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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte falls in Week 8 power rankings, Hornets have a problem

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 9: The Charlotte Hornets huddle before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 9, 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 Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 9: The Charlotte Hornets huddle before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 9, 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 Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

After missing the last two games with a calf injury, Paul George expects to return for the Oklahoma City Thunder. as they take on the Queen City team. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at where the Charlotte Hornets sit in Week 8 of the NBA power rankings, the team having real problems and the New Orleans Pelicans recalling two players from the Greensboro Swarm.

Charlotte falls in Week 8 power rankings (USAtoday.com)

"Look at the bright side: No team other than the Hornets has the luxury of meeting with the greatest basketball player of all time to discuss the state of the franchise. The Charlotte players did as much on Saturday, sitting down with Michael Jordan."

The Hornets came in at No. 23 this week as they fell three spots from Week 7 when they were No. 20. Charlotte went 1-3 during the week with the lone win coming over the Orlando Magic. They suffered two of their worst defeats of the season with back to back losses to the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Hornets ranked just ahead of the Orlando Magic (24) and just behind the Los Angeles Clippers (22). With Cody Zeller out long-term and other key players dealing with injuries, there is a chance that Charlotte could fall even further in the rankings. Unless a drastic change happens, this team will likely continue to spiral out of control as they have now lost seven of their last eight.

Hornets have a problem (BringBackTheBuzz.net)

"We have maintained for a long time that this team was just at times painfully mediocre with the potential to be above average. BUT when you can’t muster up the effort to beat a team that is on a 10 game losing streak at home…. WE ARE BAD RIGHT NOW!!!"

For the first time in quite some time, it looks like Charlotte is actually worse than mediocre. They are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference only ahead of the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls. They have the seventh-worst record in the league. While some of their issues could be attributed to injuries, their problems go much deeper than a few missing players.

The most telling part about this team’s struggles is that they only have one win away from home through more than a quarter of the season. Charlotte’s only 1-10 on the road which is the worst road record in the entire NBA. With the losses piling up, something’s got to give. While there is still hope that the Hornets can turn things around and make the playoffs, it’s getting less likely with each demoralizing defeat.

Pelicans recall Cooke and Jones from Greensboro Swarm (TheAdvocate.com)

"In wake of a recent injuries to Jameer Nelson‘s left ankle, Tony Allen‘s left knee and Anthony Davis‘ pelvis/thigh, the Pelicans have recalled guard Charles Cooke and forward Jalen Jones from the Gatorade League’s Greensboro Swarm, the team announced Monday morning."

Next: A closer look at Dwight's poor post play

Jalen Jones and Charles Cooke are the two leading scorers for the Swarm so far this season. It is unclear if/when they will be sent back down to the G-League with Greensboro but for the time being, they will be playing with New Orleans. Other players such as Marcus Paige, Terry Henderson, T.J. Williams, Cat Barber and Sam Thompson will now need to step up in their place.

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