Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
NBA Math looked at how the Hornets’ players fared in their season-opener. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the rookies/new players who made their regular-season debuts for the Charlotte Hornets, Dwight Howard‘s reaction after losing to the Detroit Pistons and the team’s turnover problem.
Hornets’ new players make regular-season debut (WCTV.tv)
"In Detroit, Bacon started at power forward for the Charlotte Hornets and finished with eight points and two rebounds (both on the defensive glass) in 20 minutes. Bacon hit his first career shot in the early going, a three-pointer from the corner."
With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Nicolas Batum out, Dwayne Bacon, who was the 40th overall pick in the second round, got the start in his regular-season debut. He scored eight points in 20 minutes of action. Fellow rookie, Malik Monk, struggled in his first game as he only put up three points on 1-9 shooting. The first-round pick will have some growing pains but better shooting days are ahead of him and this probably won’t become a trend.
Dwight Howard recorded a double-double (10p, 15r) in his Hornets’ debut. Surprinsgly, Julyan Stone had a pretty impressive debut on both ends of the floor as he finished after missing the entire preseason with an injury. With MCW absent, he finished with six points (2-3 from three), three rebounds and two steals in only 12 minutes.
Dwight Howard optimistic after loss in opener to Detroit (Reddit.com)
"“There’s no reason to hang our heads. The champions lost last [night] as well. Things can happen in this league. We just gotta stay together, stay focused, and get game 2.” – Dwight Howard in his post game presser"
While Charlotte’s first game of the 2017-18 season was rather disappointing, it’s worth noting that they were without two starters and their primary backup point guard. The injuries have taken a toll on the team but this is a bit of a positive outlook from Howard. Last season, they got out to their best start in team history (6-1) and ended up below .500 and not making the playoffs so a slow start probably won’t doom them.
The Hornets should be able to bounce back. Having players get healthy and return to the team surely will help. It’s good to see Dwight take on the role of a leader here as he talks about how the team needs to stay together and not get frustrated by one bad outing.
Turnovers are troubling for Charlotte (CharlotteObserver.com)
"An injury-ravaged preseason and a season opener on the road is hardly a large sample size, but the early returns aren’t encouraging. After averaging 16.8 turnovers in five preseason exhibitions, the Hornets gave away the ball 17 times Wednesday in a 102-90 loss to the Detroit Pistons."
Next: Three takeaways from Charlotte's loss to Detroit
The Hornets have gained a reputation as one of the best teams in the league not beating themselves by turning the ball over. Committing 17 turnovers in the season opener isn’t a good sign going forward. Steve Clifford’s side has uncharacteristically struggled in the turnover category this year. It isn’t a big deal just yet but it is an issue Charlotte will want to get under control sooner rather than later.