Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
Here’s a video of Steve Clifford addressing the media. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at how Dwight Howard gives the Charlotte Hornets‘ hope, D12’s goals for the 2017-18 season and what the team needs to improve on.
Howard gives Hornets reason to believe (WBT.com)
"Howard took it several steps further, saying he’s convinced the Hornets have the talent to win it all. “We do,” Howard said. “… Are we the most talented team in the NBA? People would probably say no, we’re not. But we have a lot of guys who work and a championship attitude. That’s really where it starts.”"
Dwight does not lack confidence and he’s been saying all the right things this summer. Fans are excited about this Hornets’ team and rightfully so. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer has helped bring new hope to the city. Even though a championship is likely out of the question, this could be one of the better squads the franchise has put together since the days of the original Hornets.
Who knows, Dwight could end up being the missing piece Charlotte needed. He could help lead the team to new heights which would include home court advantage in the first round and a second-round playoff appearance for the first time since 2002. Maybe Howard’s play will be just enough to help get them over the hump.
Dwight wants to be First Team All-Defense (WFNZ.com)
"Hornets Center Dwight Howard joins Primetime to discuss his role with the team, as well as his goals for this season."
It’s been five years since Howard last made the All-Defensive First Team but that didn’t stop him from setting his expectations high for his first season in Charlotte. Dwight has made four All-Defensive First Teams and one All-Defensive Second Team throughout his career. From 2008 to 2011, D12 won three straight Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Superman has been one of the best defensive big men in the NBA over the past decade but he has fallen off a bit over the past few years. Under Steve Clifford, his main focus this year will be on the defensive end which could benefit his game. It will be interesting to see if he can reach an All-Defensive team with the Hornets.
What Charlotte needs to improve (LastWordOnProBasketball.com)
"Charlotte struggled to defend the three. Teams attempted and made more three-pointers against the Hornets than they did against anyone else. Charlotte was 26th in offensive rebounds, which limited the team’s ability to extend possessions and create second-chance opportunities."
Next: Monk could start season as backup point guard
Having Dwight Howard as a defensive anchor should help the Hornets with their interior defense but it remains to be seen if the rest of the players can improve their perimeter defense this year. As for their work on the glass, the eight-time all-star should be able to help with that as well. Howard is a double-double machine and has been a monster on the boards throughout his career.