Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets pick Kevin Knox in mock draft, Mangok Mathiang is excited to work with James Borrego
Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.
Cody Zeller praised the hiring of Ronald Nored who will be an assistant coach for the Queen City team. (Twitter/ @CodyZeller) In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets selecting Kevin Knox in the latest mock draft, Mangok Mathiang talking about working with James Borrego and Jay Triano’s rift with Andrew Wiggins.
Hornets pick Kevin Knox in mock draft (FantasyPros.com)
"The Hornets are set at point and center, so expect them to look for a wing that can score with this draft pick. There are a few available here, but Kevin Knox’s upside makes him an intriguing selection for Charlotte."
With Mikal Bridges off the board, Knox is arguably the next best wing prospect. Although, Miles Bridges, Khyri Thomas, Lonnie Walker and Zhaire Smith are still available as well. It’s unclear who would be the best fit but it’s clear that Charlotte could use a wing scorer to pair with Kemba Walker and Dwight Howard.
Of those five prospects, only Miles Bridges averaged more points per game than Kevin. If the Hornets are looking for more of a forward than a guard than I think their decision comes down to either Knox or Miles Bridges. Our very own Elijah Edwards took a closer look at Kevin Knox.
Mangok Mathiang is excited to work with James Borrego (TheAge.com.au)
"“I’m excited as that has been my kind of game since I was at Louisville and even before then,” Mathiang said. “I’m excited to see what he has planned for us, I’m excited to learn from him and I’m looking forward to next season.”"
This is the first Hornets’ player we’ve heard speak on the James Borrego hiring. Mangok Mathiang, who is a two-way player for Charlotte, had nothing but positive things to say about Borrego. He is ready to work with the new head coach and thinks that he will fit perfectly in James’ up-tempo style of play.
Mangok also said that he looks towards Boston’s Terry Rozier for motivation. The two were roommates while at Louisville and Mathiang admires Rozier’s work ethic. The big man is set to play with the Charlotte Hornets’ summer league team this offseason and have a bigger role for them next season than he did this past campaign.
Rift between Jay Triano and Andrew Wiggins (TSN.ca)
"According to multiple sources, one factor in Wiggins’ decision to decline Canada Basketball’s most recent invitation is his strained relationship with head coach Jay Triano, stemming from his previous and only experience playing with the senior men’s team in 2015."
The Hornets’ assistant has been the head coach of the Canadian National Basketball Team since 2012. The rift between Jay and Andrew happened when Triano had Wiggins on the bench during Canada’s loss to Venezuela. The defeat kept Canada out of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Even though Wiggins is one of his nation’s best players, he did have a rough night back in 2015 arguably warranting a benching.
The defeat kept Canada out of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Even though Wiggins is one of his nation’s best players, he did have a rough night back in 2015 arguably warranting a benching.
Next: Hornets worked out Torin Dorn and Luke Maye
Despite not having Andrew, Canada’s roster is still loaded with NBA players including Cory Joseph, Tristan Thompson, Kelly Olynyk, Jamal Murray, Dillon Brooks and Dwight Powell. This has little impact on Charlotte other than Wiggins probably won’t sign with them as long as Triano is on the coaching staff.