Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets idle in Week 14 power rankings, Michael Jordan addresses trade rumors
Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the latest news and stories from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.
Marvin Williams has been one of the most efficient offensive players in the NBA so far this season. (Twitter/ @SynergySST) In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at where the Charlotte Hornets sit in the Week 14 NBA power rankings, Michael Jordan addressing the trade rumors surrounding Kemba Walker and if the team should target Rodney Hood.
Hornets idle in Week 14 power rankings (USAToday.com)
"As his name circulates through the NBA trade rumor mill, Kemba Walker says he’d be “pretty upset” if he were to be sent out of Charlotte. “I’m here right now,” Walker said Friday. “I’ve put my heart and soul into this team, this city, and that’s what I’m going to do until everything is over.”"
After coming in at No. 20 last week, Charlotte remained at the same ranking this week. Even though they went 2-1 in their three games this past week, the Hornets were unable to move up. With Nicolas Batum finally playing better and the team in the midst of a five-game homestand, there’s a good chance that they will climb in the power rankings over the next couple of weeks.
The Golden State Warriors remained at No. 1 while the Houston Rockets, the Boston Celtics, the Toronto Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves round out the top-five. The Portland Trail Blazers made the biggest move as they climbed seven spots from No. 18 to No. 11 in one week. The Cleveland Cavaliers free fall continues as they’ve fallen all the way to No. 10.
Michael Jordan addresses Kemba Walker trade rumors (CharlotteObserver.com)
"Charlotte Hornets majority owner Michael Jordan said Monday night he’s not looking to trade point guard Kemba Walker, and would do so only if the return included a major All-Star, such as the San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard."
MJ made it clear that Kemba is not on the trade block. Although, he did acknowledge that there have been some trade talks with “some initiated by the Hornets’ front office.” While Jordan said he would move his all-star point guard if he got an all-star in return, it’s unlikely that any team will offer up one of their all-star/superstar players in order to get Walker before the February 8th trade deadline.
The Hornets’ owner did say that while he’s not looking to trade Kemba, he would listen to opportunities which is what every competent front office should do. Michael also said that Charlotte has been involved in trade discussions saying “we’ve been asking about players.” By the sound of it, I would expect a trade this season but not one involving Walker.
Should Charlotte trade for Rodney Hood? (HoopsHype.com)
"Charlotte runs a pick-and-roll offense through a ballhandler more often than all but one team in the NBA. Hood has a high effective field goal percentage (52.6 percent) that ranks Top 10 among those with as many opportunities."
Next: Hornets should buy-low on Mudiay
The Utah Jazz have put Hood on the trading block and the Hornets were interested in the wing player coming out of college before the 2014 NBA Draft. The 25-year old is averaging 16.7 PPG, mostly off of the bench, so far this season. That would make him the second-highest scorer on Charlotte’ roster. It may be a bit tough to work out a deal but if they could trade for him, it would be a major acquisition for the Queen City team. They could use a small forward that can spread the floor.