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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets’ projected record, Would Kemba ever leave?

By Jerry Stephens

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 2: Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets takes some photos during the Basketball Without Boarders Africa at the American International School of Johannesburg on August 2, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 2: Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets takes some photos during the Basketball Without Boarders Africa at the American International School of Johannesburg on August 2, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

Michael Jordan believes that Kobe Bryant is better than LeBron James because “five beats three.” In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ project record, why Kemba Walker might leave in 2019 and the team’s new app to make Spectrum Center “mobile-friendly.”

Hornets’ projected record (ESPN.com)

"The Hornets are primed to return to the playoffs after a one-year absence. Despite going 36-46 a year ago, Charlotte outscored opponents by 0.2 points per game, which typically would translate to a 41-41 record."

ESPN has Charlotte winning 44.1 games and finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference. That would put them ahead of the Toronto Raptors, the Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons but about five wins back of the Milwaukee Bucks. With the weakened East and the Hornets’ improved roster, a playoff berth is expected and having a record above .500 should be attainable.

The most interesting part about the projected records for every NBA team is that the #1 seed in the East (Boston Celtics) will only win around 49 games compared to the seventh seed in the West (Denver Nuggets) who will need 47 wins just to make the playoffs. That speaks to the decline of the Eastern Conference.

Why Kemba might leave in free agency (BleacherReport.com)

"His rise in Charlotte isn’t being buried, but it’s been somewhat lost amid the Hornets’ early playoff exits and lottery appearances. If their fortunes don’t turn, another team could offer him something similar to what the Celtics promised Hayward: a bigger stage, the buoyed All-Star case that comes with it and, maybe, a more realistic shot at contending for a title."

Even though Walker could leave in 2019 once he is an unrestricted free agent, BR puts his threat level at only “low to moderate.” Plus, I don’t see the all-star point guard getting “Gordon Hayward syndrome” if Charlotte continues to improve and make the playoffs on a consistent basis. The team is finally starting to get some recognition and arguably have the best roster they’ve put together in over a decade.

I see Kemba as a Hornets lifer. He will finish his career as the team’s all-time leading scorer and probably break a number of other records for the franchise. In 2019, the most likely scenario will be Charlotte re-signing Walker to a max contract. Although, there is always the possibility that he could leave if a better opportunity arises or things go south in the Queen City. Only time will tell.

Charlotte partners with VenueNext for app (MobileSportsReport.com)

"The NBA’s Charlotte Hornets are partnering with app developer VenueNext to develop a new team and stadium app, which will be ready before the new NBA season begins."

Next: Hornets sign former UNC forward Isaiah Hicks

The Hornets’ goal is to make the Spectrum Center “mobile-friendly” so that fans can do everything through their phones from tickets to paying for food. Charlotte now joins Minnesota and Orlando as the only three teams under contract with VenueNext. Keep an eye on the team’s app as multiple changes should be coming for the 2017-18 season.

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