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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets take advantage of declining Eastern Conference, Malik Monk may change positions

By Jerry Stephens

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Malik Monk reacts with head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats after being drafted eleventh overall by the Charlotte Hornets during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Malik Monk reacts with head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats after being drafted eleventh overall by the Charlotte Hornets during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

NBA free agency is officially underway and teams have not wasted any time in signing players on the open market. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at how the Charlotte Hornets can take advantage of the declining Eastern Conference, Malik Monk‘s possible position change and if Briante Weber is the answer as the backup point guard.

Hornets can take advantage of declining East (BasketballInsiders.com)

"One beneficiary of the drop off for those Eastern teams could be the Charlotte Hornets, which missed the playoffs last season"

Paul George leaving the Indiana Pacers likely puts them in rebuilding mode and out of the playoff picture. After trading Jimmy Butler, it’s safe to say the Chicago Bulls will be on the outside looking in once the postseason rolls around. And the s look to be rebuilding as they traded Dwight Howard and will probably lose Paul Millsap.o

That’s three playoff teams from last season that probably won’t be there next year. While the Miami Heat, the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers all have cases to take their spots, the Hornets are in prime position to make the most of the weakening Eastern Conference. It is now a realistic possibility that Charlotte could challenge for a top-four seed and even a second-round appearance in the playoffs.

Malik Monk may change positions (247Sports.com)

"“I’ll start at the off guard, but when Kemba (Walker) or whoever goes out, I’ll play the one sometimes,” Monk said, who says he has already talked about Charlotte’s rotations with coach Steve Clifford. “(They’ve said) I have to get comfortable playing both.”"

Even though the Hornets’ first-round pick will play on and off the ball, I doubt that he will see much time as the point guard for the second unit. Although, we could see him in a bit of a Nicolas Batum type role off the bench which would allow him to create for other and himself with the ball in his hands. I still think Charlotte will sign a true backup point guard as opposed to letting Monk man that role.

This is a good sign for Malik as he is working to expand his game. Even though he is known as a scorer, developing into more of a playmaker will only make him that much more lethal on the offensive end. I think Monk is best suited as a shooting guard at the NBA level.

Is Briante Weber the answer at backup PG? (CharlotteObserver.com)

"“I’m gonna do what I can do to better my chances of being that backup point guard,” Weber said. “But at the end of the day, all I can do is control what I can control.”"

Next: Hornets interested in signing MCW

Briante will do everything he can this summer during summer league, training camp and preseason to make a strong case for himself to be the Hornets’ backup point guard. While his individual defense is incredible, I’m not convinced that Weber is the best fit behind Kemba Walker. Although, the free agent PG market is looking a bit thin so he may end up being the best possible option.

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