Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets are relying on Steve Clifford, All-Star Game Mock Draft
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After the Nicolas Batum injury, the Charlotte Hornets‘ win projections fell from 47.5 wins to 45.7 wins. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the team relying on Steve Clifford this season, a look ahead to where Kemba Walker might be drafted in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game and a famous Hornets’ minority owner being arrested.
Charlotte’s banking on Steve Clifford’s ability to reach Dwight Howard (SI.com)
"Best case: Clifford awakens Howard to his new reality, further punctuating the polished play of one of the best-prepared teams in the league"
In more ways than one, the Hornets will be relying heavily on Coach Clifford this season. They are counting on him to make Charlotte strong defensively once again while also integrating new players into the system and giving a rookie with loads of potential in Malik Monk enough playing time to showcase his skills. For me, the best case scenario with Howard is that he averages around 15 points and 10 rebounds while becoming somewhat of a defensive anchor for the team.
Worst case is that Clifford can’t get through to Howard the same way that he did in Orlando and Dwight continues his downward trend. Based on his recent seasons and injury history, that’s probably the more likely scenario. Although, if anyone can turn back the clock for the eight-time all-star, it’s Steve Clifford.
2018 NBA All-Star Game Mock Draft (ESPN.com)
"Have to imagine LeBron would go for the All-Star over the youngster who has never reached that level before, unless he’s intent on filling positional holes. James loves scoring guards — remember his affinity for Shabazz Napier when he was coming out of UConn — so Walker would almost certainly get the nod here."
This mock draft projects Kemba to be selected 21st overall by Team LeBron. That’s only one spot ahead of Myles Turner who was the final pick. Walker would join Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green, Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, Paul George, James Harden, Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan on James’ squad.
It doesn’t really matter where Kemba is drafted under the new All-Star Game rules. What really matters for Charlotte and Walker’s continued development is if he makes the team for the second consecutive season. With the new format, the famous mid-season exhibition has gotten that much more intriguing.
Hornets’ minority owner, Nelly, released after arrest on rape accusation (ChicagoTribune.com)
"Police arrested rapper Nelly early Saturday after a woman said he raped her on his tour bus in a town outside Seattle, an accusation the Grammy winner’s attorney staunchly denied."
Next: Charlotte's needed a player like Dwight Howard
This is an ongoing situation and investigation and even though no charges have yet filed, it’s a small black cloud surrounding the Hornets. It will be interesting to see what happens to Nelly’s minority stake in the team going forward. He has been one of the most prominent and famous supporters of the Charlotte-based NBA franchise.