Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets offer Dwight Howard hope, Kyrie Irving trade idea
Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best article from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
Frank Kaminsky didn’t show any mercy to the kids at an NYC Basketball instructional program. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets giving Dwight Howard new hope, another Kyrie Irving trade idea and why Malik Monk could be the team’s breakout player.
Steve Clifford and Hornets offer Dwight Howard a home and hope (ESPN.com)
"Clifford gives Howard his best chance in a long time, but this is no fairy tale, and these aren’t the glory years of the Orlando Magic. Howard has a chance, but it’s on him — once and for all."
Dwight’s reunion with Steve Clifford can’t be overstated enough. After many failed stops in LA, Houston and Atlanta, this could be Howard’s last opportunity to actually leave a positive mark on with an NBA team. Like many times before, he has a new home and a new shot to help lead a team to success.
Playing for a coach and a team that actually wants and needs what he brings to the table could make all the difference. The Hornets need a big man in the middle who can crash the glass and defend the interior. Although he probably won’t have a career-best season, it will be interesting to see if Dwight can rebound and put together a productive season for Charlotte.
Another Kyrie Irving trade idea (Streamable/ The Ringer)
"Bill Simmons: “I want Kemba and I want Monk for Kyrie.”"
Tate Frazier and Kevin O’Connor said that they would agree to this deal. If I’m Charlotte, there’s no way I make this trade. Even if Kyrie is better than Kemba, it’s only marginally and to also give up a young player with the potential of Malik would not be a good move for the Hornets.
Irving only has two years left on his contract as he will most likely decline his fifth-year player option for the 2019-20 season. I doubt he’d re-sign with the Queen City team. It would be best for them to keep what they have a build around Walker and Monk.
Malik Monk could be Charlotte’s breakout player (BleacherReport.com)
"It’s risky to tab a rookie, and it might seem a little cheap considering there’s no previous NBA baseline to break out from. But the Charlotte Hornets are an organization spectacularly devoid of up-and-comers."
Next: Marvin Williams named Hornets' best teammate
Looking at their roster, there aren’t a lot of breakout players to choose from. Unless MKG could somehow find an outside shot, Frank Kaminsky shoots over 40% from three while averaging 12-15 PPG or MCW has a Jeremy Lin type year, Malik Monk has the best shot at being a breakout player for the Hornets. Considering that he will get plenty of consistent minutes as the sixth man, the Kentucky product could end up being a budding star for Charlotte.