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Buzz City Beat: How the Charlotte Hornets star uses his size, Kemba Walker’s trade value

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 15: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets talks with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 and Kemba Walker #15 on November 15, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 15: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets talks with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 and Kemba Walker #15 on November 15, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.

Here are highlights from Dwight Howard‘s 20/20 game in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at how Kemba Walker uses his size to his advantage, the Charlotte Hornets‘ star point guard’s trade value and the Greensboro Swarm’s victory over Raptors 905.

Kemba plays bigger by getting smaller (WSJ.com)

"A strong opening and closing quarter led the Greensboro Swarm (3-4) to a 109-90 victory over Raptors 905 (3-4) Monday night.  The Swarm’s four two-way players combined to score 91 points, while Raptors 905 starters combined for 76 points in the defeat."

Walker is one of the shortest point guards in the NBA standing only 6’1. In an age where size and length are valued at every position, Kemba is able to use his size, or lack thereof, to his advantage. While he may not have the size of other top PG’s like Russell Westbrook (6’3), Stephen Curry (6’3), Kyrie Irving (6’3), Damian Lillard (6’3) or John Wall (6’4), he still manages to put up all-star numbers and it’s thanks in large part to his smaller frame.

Don’t mistake Walker’s lack of size for a lack of strength because he is one of the strongest players (pound for pound) and point guards in the entire league. Kemba says that his size allows him to “get to spots on the floor that a lot of others can’t.” His ability to control the ball so low and close to his body makes it almost impossible for taller players, especially big men, to contain him on the perimeter.

Walker’s trade value (BleacherReport.com)

"First, a disclaimer, aimed primarily at the people of Charlotte: Relax. Sort of. Consider this nothing more than a compliment to Kemba Walker and the fickle situation in which your team finds itself."

This article ranks Kemba as the best realistically available NBA player with the most trade value this season. The only way Charlotte would even entertain the idea of trading their star player would be if they struggle and stay outside of the top-eight in the Eastern Conference for most of the season. By trading Walker, it would likely mean that the Hornets would be committing to a total rebuild.

If Kemba is traded, that means no one on the team’s roster is safe. Charlotte could probably get a pretty big return for Walker. They would likely receive a top first round pick or multiple picks along with young players. I just don’t see the Hornets rebuilding or trading their star player but if they did, it’s worth noting that his trade value is higher than ever before.

Greensboro Swarm defeats Raptors 905 (Gleague.NBA.com)

"A strong opening and closing quarter led the Greensboro Swarm (3-4) to a 109-90 victory over Raptors 905 (3-4) Monday night.  The Swarm’s four two-way players combined to score 91 points, while Raptors 905 starters combined for 76 points in the defeat."

Next: Steve Clifford benches Malik Monk

Jalen Jones and Charles Cooke, who are both two-way players for the New Orleans Pelicans assigned to Greensboro, combined for 70 points as Jones scored 36 and Cooke put up 34. Charlotte’s two-way player, Mangok Mathiang, added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Swarm was able to snap a three-game losing streak with the win north of the border.

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