Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets’ biggest questions, Malik Monk is a dark horse to win Rookie of the Year

By Jerry Stephens

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Malik Monk of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Malik Monk of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

Here’s a look at the team’s full roster stats on NBA 2K18. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the three biggest question marks for the Charlotte Hornets, why Malik Monk is a dark horse to win Rookie of the Year and Dwight Howard‘s back injury.

Hornets’ three biggest questions (ThaSportsJunkies101.com)

"1. Will There Be Enough Minutes To Go Around For All The Hornets Shooting Guards?2. Who’s Going to Help Kemba?3. Can Charlotte Snag a Top Five Seed?"

Looking at the first question, I’m not sure there are enough minutes to go around for each wing player. Dwayne Bacon will probably be the odd man out of the rotation to begin the year just because he is an unproven rookie. Nicolas Batum is obviously the starter while Malik Monk and Jeremy Lamb will share the sixth man/primary scorer off the bench duties. This also means limited minutes for Treveon Graham who had a strong end to last year and summer.

As for the second question, the Hornets are hoping that the addition of Monk and Dwight Howard will be enough to help Kemba Walker and get Charlotte over the hump. And a top-five seed may be a reach but it isn’t impossible, especially in the weak Eastern Conference. Even so, if they can stay healthy, a six through eight seed is more likely.

Malik Monk is a dark horse to win Rookie of the Year (FadeawayWorld.com)

"Monk is an outstanding shooting and one of the best offensive talents in this year’s NBA Draft, and considering how much the Hornets are in need of scoring from beyond the arc and the fact that they will have an easy path in the weak Eastern Conference to at least hold on to the 8th seed, he could prove his doubters wrong with some impressive performances."

Even though Charlotte needs Monk to be a consistent scoring threat this year, it’s unlikely that Steve Clifford makes him a starter as a rookie. If he could get ample playing time, Malik could, at the very least, be in the conversation for Rookie of the Year. It will mostly depend on the role that Coach Clifford gives the Kentucky product.

If Malik can prove himself on the defensive end, there’s a good chance that he could receive more minutes. While he may be one of the best first-year players in the league, the opportunities probably won’t be there for Monk as much as they are for other rookies like Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz.

Dwight Howard’s dealing with back tightness (CBSsports.com)

"Howard was a partial participant during Wednesday’s practice while dealing with back tightness. Back issues aren’t anything new for Howard, who has averaged just over 66 games played over the past five seasons."

Next: Where Clifford ranks among Hornets' coaches?

Howard has had back problems for years now but it is a bit concerning that he’s already a limited participant in practice after only the second day of training camp. Although the injury isn’t severe, it is a minor cause for concern because of Dwight’s history. Treveon Graham is already dealing with a hamstring injury that will keep him out for about two weeks meaning he could miss the entire preseason.

Home/Hornets News