Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
The 2019 All-Star Game was awarded to the Queen City and there are also rumors that the Hornets’ throwbacks could make an appearance soon. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ biggest offseason priorities, potentially landing Stephen Curry and forecasting Lauri Markkanen.
Charlotte’s Biggest Offseason Priorities (RealSport101.com)
"If the Hornets opt to use the No. 11 pick on a wing, they could look at someone like a Justin Jackson or Donovan Mitchell – long-limbed wings who can handle the rock a bit, score some buckets, and make some plays for others in the second unit."
This article lists the Hornets’ three biggest priorities this offseason to be upgrading at backup point guard, finding a dynamic wing and bringing in another competent big man. That’s a lot of holes to fill considering that Charlotte has almost no cap space this summer. They will likely need to make a trade or two in order to round out their squad.
They will surely add a backup point guard but going after a quality big man might not be as logical with Miles Plumlee already on the roster. Unless they find a way to trade his massive contract, they will probably be stuck with him as their backup center. Finding a two-way wing should be their second concern after finding a backup for Kemba Walker.
Could the Hornets Land Stephen Curry? (BleacherReport.com)
"So, in other words, we’re saying that there’s a chance? That Steph might love the idea of playing for a team where Dell is the color commentator? That the opportunity to recruit his brother, Seth, in 2018 for a full-fledged family reunion is enough to seal the deal?"
It would take A LOT for the Hornets to get Steph Curry. First, they would need to create enough cap space to sign him which is difficult within itself. Then they would need to have enough quality pieces to place around Curry that might entice him to leave the super team that he has with the Warriors. At least for the foreseeable future, Steph to Charlotte won’t happen.
While it is a fun fantasy to entertain, the reality of it actually happening just isn’t practical. Curry will likely stay with Golden State for a while and the Hornets will attempt to build around Kemba Walker. Rather than fixating on preposterous free agent signings, the team should focus on making a contender with realistic options.
Forecasting Lauri Markkanen (QueenCityHoops.com)
"Markkanen, much like Frank Kaminsky, will likely be hard to have on the court in those situations because of the defensive tradeoff. This is a real concern of mine and why I’d stay away from Markkanen if I’m drafting in the lottery. I do believe he will slide down draft boards by June 22 and project him as a mid-first-round prospect."
Next: P.J. Dozier to workout with the Hornets in June
Unless the Hornets want another seven footer who is almost exactly like Frank Kaminsky, then they should avoid Markkanen. While he does have the potential to be a good player, Charlotte has other needs to fill like a backup point guard and a consistent wing player. While he may be high on some draft boards, Rich Cho and Michael Jordan should look elsewhere.