Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: Five players to watch during preseason

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 31: The Charlotte Hornets huddle up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 31, 2016 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 31: The Charlotte Hornets huddle up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 31, 2016 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Rich Cho and Steve Clifford introduce Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets to the media during a press conference at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 26, 2017. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Rich Cho and Steve Clifford introduce Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets to the media during a press conference at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 26, 2017. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Dwight Howard

Howard was the biggest addition Charlotte made this summer. Even though he is somewhat past his prime, Steve Clifford and Hornets’ fans are expecting a lot out of the future first-ballot Hall of Famer. He’s endured his fair share of failed stops, back injuries and trades but Dwight seems to be at peace and happy to have a new opportunity in the Queen City and to be playing under his former coach once again.

The reason to watch Dwight is to see how he fits with the starting five and how he is used. Will he be able to easily replace Cody Zeller as the pick and roll man with Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum or will there be some growing pains? Will Howard get plenty post touches and score with his back to the basket or will Howard primarily be used like how the Utah Jazz use Rudy Gobert?

It will be interesting to see how it plays out. These five preseason games could be a precursor of what is to come for Howard and the Hornets going forward. It will obviously take some time for the new players to gel but maybe Dwight will look better than expected during the preseason.

Home/Hornets News