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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets second-round options, One trade to make

By Jerry Stephens

WASHINGTON, USA - FEBRUARY 23: Charlotte Hornets Cody Zeller (40) recovers a loose ball against the Washington Wizards at the Capitol One Arena in Washington, United States on February 23, 2018. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 122-105. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, USA - FEBRUARY 23: Charlotte Hornets Cody Zeller (40) recovers a loose ball against the Washington Wizards at the Capitol One Arena in Washington, United States on February 23, 2018. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 122-105. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/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.

The Golden State Warriors forced a Game 7 against the Houston Rockets as they took down James Harden and company at home. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at potential second-round options for the Charlotte Hornets, one trade they need to make and the 2017-18 Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award.

Hornets second-round options (HoopsHabit.com)

"5. Keenan Evans, PG — Texas Tech, 4. Hamidou Diallo, SG/SF — Kentucky, 3. Cody Martin, SG/SF — Nevada, 2. Shake Milton, SG — SMU, 1. Devonte’ Graham, PG — Kansas."

The Hornets only have one second-round pick this year and it is near the end of the draft at 55th overall. NBADraft.net mocks Evans at No. 51, Diallo to Charlotte at No. 55, Martin at No. 60, Milton at No. 38 and Graham at No. 48. Milton is the highest ranked prospect and could even be drafted late in the first round.

I doubt Shake falls to the Hornets but all of these prospects are realistic possibilities at No. 55. It’s worth noting that Charlotte did interview Devonte’ at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine. Hamidou arguably has the most upside of any player after he measured incredibly well at the combine last year and this year.

One trade Charlotte should make this summer (TheSportster.com)

"Cody Zeller does not fit in with the Charlotte Hornets. I believe that they should ship him out in order for a guy like Willy Hernangomez can really show what he is made of down there, or give Frank the Tank a legitimate role in the rotation."

The Hornets have a lot of frontcourt depth heading into the 2018-19 season with Dwight Howard, Marvin Williams, Frank Kaminsky, Cody Zeller and Willy Hernangomez. If they want to get Hernangomez some minutes going forward, they will need to trade either Howard or Zeller. Dwight only has one year left on his deal so Cody is the ideal option.

Although, that could prove to be difficult because Zeller has dealt with a number of injuries over the past few years and is owed $43.3 million over the next three seasons. For Charlotte, clearing his salary would help their cap situation. Still, it’s unlikely that they will keep their trio of centers for the entire season.

2017-18 Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award (247Sports.com)

"The Golden State Warriors have won the 2017-18 Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award, the Professional Basketball Writers Association officially announced on Friday. The media relations staffs of the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors also were finalists for the award."

The Golden State Warriors’ PR staff won the award for the third year in a row and for the fourth time in the last five seasons. The Hornets’ PR were finalists for the third consecutive year. Despite being in the running for three straight seasons, Charlotte’s yet to win the award.

Next: How to fix the Charlotte Hornets

The Brian McIntyre Award was started in the 2006-07 season and the Warriors have won it five times which is the most of any team. Maybe the Hornets will be in the running again next year and be able to get the award for the first time.

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