Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets and Kyrie Irving trade talk, Sessions to Nevada HoF
Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
LeBron James recently visited the Queen City to watch his sons play basketball in a local tournament. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at how the Charlotte Hornets could be involved in a trade for Kyrie Irving, Ramon Sessions being named to the University of Nevada, Reno Hall of Fame and the Indiana Pacers sign Damien Wilkins.
Hornets, Irving trade talk (CharlotteObserver.com)
"One big question would be whether the Hornets have assets the Cavaliers would consider attractive. They would still be in win-now mode, looking to keep James from moving on after his contract expires."
For the record, I don’t think making a move for Irving is the best thing Charlotte could do this offseason. They already have an all-star point guard who comes at a cheaper cost. Even if Kyrie is better than Kemba, it’s just marginally and I highly doubt that the Cavs’ star would re-sign with the Hornets as he probably wants to play in a bigger market once his contract is up.
Plus, the team would have to give up key pieces and future picks in order to get Irving which would put them at a disadvantage going forward. Still, it would be a huge move for the Hornets to get Kyrie as he is nearly a superstar who is two years younger than Kemba. If Charlotte wants to make a big splash, trade for a two-way wing to help round out their starting lineup.
Ramon Sessions named to University of Nevada, Reno HoF (RGJ.com)
"The class consists of: Kali Baker Bennett – cross country, track & field (2002-07); Laura Bartle Jacobsen – swimming (1997-2000); Nick Fazekas – men’s basketball (2004-07); Brett Hayes – baseball (2003-05); Jeff Rowe – football (2002-06); Ramon Sessions – men’s basketball (2005-07)."
The former Hornets’ point guard played three years at the University of Nevada where he averaged 12.3 PPG, 4.7 APG and 4.7 RPG in his junior season. Sessions is one of only 10 players to make it to the NBA from the Reno based college. In total, he spent three seasons with Charlotte. JaVale McGee and Luke Babbitt are some other famous players to come from the University of Nevada.
After a long professional career (which will probably still continue), Ramon is now being recognized by his school. He’s given a lot of time and money to the university as he hosts a camp for kids each summer and the 31-year old made a $1 million donation to the school to help build a new practice facility for the basketball team. Congratulations, Ramon!
Pacers sign Damien Wilkins (IndyStar.com)
"The Indiana Pacers agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed veteran minimum deal for close to $2 million with small forward and shooting guard Damien Wilkins, a league source confirmed to IndyStar…"
Damien Wilkins spent the entire 2016-17 season with the Hornets’ G-League affiliate in Greensboro. He averaged 14.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 3.8 APG with the Swarm. Even at 37-years old, he was one of the team’s best and most consistent players. The move Charlotte’s affiliate revitalized his career. Apparently, he played well enough to earn an NBA contract.