hornets for which they have answered… NO WE WILL NOT!"
The Hornets will not lay down and die. Even if their playoff odds are slim, they will fight til the end as none of the players or coaches are willing to give up on the season. Despite that, their efforts may fall short but even if they do, there are a number of great prospects coming out of college for the loaded draft that is coming up.
Those promising players make tanking intriguing. So if Charlotte misses the postseason and falls into the lottery, it wouldn’t be the worst thing. Although, by not tanking, they are hurting their chances for a higher pick and possibly missing out on a superstar. It’s a tough situation for the team but they have made their decision that they are not tanking.
Does Kemba Walker Warrant MVP Votes? (BleacherReport.com)
"The Charlotte Hornets have tried out plenty of backup point guards, but none have been able to stem the substantial drop-off that occurs when Kemba Walker needs to rest. No one can control the offense like him, even if it’s less difficult to pick up the minimal defensive slack."
Bleacher Report ranked the REAL MVP’s (Actual Most Valuable Players) in the league this season. Kemba came in at #7 because of his ability to carry the Hornets. While he will never be considered a real MVP candidate compared to Russell Westbrook, James Harden or LeBron James this year, Walker does deserve some votes by the literal connotation of the MVP meaning.
At the very least there is no doubting that the point guard is the Most Valuable Player for Charlotte. He leads the team in scoring and is second in assists. Not only that but he makes them so much better when he’s on the court than when he’s off. In all honesty, without Kemba, the Hornets would be one of the worst teams in the NBA.
Swarm Fall to Mad Ants Despite Diallo’s Big Double-Double (WANE.com)
"It was a big night for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (29-15) as they extended their playoff push with a 101-95 win against the Greensboro Swarm (16-30). The Swarm had four end in double digits. Diallo recorded a double-double of his own with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Rasheed Sulaimon added 20 points. Barber and Mardracus Wade tacked on 19 points each."
Next: Hornets' Draft Options in the Lottery
Cheik Diallo has proven to be one of the Swarm’s best players and one of the most productive big men in the D-League. Too bad he’s not actually their player and is only on assignment from the New Orleans Pelicans. Even so, he has helped Greensboro along with Cat Barber. The Hornets’ D-League affiliate still couldn’t’ come out with the win against Fort Wayne even with Diallo’s big double-double.