Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are spiraling out of control but reports from around the NBA say that they are not considering firing their head coach in Ty Lue and that they will be active at the trade deadline. (WOJ) In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we preview the Charlotte Hornets‘ matchup against the Phoenix Suns while also looking at Frank Kaminsky thriving in the starting power forward spot and Fred Whitfield being on the money.
Hornets @ Suns prediction (HeroSports.com)
"Phoenix was defeated in their last game by the Utah Jazz, 129 – 97. The Suns enter this contest with a 2-8 record in their last 10 games and a 9-18 mark at home. Charlotte is on a 2 game win streak. The Hornets have a 6-4 record during their last 10-game stretch and are 7-15 in away games this season."
This is a must win for Charlotte. If they want to make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the season, they need to win games against teams near the bottom of the league. Although Phoenix is dangerous with players like Devin Booker and T.J. Warren, they will be without Marquese Chriss who has started 40 games this season.
This should be a victory for the Hornets considering that the Suns have the fifth worst record in the NBA so far this season. Still, Steve Clifford’s side has fallen to a number of bad teams this year and have struggled on the road. While I think Charlotte wins this game, I don’t think that it will be easy for them. Final Prediction: Hornets 110. Suns 103.
Kaminsky thriving in starting role (CBSsports.com)
"Receiving another start in place of Marvin Williams (ankle) Kaminsky set a new season high in assists while finishing third on the team in scoring and rebounding. He didn’t attempt many shots, but he was efficient with the looks he did get and served as an effective floor spacer in the frontcourt."
In the two games that Frank has started in place of the injured Marvin Williams, he’s averaged 13 points, 3.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 30 minutes per game. He’s also shooting 44.4% (8-18) from the field and 33.3% (3-9) from the three-point line. Although he isn’t setting the world on fire by any stretch of the imagination, Kaminsky is proving to be a solid replacement for Marvin while he is out.
In his second game, Frank had a good all-around outing with 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two made three’s. The Hornets are 2-0 in the two games that Kaminsky has started this season. Although he has his defensive issues, the 24-year old seems to thrive alongside Kemba Walker, Dwight Howard, Nicolas Batum and MKG. We’ll see if this trend can continue until Williams returns.
Fred Whitfield has been on the money for Charlotte (TheUndefeated.com)
"“One of Fred’s greatest strengths is his ability to connect with people and build lasting relationships,” Jordan said. “Overseeing Hornets Sports & Entertainment means more to him than simply running a business. He understands that we are an important part of the Charlotte community, and he prides himself on doing what is in the best interest of the community.”"
Next: What Kemba means to the city of Charlotte
Fred Whitfield is the only African-American COO in the NBA. He’s been Charlotte’s Cheif Operating Officer since 2006 and he’s directly overseen the team’s name change from the Bobcats to the Hornets and the arena’s rebranding. Whitfield has been an important part of the Hornets’ growth on the court and their popularity off of it in the Queen City. Fred is also a major figure in this team securing the All-Star Game in 2017 and 2019.