Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets potential trade targets, Jeremy Lamb talks career year
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Michael Carter-Williams‘ 28.2% field goal percentage is the third worst in NBA history among players who have played at least 15 minutes per game. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at which players the Charlotte Hornets should target in trades, Jeremy Lamb reflecting on his career year and Malik Monk‘s Mt. Rushmore.
Charlotte Hornets’ potential trade targets (iSportsWeb.com)
"The Hornets should look to make moves to acquire a player such as Julius Randle. Secondly, a player that would greatly improve the caliber of the Hornets roster would be Tobias Harris. Another player at the small forward position that Charlotte should approach is T.J. Warren. Lastly, the Charlotte Hornets in trade talks should be in pursuit of draft picks."
Of the three players named, Julius Randle is the most likely as he is on the trading block. As for Tobias Harris, I don’t see the Pistons moving their leading scorer. In the case of Warren, I don’t think the Suns are willing to part ways with their second-leading scorer who is only 24-years old unless Charlotte gives them a haul of young player(s) and pick(s).
The Lakers have made it clear that they want to move Julius Randle which means he could be had at a discounted price. He would also fit well off of the Hornets’ bench replacing Frank Kaminsky or in the starting lineup in a couple seasons. The only way Charlotte would target draft picks is if they are going to tank and rebuild. The more likely scenario is that they part ways with a couple of their future picks in order to boost their current squad.
Jeremy Lamb talks about career year (BasketballInsiders.com)
"“It’s been good, I’ve just been trying to keep working,” Lamb told Basketball Insiders. “There’s more of an opportunity here, I’m just trying to take advantage of it. I just want to keep working and keep getting better. Like I do every year, I play hard and get better”"
Lamb first reflected on his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder early in his career. He said that not playing and being behind all-stars like Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and James Harden helped prepare him for when he was traded to Charlotte. After having career years in each of the last two seasons, Jeremy has once again taken his game to new heights this campaign.
When the season started, his career high was 26 points, he’s broken that mark twice this year with a 27-point performance and a 32-point outing. Averaging 14.1 PPG, he’s upped his scoring by nearly five points and is in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year. Lamb continues to get better and there’s an argument to be made that he has been the Hornets’ best shooting guard this year.
Malik Monk’s Mt. Rushmore (Twitter/ @HornetsOnFSSE)
Next: Kemba Walker addresses trade rumors
Monk’s Mt. Rushmore includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Russell Westbrook. The final selection is the most surprising of the four but Malik has admitted before that Westbrook is his favorite player in the NBA. Although that might’ve changed after Russell got an and-1 over the Hornets’ rookie then called him “too small.” Still, that’s a solid top-four from the Kentucky product.