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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets’ most hated player, Could Cody Zeller win Sixth Man of the Year?

By Jerry Stephens

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Malik Monko, DeAaron Fox and Dennis Smith Jr. of the Sacramento Kings behind the scenes during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Malik Monko, DeAaron Fox and Dennis Smith Jr. of the Sacramento Kings behind the scenes during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images) /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one-stop for the latest and greatest news and stories from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.

According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, Julyan Stone should be signing with the team next week. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ most hated player of all-time, Cody Zeller as a favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year and Malik Monk‘s NBA 2K18 rating.

Hornets’ most hated player of all-time (CBSsports.com)

"Mourning’s intensity on the court was second to none, and it often rubbed his opponents the wrong way. He did nothing to discourage this reputation when, later in his career as a member of the Heat, he got into a well-publicized brawl with former Hornets teammate Larry Johnson."

Alonzo Mourning is hated by both opposing players and opposing fans. Not only did he get in a fight with Grandmama but he also fought with a number of other players throughout his career including Dennis Rodman, Grant Hill and Charles Oakley. He even had issues with Michael Jordan.

His “7” hate level doesn’t equal that of Bill Laimbeer, LeBron James and Kevin Durant who all have a “10” hate level. Mourning’s tough and gritty style of play was perfect for the 90’s. Considering Zo’s early exit from the Queen City, you could argue that some Hornets’ fans don’t like him as well.

Could Cody Zeller win Sixth Man of the Year? (FanRagSports.com)

"Zeller has a skill set that is unusual for many of the top bench big men in the game. Players like Pau Gasol, Enes Kanter and Greg Monroe are offensive-minded plodders who don’t play defense particularly well, especially against starters. Zeller, meanwhile, is very agile and a definite asset on the defensive end."

The acquisition of Dwight Howard makes Cody one of the best backup centers in the NBA. Even though he will get fewer minutes playing behind Howard, Steve Clifford has said that Zeller will play an important role and get plenty of minutes. If he can average close to a double-double off of the bench, he will be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year.

It may be difficult for Cody to take home the honors as it’s been six years since a big man has won the 6MOY award (Lamar Odom in 2010-11). The last time Charlotte had someone in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation was Jeremy Lin a couple of years ago when he finished seventh in voting. This article only ranks Andre Iguodala and Eric Gordon higher than Zeller for the award.

Malik Monk’s NBA 2K18 rating (Twitter/ @AhmadMonk)

"@Ronnie2K @NBA2K #NBA2K18 #2KFirstLook what y’all think?"

Next: Malik Monk has a chip on his shoulder

The Hornets’ first round pick received a 75 overall rating. For comparison, Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz are each rated 80 overall. The only other Charlotte player to get their rating so far is Dwight Howard who will be an 81 overall when the game releases. Kemba Walker will surely be the team’s highest rated player this season.

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