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 Pete Guelli, Cody Zeller continues to be at the team’s facility this summer. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ NBA 2K18 all-time team, a sneak peek at the team’s regular season and five keys to making the playoffs this year.
Hornets’ NBA 2K18 all-time team (CharlotteObserver.com)
"Starters: PG Kemba Walker, SG Eddie Jones, SF Glen Rice, PF Larry Johnson, C Alonzo Mourning. Reserves: PG’s Muggsy Bogues, Baron Davis and Raymond Felton. SG’s Dell Curry and Kendall Gill. SF Stephen Jackson. PF’s P.J. Brown and Kenny Gattison. C’s Al Jefferson and Derrick Coleman."
This is a pretty solid all-time team from 2K but there are a few players they left out. Gerald Wallace and Vlade Divac were the two big name absentees from the roster. Also, how were Anthony Mason and Emeka Okafor left off?
Other than that, this team is pretty solid and it also speaks volumes that Kemba is already in the starting lineup. The franchise’s all-time leading scorer in Dell Curry should also be starting over Eddie Jones. Noah Elmore‘s prediction wasn’t far off.
Sneak peek at Charlotte’s season (BasketballInsiders.com)
"The Hornets have a brutal November schedule, with a stretch starting Nov. 10. That means Charlotte will have to figure things out right away. There won’t be a light early schedule to ease Howard into the rotation, so we should know before the year is out if adding him was the right move."
This is one of the most intriguing seasons in recent history for the Hornets after taking a chance on Dwight Howard and getting a top draft pick in Malik Monk. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the team but also a lot of pressure as fans and experts alike predict a huge improvement and a playoff appearance for Charlotte.
The Hornets better build some chemistry fast with the tough opening schedule they have. A slow start out of the gate could set them back and take them out of the running for a top-four seed. The strong opponents will also be a good test for Charlotte to see if they can beat elite teams.
5 keys to making the playoffs this year (HoopsHabit.com)
"Kemba Walker must become a true point guard, Dwight Howard must improve his free throws, Nicolas Batum has to get his scoring up, the Hornets must protect their home court, and they must get help from the second unit."
Next: Just how good can Cody Zeller be? Borderline All-Star?
I think the most important thing for the Hornets is the play of their bench. They can get by with Kemba playing how he has the last two seasons and with Dwight’s poor free throw shooting. Although, they do need Nic Batum to take a step forward and improve his offensive game. Having a close to a .500 record on the road would also help. In truth, it shouldn’t be that hard for Charlotte to make the postseason in the weakened East.