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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets appear in Rookie Survey, Watch Malik Monk work out

By Jerry Stephens

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Malik Monk of the Charlotte Hornets 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 Monk of the Charlotte Hornets 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.

Kemba Walker made a brief cameo on HBO’s Ballers. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the NBA’s Rookie Survey, Malik Monk‘s recent workout and a breakdown of the Charlotte Hornets‘ X-Out defense.

Hornets’ players appear in Rookie Survey (NBA.com)

"Which rookie is the best shooter? 1. Luke Kennard, Detroit — 48.6% 2. Malik Monk, Charlotte — 13.5%"

Aside from Monk being voted the second best shooter in the 2017 Draft class by his peers, the Kentucky product was also voted the fourth most athletic rookie and a few votes for Rookie of the Year and for which rookie will have the best career. Surprisingly enough, he was not voted one of the one of the top steals in the draft.

Although, Dwayne Bacon received 5.4% of the votes for the biggest steal after falling to 40th overall in the second round. Rookies voted for their favorite players in the league and Dwight Howard made a surprise appearance on that list. LeBron James came in at #1 while Stephen Curry wasn’t even named.

Watch Malik Monk work out and get buckets (Social Media)

This is our first look at Monk since he was drafted by Charlotte after he missed all five summer league games due to an ankle injury. He only recently was cleared and returned to full practice. Although this is just a workout video, it should excite Hornets’ fans as Malik displayed his shooting range, form, touch, step back jumper and even one play where he attacks the basket.

We should be seeing a lot more of this in the coming weeks leading up to training camp. Hopefully, the team’s first round pick posts more videos of his summer workouts because there isn’t a lot to talk or get excited about at this point in the offseason.

Breaking down Charlotte’s X-Out defense (BballBreakdown.com)

"The standard bearer for this type of coverage has consistently been Steve Clifford’s Hornets. There’s a reason they’re used in almost every example of illustrating this coverage shown above. Clifford is the best teacher of defense in the league, and all his players 1 through 5 are aware of and able to thrive within whatever scheme he dials up from his post on the sideline."

Next: Way too early 2018 NBA Draft target for Charlotte

This in-depth breakdown takes a close look at the Hornets’ X-Out coverage defensive scheme with videos to illustrate how it works. One interesting question is if Steve Clifford will continue to use this with Dwight Howard on the floor this season. Charlotte’s versatile players who can cover multiple positions allows them to switch and use this tactic against their opponents.

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