Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
The talk around the league is Lonzo Ball’s improved play as he recorded a triple-double in his second ever summer league game. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the updated salaries for the Charlotte Hornets, just how good Treveon Graham’s summer league was and how Dwayne Bacon made us forget about Malik Monk for a few days.
Monk, MCW and Bacon’s updated salaries (BasketballInsiders.com)
"Looks like the Hornets gave Dwayne Bacon two fully guaranteed years (3rd NG) at min. Michael Carter-Williams will make $2.7 mil even for Hornets – just a 1-yr, part of taxpayer MLE (doesn’t trigger hard cap) via @EricPincus"
The numbers for Michael Carter-Williams and the Hornets’ two rookies are now official. MCW was signed to a one-year, $2.7 million deal using the Mid-Level Exception. Malik Monk’s rookie level contract is now set for four years and Dwayne Bacon was signed using the MLE for $815k in the first year and $1.3 million guaranteed for year two.
Charlotte still has $4.8 million to spend of their MLE and $3.2 million of the Bi-Annual Exception but it is unlikely they do because any big money signing would hard cap them and put them above the luxury tax. It’s worth noting that the team has until July 12th to use the $1.6 million trade exception they got from dealing Troy Daniels last year.
Treveon Graham was the second best player in the Orlando Pro Summer League (HoopsHype)
"“2. Treveon Graham, Charlotte. Showcased impressive all-around, two-way game. Probably a keeper for the Hornets now.”"
HoopsHype ranked the Hornets’ second-year player as the second best player in the Orlando Pro Summer League based on his performances. He came in behind only Dwight Buyks who very may well have earned himself an NBA contract with his play as the Knicks are interested in the point guard. Back to Graham, in all likelihood, he did secure a roster spot with Charlotte for next season.
Treveon put up 17.7 points per game (led team), 8.3 rebounds (led team) and 2.7 assists (second on team). Although he is mostly known for his great defense, the wing player showed that he added more to his game and was a viable threat on the offensive end.
Dwayne Bacon made us forget about Malik Monk for a few days (16WinsARing.com)
"Charlotte’s five games have come and gone in Orlando, with the team going 3–2, but as Jayson Tatum, Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz and others dazzle in Las Vegas, Buzz City fans were treated to a scintillating performance of their own from a rookie. Just not the one many foresaw after draft night."
Next: What if Hayward ended up with Charlotte in 2014?
Malik Monk was supposed to be the marquee player for the Hornets during summer league but after he was ruled out with an ankle injury, Dwayne Bacon took the spotlight. For a couple of days, he was Charlotte’s star rookie. That will change once the regular season begins but this was a rare opportunity for the Florida State product to prove himself and he made the most of his chance.