Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets most promising prospect, Dwight Howard’s journey
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To add to the team’s injury woes, Cody Zeller picked up a bone bruise in his right knee which will force him to miss the home opener. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ best prospect, Dwight Howard‘s journey and Isaiah Hicks signing with the New York Knicks.
Hornets’ most promising player under-25 (BleacherReport.com)
"In keeping with the spirit of “the less we know, the more optimistic we get to be,” rookie Malik Monk is the pick for a Charlotte Hornets squad that also has Frank Kaminsky and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, both 24. And Jeremy Lamb, I guess, if you want to be thorough."
On a team that isn’t known for their youth, Monk is by far Charlotte’s most promising prospect. At only 19-years old, the lottery pick has loads of potential. It wasn’t that difficult of a selection considering that every other player on the Hornets’ roster is at least 22-years old. As the youngest player, Malik has the highest ceiling as it’s unclear how he will develop.
As for Kaminsky, MKG and Lamb, while they are still relatively young, their ceilings are considerably lower because of how long they’ve been in the league. They’ve already proven themselves to be solid role players but they aren’t going to reach all-star levels. I would argue that fellow rookie and the second youngest player on the team, Dwayne Bacon, is the second most promising prospect.
Dwight Howard’s quest for redemption begins (BasketballInsiders.com)
"Howard is in the best possible position to succeed, with a coach that believes in him and the central offensive role he says he’s been denied in the past. Howard has stated his case, and now it’s up to him to prove it on the court."
Howard has bounced around the league the past few years but seems to have found a new home with the Hornets. After blaming failed stints in Atlanta, Houston and LA on teammates, coaches and poor systems that didn’t fit him, it’s time for Dwight to put up or shut up. I believe that if there is one place he can succeed, it is in Charlotte with this team and Steve Clifford.
It’s going to be quite the journey for the eight-time all-star to rebuild his reputation. Many have grown a distaste towards him but he can change the narrative by performing well in the Queen City and helping the team win. Staying healthy will be key but we’ve already seen his positive impact both on and off the court as his new teammates speak highly of him.
Knicks sign Isaiah Hicks (Shams)
"Sources: The Knicks are signing former UNC forward Isaiah Hicks to a two-way NBA contract. Hicks went to training camp with Charlotte."
Next: Takeaways from Charlotte's season-opening loss
Isaiah was with the Hornets throughout training camp and preseason but did not see any minutes in exhibition games. Hicks might’ve been an option for Charlotte’s G-league team in the Greensboro Swarm but with the team’s two two-way player contracts already used, he was instead scooped up by the Knicks’ organization. Best of luck to the undrafted rookie.