Carolina Panthers pull of a huge upset, defeating the New England Patriots 33-30!

Carolina Panthers pull off a huge upset, defeating the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in their backyard. Carolina’s dramatic, 33-30 victory over New England at Gillette Stadium was back an offensive breakout from the Panthers, a team that scored 22 points total in its last two games and a last-second field goal. Newton and company matched the Patriots stride for stride early on. After Patriots opened the game with a 41-yard field goal, Carolina answered on the ensuing drive with a 32-yarder from Gano. The trend continued as Newton matched Brady’s 2-yard touchdown pass to receiver Chris Hogan with a 29-yard touchdown pass to running back Fozzy Whittaker. However, instead of matching Patriots field goal, Newton went ahead and toss a 10-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Devin Funchess to give Carolina the lead at halftime. In the second half Newton found Funchess again for a 16-yard touchdown, then the next possession Newton scored on a 7-yard run to give the Panthers 30-16 lead. Brady and the Patriots would, of course, come back and tie it up with 3 minutes left. But Carolina drove 46 yards on 10 plays to let Gano kick the game winning 48-yard field goal.

            The MVP for today game is quarterback Cameron Newton, 22-29, 316 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Cam looked like his MVP self if he plays like that the rest of the season, the Panthers are playoff bound. And with the win, Cam becomes the winningest quarterback in Panthers history, passing Jake Delhomme. Other big-time stats, Funchess finished the game with 70 yards receiving, the most since Week 17 of the 2015 season, and two touchdown catches. Kelvin Benjamin hauled in his first 100=yard receiving game of the season while Jonathan Stewart added 68 yards on the ground, becoming the Panthers’ all-time leading rusher. Luke Kuechly strung together at least four tackles in a row. On a defense that was patched together with duct tape in the secondary and with linebacker Thomas Davis (rib) obviously not at 100 percent, Kuechly got the team just organized enough to force a few field goals instead of touchdowns and did a ton himself. New England did score 30, but without Kuechly it would have been far worse than that. The ageless Julius Peppers had two big sacks of Tom Brady, bringing his season total to a team-high 4.5 after four games. Peppers is going to hit some of those contractual sack incentives he has by midseason at this pace. This week win makes next week’s game bigger, Carolina Panthers (3-1) and Detroit Lions (3-1) will face off in Michigan in a battle of two of the top teams in the NFL. 

Carolina Panthers defeat the Buffalo Bills 9-3, start the season 2-0!

The Carolina Panthers defeated the Buffalo Bills 9-3 in an ugly, physical, defensive game. Carolina becomes 2-0 to start the season, while Buffalo drops to 1-1. Buffalo trailed for the entire game, but game the Carolina a scare in the final moments, nearly executing the two-minute drill to perfection. Bills’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor worked the sidelines on a drive that began at Buffalo’s 25-yard line with just over two-minute remaining. A string of completed passes and couple of scrambles gave Bills a shot at the end zone from 38 yards out with 14 seconds left. Rookie Zay Jones broke free near the right pylon, but couldn’t haul in Taylor’s slightly overthrown pass to steal the victory. Carolina Panthers Kicker Graham Gano made field goals of 34,28 and 20, last of which gave Carolina a 9-3 lead with 2:38 to play. Gano is 6-6 on field goals this season. Neither team scored a touchdown in today’s game.

            The MVP for the Panthers for this game would be the defense in general. Holding Bills star running back LeSean McCoy to 9 yards on 12 carries, sacking QB Taylor 3 times and only allowing the Bills to have 10 first down in this game. Most importantly in the first two games of this season, Panthers defense has only given up 6 whole points and haven’t given up a touchdown yet. Julius Peppers made 6 tackles, 2 sacks in his home opener since re-signing with the Panthers. Before today the Panthers were injury free but that quickly changes, center Ryan Kalil dressed but didn’t play after waking up with a sore neck and the biggest injury for the Panthers left in the first half of what he confirmed afterward is a broken right foot. Cam Newton was 20 of 32 for 228 yards, 0 TD, and 0 INT. Kelvin Benjamin, after being targeted only twice in the season opener at San Francisco, caught six passes on eight targets for 77 yards.

            Even though the Panthers won this game, there’s clearly something the Panthers need to work on. McCaffrey had another rough day, Offensive coordinator Mike Shula needs to learn how to use him correctly and not force play him. Cam Newton, even though he played a great game, was throwing the ball with great velocity, and still can scrambles very effectively. But he must learn to not overthrow his receivers. Ever since joining the league one of his biggest problems is overthrowing receivers, Gettleman drafted Benjamin and Funchess, both receivers are 7 feet tall but Cam still overthrows them. With little over two minutes left in today game, it was third and goal on the three-yard line, Cam overthrew a wide-open McCaffrey who would’ve scored and sealed the game. Cam almost cost the game for the Panthers. He also needs to learn clock management; every game Panthers burn at least one timeout because Cam can’t hike the ball before the game clock hits zero and in today’s game burn two timeouts and called for delay of game. I know this sounds like I hate Cam Newton, I don’t, I love Cam. He’s a top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL and one of the greatest QB in Panthers history just needs to fix major flaws in his game. Carolina Panthers (2-0) host the New Orleans (0-2) next Sunday.

            What did you think of today's’ Panthers victory? Tell me in the comment section below! And make sure to check back here sometime in the middle of the week for a preview of the Saints game but till then Follow me on Twitter @CarolinaFlights and subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/mOeZ564dOnE! 

Cam brought back the Dab in the first quarter of this game. 

Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets News Update for this past week!

It's Friday again so it’s time for a Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers news recap for the week. Let’s get started with the Panthers, Last Sunday the Panthers defeated San Francisco 49ers, 23-3 in the season opener. Panthers have claimed former Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter and waived rookie kicker Harrison Butker. So that means Graham Gano has won the kicking battle after going 3-for-3 on field goals last Sunday. Panthers did, however, place Butker on the practice squad and parted ways with DT Eric Crume. Gunter, who landed in Green Bay as an undrafted rookie out of Miami in 2015, led the injury-plagued Packers' secondary in snaps (859) and passes defensed (12) last season. He then helped hold Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr. to four catches and 28 yards in a Wild Card playoff win but struggled in subsequent weeks against Dallas' Dez Bryant and Atlanta's Julio Jones. With the Packers' secondary healthy again, Gunter played just two snaps in Sunday's season-opening win over Seattle. But at 6-foot-2, 201 pounds, he has the size Carolina looks for in its outside corners. Panthers also claimed former 49ers OT John Theus and put rookie CB Cole Luke (ankle) on injured reserve. Second-year defensive end Vernon Butler (knee) was a full participant at Wednesday practice, expected to play Sunday. Speaking of Sunday, Panthers have their home opener against the Buffalo “Carolina North” Bills. Lastly, it announced that the Panthers have the third-oldest roster in the NFL…so suck on that Atlanta!

            The big news coming from the Charlotte Hornets this week was them unveil classic uniforms, pinstripes and pleats which was made famous in the 80’s are coming back. Charlotte is one of eight NBA teams allowed to wear “Classic Edition” alternate uniforms the upcoming season. There were rumors over the summer that the Hornets would be wearing the classic uni’s throughout the summer, glad those were accurate. Hornets will play three games wearing the new classic jersey, the first game is the nationally televised matchup with the Cavs on November 15, other two are against the Bucks on December 23^rd and against the Thunder on January 13^th. According to the NBA 2K Hornets 4^th jersey is the purple Statement Uniforms, there will likely be the fifth uniform and a lot of people are suspecting it to be the Buzz City jersey. Next, is according to head coach Steve Clifford, rookie Malik Monk ankle injury is still “significant” and causing him enough issues that he is not yet able to undergo rigorous training. Hopefully, he will be ready for the season opener next month. Finally, Sports Illustrated did a top 100 NBA players, Charlotte had 5 players in it; 88-Marvin Williams, 73-Dwight Howard, 70-Cody Zeller, 48-Nic Batum, 29- Kemba Walker. Yeah, that seems pretty accurate to me, nothing much else to say about that.

            That’s all the news from the past week for the Hornets and Panthers if I missed anything tell me in the comment section below! And if you want you can follow me on Twitter @CarolinaFlights and check out my brand-new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/TLOmMVRjy90! Also, make sure to check back here Sunday night for a Bills at Panthers recap and my initial thoughts of the game!

Hornets new "Classic Edition" uniforms

Previewing Sunday Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers game!

With week 2 of the NFL season started tonight, it’s time for me write the preview of the Buffalo Bills at the Carolina Panthers! The game is at one o’clock at Bank of America Stadium (obviously), this Sunday. Panthers are 7 points favorites as of Thursday. Bills and Panthers are both 1-0 after the first week of NFL action, the Bills defeated the Jets 21-12 while Panthers took down the 49ers 23-3 last Sunday. Panthers fans have given Buffalo the nickname “Carolina North” since Bills hired former Carolina’s assistant GM Brandon Beane as their GM, hiring former defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as their head coach and signed former Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert. The nickname has only gained significance in recent weeks as the Bills signed former quarterback Joe Webb and made a trade with the Panthers for Kaelin Clay.

            The centerpiece of the Bills offense is the rushing attack headed by LeSean McCoy, who’s arguably one of the most dangerous runner’s in the NFL. The Bills passing game, first-year offensive coordinator Rick Dennison is turning QB Tyrod Taylor into an improved pocket passer and stressing tight end involvement. Small sample size but week 1 it appears Taylor and TE Charles Clay are on the same page with Dennison’s plan. Taylor targeted Clay a game-high 9 times, including game’s opening touchdown. Bills emphasized run defense and to great effectiveness, while it was only the Jets but Buffalo held New York to just 38 yards on 15 carries. Even though it was one game against the Jets…But the Bills had the second-best in terms of yards allowed per carry in the preseason. The Bills also picked off the Jets twice, Bills went just 3-5 on the road last season (3-4-1).

            The 23-3 rout of San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, Panthers got a much-needed victory right off the bat to shake off their 6-10 performance during the 2016 season. Quarterback Cam Newton was clearly rusty after only throwing a couple passes in the preseason and with shoulder surgery. He did just enough throwing 171 yards on 14-of-25 passing and 2 touchdowns. The running duo of Jonathan Stewart and rookie Christian McCaffrey was a huge part of the Panthers offense last Sunday, especially McCaffrey.      

                This game is big for both teams, Panthers want to start the season off 2-0 before playing NFC South Rival New Orleans Saint and go to Foxborough to face off against the Patriots. But if Cam and company want to walk away with the win there going to have to be better offensively. Especially the run duo will have to do better, were also going to see how good the offensive line really is, since they didn’t allow Cam to get sack once against the 49ers. Panthers run defense will also be tested and were going to see how good the defensive line really is. This game will be a good early test for the Panthers, see how good they really are. But I do believe the Panthers will win in a hard-fought defensive battle and start the season 2-0. Make sure to check back here tomorrow for a weekly news update on the Hornets and Panthers! Till then go follow me on Twitter: @CarolinaFlights and my YouTube account: https://youtu.be/TLOmMVRjy90! 

Carolina Panthers defeat the San Francisco 49ers, 23-3! Recap and my thoughts on the game!

            In the season opener, the Carolina Panthers get the win, defeating the San Francisco 49ers, 23-3! Behind a suffocating defensive effort that including 4 sacks, an interception, and 3 fourth-down stops. Carolina allowed the fewest points they’ve ever allowed in an opener, the fewest before this game was 6 points in 1996 against the Falcons. Late in the first quarter, defensive end Wes Horton started the impact plays by the defense, stripping quarterback Brian Hoyer, defensive tackle Star Lotulelei recovered the fumble; three plays later quarterback Cam Newton connected with wide receiver Russell Shepard on a 40-yard touchdown pass. Two Graham Gano field goals after Panthers stopped the 49ers on fourth-down near mid-field extended the lead to 13-0 at halftime. The defense picked up right where they left off at on the first drive of the second half linebacker Luke Kuechly intercepted Hoyer and couple plays later Newton found running back Jonathan Stewart for an 8-yard touchdown to make it 20-0.

            The MVP for the Panthers this game for me would be safety, Kurt Coleman, in his first game as Carolina Panthers captain, he had couple key tackles on third and short that got the defense off the field, he tilled 6 solo tackles. Personally, Coleman is one of my favorite Panthers defensive players, he plays smart, great tackler and loves to intercept the ball and his celebration is simple but great. But like I said earlier the entire defense was great today, if they play like they played today, the Panthers have a good shot of making the playoffs again. The secondary surprised me on how good they played, I knew Bradberry and Coleman would play good but Worley and Adams both played good and held an offense that loves to throw the ball under control. The offense needs to work on a few things, Cam looked very rusty in the first half; underthrowing Kelvin Benjamin which got intercepted, overthrowing a wide-open Ed Dickson in the end zone. He did settle in a groove in the second half and play better but still needs some playing time to get all that rust off. Rookie running back Christian McCaffrey looked good, had 45 yards on 13 carries and added 5 catches for 38 yards but did lose a fumble in the fourth quarter. There’s nothing much else to say about today’s game, Panthers looked great. Carolina Panthers (1-0) home opener is next Sunday against the Buffalo Bills (1-0) with Bills head coach and former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott homecoming. 

Weekly update on the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets!

            Since it's Friday, it’s time for a Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets weekly news roundup! Let’s start with the Charlotte Hornets news since there hasn’t been much news from the Hornets this past week. But it was announced that the Hornets are close to signing Eddie Jordan as an assistant coach to head coach Steve Coach according to the Charlotte Observer. Charlotte is finalizing a contract for Eddie Jordan, Jordan would fill the role formerly held by Bob Weiss, who recently joined the staff of the Denver Nuggets. Jordan was the head coach of the Sacramento Kings (1996-98), Washington Wizards (2003-08) and Philadelphia 76ers (2009-10). He was 257-343 in those jobs, coaching 4 playoffs appearances with the Wizards. Charlotte coaching staff lost a lot of experience in the past 6 months. Associate head coach Patrick Ewing left in the spring to become head coach at his alma mater, Georgetown. Then Weiss moved on to the Nuggets to be closer to his family living in Denver. After Ewing left, Stephen Silas was elevated to lead assistant, Silas has been with the Charlotte Hornets since 2010. And it was just announced by head coach Steve Clifford that Michael Carter-Williams had a knee procedure in August and is uncertain if he’ll be ready for the season-opener; he also announced the starters going into camp. Kemba Walker, Nic Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams and Dwight Howard.

            Next up is the Carolina Panthers, unlike the Hornets, the Panthers has had a busy week. Carolina cut roster the roster to mandated 57 rosters. The notable names that were cut were third string quarterback and Panthers pre-season MVP Joe Webb and punter Andy Lee were both cuts, Webb signed with the Buffalo Bills and Lee signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Left footed Michael Palardy won the punting job after having a strong summer. Rookie Alex Armah made the practice squad, who the Panthers really like but is a working project. Panthers reached an injury settlement with cornerback Zach Sanchez, who becomes free-agency. The injury was hip, not the groin. Carolina traded wideout Kaelin Clay to Buffalo and a 2019 seventh round-pick for second-year cornerback Kevon Seymour. Seymour, a sixth-round pick from USC last year, can play inside and outside corner and gives the Panthers more depth at a spot where they were a little thin. Seymour missed time during training camp with foot and shoulder injuries and struggled in coverage as a rookie. Clay becomes the latest ex-Panther to jump on the Charlotte-to-Buffalo train, following Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Beane, and several players. There were rumors and talks of safety TJ Ward came close to signing with Panthers but instead signed with the Buccaneers. Carolina Panthers begin their season in San Francisco to face off against the 49ers, I wrote a preview on here’s the link: https://carolinaflight.blogspot.com/2017/09/carolina-panthers-at-san-francisco.html yes this is a shameful advertisement for my own blog which you are on right now. But some more news about the game has come out, quarterback Cam Newton (shoulder) questionable but did practice all week, defensive tackle Vernon Butler (knee) doubtful. Graham Gano will handle kicking duties for the season opener after having a kicking battle with rookie Harrison Butker. Finally, Panthers announced this year captains, who are Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, Ryan Kalil, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Kurt Coleman (his first time as a Panther).

            That’s all the news from the past week for the Panthers and Hornets! Make sure to check back here after Panthers game Sunday for a recap and my initial thoughts of the game. Hopefully, the Panthers can get the win and start the season off on the good note!

Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers Preview!

With the Carolina Panthers kicking their season off Sunday, it’s time to starts each game preview! Let’s do this with Carolina Panthers at the San Francisco 49ers! Panthers are 6-point favorites as of Tuesday afternoon. It will be the first time the Panthers will be back at Levi’s Stadium since losing Super Bowl 50. 49ers will look to extend their 6-game winning streak in season opening games; it’s the sixth time in head coach Ron Rivera’s 7 years that the Panthers have started on the road. Both teams did face off last year at Bank of America Stadium with the Panthers coming out on top, 46-27.

            Coming off an unforgettable 2016 season, Carolina will try to re-establish themselves as one of the top teams in the NFC and make another trip to the Super Bowl. Quarterback Cam Newton is coming off shoulder surgery he had in March, only played in one preseason game but did look sharp. Newton has some new offense toys to play with in rookies Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel. Returning starters with Pro Bowl tight-end Greg Olsen and wide-out Kelvin Benjamin. Defensively, expect the Panthers to be better than they were in 2016, where they were 26^th in points allowed (25.1 points per game), front 7 should remain competitive (47 sacks, 2^nd in the NFL) as led by linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis and last year leading pass-rusher Mario Addison (9.5).

            With San Francisco, they're coming off a woeful 2-14 record last year, new head coach Kyle Shanahan, who formerly the offensive coordinator for NFC South foe Atlanta Falcons.  Will try to turn it around for the 49ers. Journeyman quarterback Brian Hoyer, who threw for 237.6 yards per game in 2014 while he was in Cleveland and had Shanahan as his coordinator, was his best season of his career. Veteran receiver Pierre Garcon is in the same boat, as his career highs in receptions (113) and receiving yards (1,346) in 2013 courtesy of Shanahan’s pass-heavy offense. Running back who had 988 yards in 2016 is expected to have another good year as well. On the defense, 49ers were ranked dead-last in total yards but first-round picks Soloman Thomas and Reuben Foster are expected to help change that around.

            This game will show if the Panthers secondary has improved this off-season or stayed the same because Kyle Shanahan offense is passing heavy and will exploit any weakness from the secondary. But I do believe the Panthers will win this game, Carolina has too many offensive weapons, Cam should be ready to go and well 49ers defense sucks. And riverboat Ron wants to start the season off with a win.  My final score predictions are Panthers: 35 49ers: 21. What are your predictions for this upcoming Sunday game? What other NFL game are you looking forward to watching this weekend? Tell me in the comment section below! And make sure to check back here Friday for a news roundup for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte and again Sunday night after the game for my post game recap and thoughts of the game! 

2017/2018 Carolina Panthers story line to look for and season preview!

With the 2017-2018 NFL season only three days away I decided to do this Carolina Panthers season preview? Or A look ahead to the Carolina Panthers season or something like that. The Panthers took a step back last season going 6-10 after going 15-1 and making it to Super Bowl 50 in 2015. The Panthers made both some good and bad transitions this offseason. The good was Panthers brought back Julius Peppers and Captain Munnerlyn and in my opinion, the entire draft class was an upgrade for the Panthers, getting two potential play makers in McCaffrey and Samuels, getting one of the best Guards in the draft with Tyler Moton; the Panthers really didn’t miss a step in the draft. The bad was firing former general manager Dave Gettleman which still is minding boggling to me and then hiring former Panthers GM Marty Hurney as Interim General Manager. But fortunately, he has done a decent job so far. Since I got that out of the way let’s get dive into the upcoming season and the key players/story lines to keep a close eye on.  

The key players and storylines to keep a watch for are how will Cam Newton play this season after coming off shoulder surgery and having a disappointing follow-up season after winning MVP in 2015. How will the secondary hold up mainly will James Bradberry improve from an impressive rookie season or will he have a sophomore slump? How will Daryl Worley perform after having a terrible preseason? And will veteran safety Mike Adams who signed with the Panthers this off-season play? Can he still play at a high rate even when he’s getting up there in age? How will KK Short do after agreeing to a 5-year 80.5 million dollar deal this offseason, will he keep playing at a high level? Or will the decline since he got his big contract? Like KK how will defensive tackle Star Lotulelei play with him becoming an unrestricted free-agent after this season? Rounding out the defensive end is Julius Peppers, only signing a one-year deal and some are thinking that he will retire after this season, how will he play? Because he and Charles Johnson will be the anchor for Carolina at defensive end. Switching over to the offense side, the first key line is the offense line. The offense line needs to play like they did in 2015, Cam Newton can’t afford to take hits like he did last year. One certain player, I want to see how offensive tackle Matt Kalil play? Surely, he can be better than Mike Remmers was…right!?  Next up is wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, both coming off a disappointing year last season. Benjamin was great in the preseason but Funchess is still a big question mark for the Panthers. How good will rookie running back Christian McCaffrey be? Lastly, who will win the kicking battle? Graham Gano or rookie Harrison Butker who has shined this preseason while Gano has struggled the past couple seasons. Both are getting trade

Looking at the 2017/2018 schedule (http://www.panthers.com/schedule/schedule.html) the Panthers will play 7 home games and 6 away games. Carolina will face off against 7 teams that had a .500 or better record last season while 4 of those 7 teams making the playoffs and two of them making the Super Bowl. Panthers will have one Monday night game in which they face off against Miami Dolphins and one Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. The games that pop out for me are, 9/17 Buffalo Bills the return of former defensive coordinator Sean McDermott who is now the head coach of the Bills. Going to Boston to on 10/1 to face off against the Super Bowl 51 winners New England Patriots, I hope the Panthers kick their a@% because I just hate Tom Brady. And 11/5 when Atlanta Falcons come to Bank of America Stadium, I’m sure Panthers fans will have a lot of things to say for the Falcons after blowing a 28-3 lead in Super Bowl 51. In an honestly, I believe the Panthers will go 9-6 this season and miss the playoffs. But I do believe Cam Newton will play much better than he did last year and McCaffrey will be very impressive. There are just too many question marks in the secondary and offensive line. I do hope they prove me wrong and oh I don’t know go 15-1 and make the Super Bowl.

That’s my season preview and key players/story lines that I’m going to keep a watch out for this upcoming season. Tell me in the comment section your predictions for the Panthers for this upcoming year and what are you looking forward to this upcoming season as well! Have a great day and make sure to check back here Friday for a weekly news update on the Hornets and Panthers!

Panthers/Hornets new roundup #2

Welcome back to the second edition of Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets news roundup! If this is your first time reading this, all I really do is collects news from the Hornets and Panthers from the past week and give my opinion on such news. So, if that interests you in any way then stick around!

            Let’s get started with the Carolina Panthers who played their fourth and final preseason game of the year Thursday night They lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-14 on a 1-yard run by quarterback Joshua Dobbs with 2-seconds left to play. No starters played for each team, both teams now have less than 48 hours to cut their rosters to the 53-man regular-season roster. The notable to players that got injured was this year second-round pick Curtis Samuel, was had two catches for five yards, limped to the locker room with an ankle injury early in the third quarter, he didn’t return. Second-year cornerback Zach Sanchez hobbled off in the fourth quarter. The three players that shine in my opinion is running back Cameron Artis-Payne who capped an excellent preseason; carried 8 times for 51 yards Thursday night. Wide receiver Damiere Byrd, who caught that touchdown pass from Webb. And third string quarterback Joe Webb who besides a couple passes that he lost control of, has been surprisingly good this preseason. Let’s see what else happened early Thursday Panthers added 2 million dollars in incentives to tight-end Greg Olsen’s contract that will make him the 5^th-highest paid tight-end in the NFL if he meets them. It’s a good middle ground for both parties, Olsen’s got some extra cash if he plays well while the Panthers didn’t have to spend a lot and give out a contract that could potentially hurt them in the long haul. Finally, with the Panthers is that the Panthers are activity shopping punter Andy Lee, Arizona Cardinals the biggest team that’s interested in the punter. Not much else to that story makes sense for Carolina to trade Lee, he’s old and cost a lot for a punter. But if you want to read more there the link: https://www.profootballrumors.com/2017/08/cardinals-interested-in-panthers-punter-andy-lee.

            There isn’t much Charlotte Hornets news…not much NBA news beside the Kyrie Irving trade drama that ended early this week. But according to Hornets head coach Steve Clifford shooting guard-small forward, Jeremy Lamb has really improved this offseason, applied himself this summer as much as any Hornet has. He needs too with rookies Dwayne Bacon and Malik Monk coming and second-year pro-Treveon Graham coming off a fantastic summer league along with returning starters Nic Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The only other news that is somewhat related to the Hornets is that Milwaukee Bucks waive former Hornet center Spencer Hawes or other known as “Agent Zero”, Charlotte traded him to Milwaukee to get Miles Plumlee, who Charlotte shipped to Atlanta along with Marco Belinelli to get center Dwight Howard.

Well, that’s all the news and rumors for the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers from the past week. If I miss anything or want to give your opinion on any I reported on tell me in the comment section below! Come back either tomorrow or Sunday for a new post on the key players for the Caroline Panthers this season. Have a good day and make sure to not watch that much college football this weekend😉

Carolina's Flight new logo! 

Weekly Hornets/Panthers news roundup!

Hello! I hope you’re having a nice day today, something new I will try to do each week is tried to go over news that isn't all that important in my opinion from the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers! Let’s start with the Charlotte Hornets, Wednesday the Hornets signed point guard Julyan Stone to an undisclosed contract. Stone appeared in 47 career NBA games (2 starts) over three seasons with Denver (2011-2013) and Toronto (2013-2014), average 1.3 points, 1.1 assists and 1 rebounds in seven minutes of play time. Julyan Stone played overseas in Italy last season, should be a good third point guard behind Kemba Walker and Michael Carter-Williams. Marvin Williams was named Charlotte best teammate, second year in a row that Marvin has taken home that honor. NBA 2K release their all-time Charlotte Hornets NBA roster, starters are 1) Kemba Walker 2) Eddie Jones 3) Glen Rice 4) Larry Johnson 5) Alonzo Mourning. The reserves are, Point Guards- Muggsy Bogues, Baron Davis and Raymond Felton; Shooting Guards- Dell Curry and Kendall Gill; Small Forwards- Stephen Jackson; Power Forwards- P.J. Brown and Kenny Gattison; Centers- Al Jefferson and Derrick Coleman. I do have to say where’s Gerald Wallace? He went from an expansion-draft castoff in Sacramento to an All-Star in Charlotte. He should be on this list. Coleman over Vlade Divac or Elden Campbell strikes me as odd. Coleman replaced Divac in 1999, and it was a clear downgrade. How could Felton make this group and David Wesley not? At worst, Wesley is the same statistically, and he had far more impact here. No Anthony Mason? No Jamal Mashburn? No Marvin Williams? I think it’s an easy argument each of those players was better in Charlotte than Brown or Gattison. I’m not saying P.J. and Gatt didn’t contribute, but they weren’t Mase, Mash or Marvin. Finally, the Hornets G-League team Greensboro Swarm released their schedule Thursday night ( http://greensboro.gleague.nba.com/schedule/ ) I went to a few games last year, was really fun and cheap, if you haven’t gone to a game yet and want to you should totally should!

            Now let’s talk about the Carolina Panthers news of the week! The Panthers went to Jacksonville Thursday night and defeated the Jaguars 24-23 in their third pre-season game. It was Cam Newton first game back since having shoulder surgery in March. The 2015 NFL MVP led the Panthers on a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a 9-yard scoring pass to Kelvin Benjamin over the middle on the first series of the game. Newton was 2-for-2 for 21 yards. Cam Newton and Panthers offense looked strong in the opening drive, while Cameron Artis-Payne had yet another great game (37 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns). The two big standouts were that second year pro Daryl Worley needs to improve because right now he’s the weak link in the secondary while Joe Webb might move ahead of Derek Anderson as the back quarterback with Anderson having a bad pre-season and Webb is not.

            If I missed anything tell me in the comment section below! Make sure to check back here next Friday for another weekly roundup for the Hornets and Panthers! Have a great day!

Four players that will determine if the Charlotte Hornets will have a successful season or not

With the NBA schedule coming out last night, I thought why not write something about the Charlotte Hornets! So I decided to go with four players that will determine if the Charlotte Hornets will have a successful season or not. Let's do this!
            1) Nicolas Batum

The first player I thought of when thinking of this is Nic Batum, skipping the EuroBasket 2017 with the French national team this summer in order to focus on his individual play with the Hornets. Saying in an interview “I really want to stay focused on my game, because I know I’ve got to be more of a scorer next year.” Even though he’s been the team’s second-leading scorer, behind Kemba Walker each of the past two seasons, but Batum has been too unselfish at times. Although Batum average a career-high 15.1 points per game past season, that mark was still near the bottom of the league in terms of secondary scoring options. Nic needs to be more aggressive on offense to be a better scorer; look for his own shot rather than deferring to teammates. He can still be an all-around playmaker and create shots for other players but he needs to get more shots up himself.

            2) Dwight Howard

Trading for him right before the draft, Dwight Howard is no longer in his prime, will he be able to produce near an all-star level or will he regress? The reunion with Steve Clifford should hopefully help his game. Looking at his last few stops, he’s had some chemistry issues. Be interesting to see how things go for Dwight in the queen city.

            3) Malik Monk

After missing the entire summer league due to an ankle injury. The 11^th overall pick, Charlotte might have gotten a steal with the best shooter in this year draft. Monk shot 39.7% from beyond the arc during his one year at Kentucky as he made 104 total threes’. If he’s able to shoot like that off the bench, then the Hornets bench will be greatly better than it was last season, with Cody Zeller, Frank Kaminsky, Jeremy Lamb and Michael Carter-Williams. Speaking up Carter-Williams…

            4) Michael Carter-Williams

The Charlotte Hornets signed Michael Carter-Williams to a one-year, $2.7 million deal this offseason, and should provide the Hornets the upgrade at backup point guard they sought after Ramon Sessions struggled in his second stint in Charlotte last season. The former first-round pick, averaged 6.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 18.8 minutes per game last season. He struggled a bit offensively, shooting 36.6 percent from the field and 23.4 percent from behind the 3-point line. But his real value came at the other end of the floor. Carter-Williams posted a 1.7 defensive box plus/minus, the best mark of his career. The stat measures the box score estimate of the defensive points per 100 possessions a player contributed above a league average player translated to an average team. So Carter-Williams was a better than average player on the defensive end of the floor. With his 6’7” wingspan, Carter-Williams has the ability to bother opposing point guards. The wingspan also helps the guard reach out into passing lanes and disrupt the flow of the offense. With his tall frame, Carter-Williams also has the ability to guard some of the biggest point guards in the league, something that Kemba Walker won’t be able to do. Carter-Williams’ defensive makes a much better fit with the second unit. With multiple scorers coming off the bench, including the likes Malik Monk, Jeremy Lamb, and Frank Kaminsky, the Hornets don’t need a scoring backup point guard, they need someone that will play well on the defensive end of the floor.

            That’s the four players who I believe will make the difference for the Hornets this season. Do you agree or disagree? Tell me in the comment section below! Also, sorry about not posting anything lately been busy with work and school. But I have a couple cool and new things I’m working on for this blog and possibly a YouTube channel(?) as well! Check back here Friday for a weekly update on the Hornets/Panthers. Have a great day! 

Carolina Panthers have released offensive tackle Michael Oher

I’m late on this one, but this was announced when I was at work so I guess I’m doing it now!? So here we go! Carolina Panthers have released offensive tackle Michael Oher, who has been in the NFL concussion protocol since September, was released Thursday after failing a physical. It’s the second move made by interim GM Marty Hurney since being hired Wednesday. Oher, 31, is guaranteed $900,000 as part of injury protection benefits, his release saved the Panthers $1.69 million toward the salary cap, had three years remaining on his contract after signing an extension last season. Expect the Panthers to move Daryl Williams and rookie Taylor Moton at right tackle.

            Oher was a first-round draft pick in 2009 and played in two Super Bowls, winning a championship with Baltimore Ravens in 2013. He was best known because of his life story, was the catalyst for the 2009 movie “The Blind Side” starring Sandra Bullock. Oher joined Carolina in 2015 and started all 16 regular-season games at left tackle during the 15-1 season and run to the Super Bowl. He started the first three games of the 2016 season before going into the concussion protocol. I hope Michael Oher gets better soon, he was a great player that helped the Carolina Panthers do some great things while he was on the team, he was a great player and even better guy. Tell me what you think of this move in the comment section below! Get better soon, Oher!

Carolina Panthers gives Pro Bowl Guard Trai Turner an 4-year extension!

Marty Hurney didn’t waste any time making his first move as Panthers new GM, giving out a four-year 20.5 million dollar guaranteed extension to Pro Bowl right guard Trai Turner. Turner hasn’t missed a game the past two seasons and been a Pro Bowler the past two seasons, was entering the final year of his rookie contract. The four-year deal is worth $45 million and included $20.5 million guaranteed according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That contract contains the seventh-highest overall compensation among guards, per Spotrac, as well as the fourth-highest average annual salary and the ninth-highest guarantee. Turner will hit free agency again at 28 years old when he could command another similarly-sized contract if he continues his strong play. Turner was the second young Panthers star to receive a big payday this offseason. Defensive tackle Kawann Short signed a five-year, $80 million deal earlier this offseason. Turner is one of the best young guards in the league (just find the GIF of him guarding JJ Watt), Turner is good. But like I said in another post I’m just afraid he going to sign contracts that will haunt the Panthers later. Just forewarning the agent that represents Trai Turner also represents tight end Greg Olsen, so you know he’s getting an extension very soon; as well of guard Andrew Norwell who is in his last year of his contract with Carolina. Tell me what you think of the Carolina Panthers giving Trai Turner a contract extension in the comment section below!

Carolina Panthers hired Marty Hurney as new interim GM!

     In a not surprising move, the Carolina Panthers hired former general manager Marty Hurney as interim general manager. Hurney takes over for Dave Gettleman, who on Monday was fired by team owner Jerry Richardson despite helping Carolina reaching the playoffs including a trip to Super Bowl 50 in three of his four seasons. Marty Hurney joined the Panthers in 1998 after serving in the Chargers’ front office, was named the GM in 2002 and helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl after the 2003 season. But after large contracts and four straight nonwinning seasons (2009 to 2012) ultimately led to Hurney dismissal, the Panthers were $16 million over the salary cap when Gettleman was hired.

       Hurney has remained in Charlotte after being fired in 2012, purchasing a radio station ESPN 730. Among the current players, Hurney drafted is quarterback Cam Newton, middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, center Ryan Kalil, outside linebacker Thomas Davis and defensive end Julius Peppers. Hurney also helped bring in the six captains on the team. Will also help Carolina pick a full-time general manager, names that have been floated around are Trent Kirchner, who works in the Seattle Seahawk’s front office and Ryan Cowden, who is with the Tennessee Titans. In an interview, Jerry Richardson said that he is trusting Hurney to make decisions that will impact the team long term; which means he will probably give Greg Olsen and Thomas Davis contract extensions. I still do not like the fact the Panthers fired Dave Gettleman Monday but since that happened, I don’t mind the idea of Marty Hurney as the interim GM to help the Panthers get through the season on onto next offseason so Carolina can get their shit together. I’m just afraid he going to sign certain players to ridiculous contracts that will haunt the Panthers in the future. So I guess we will just have to wait and see, so while we wait to tell me what you think of the Panthers new interim GM and who the Panthers should get as full-time GM in the comment section below!  

Carolina Panthers fire General Manager Dave Gettleman

In a very surprising move today the Carolina Panthers fired general manager Dave Gettleman. The move comes 9 days before the Panthers are scheduled to report to training camp at Wofford College. Carolina Panthers had the most successful three-year stretch in franchise history (playoffs-wise) under Gettleman, going 40-23-1, making the playoffs each season from 2013-2015, winning three straight NFC South titles, and going 15-1 and reaching Super Bowl 50 during the 2015 season. But the following season Panthers took a step back, going 6-10 and finishing last in the NFC South. The reportedly reason he was fired was Gettleman’s lack of interest in extending tight-end Greg Olsen’s and linebacker Thomas Davis contracts, who’s two of owner Jerry Richardson’s favorite players. There’s another report saying there has been tension between the front office and the locker room because of unpopular moves Gettleman made and it's only increased of late. Gettleman parted ways with serval of Carolina’s all-time best players in receiver Steve Smith Jr., running back DeAngelo Williams and cornerback Josh Norman. A couple of names to look out for are Trent Kirchner, who works in the Seattle Seahawk’s front office and Ryan Cowden, who is with the Tennessee Titans. But their talks of the Panthers might bring back former Panthers GM Marty Hurney to be the intern GM since there’s only a month before the season begins and they do not want to rush into things. Whoever the Panthers hire, it will be the third general manager head coach Ron Rivera will have worked with.

            In my opinion, the Panthers just made a terrible move, I truly believe that Dave Gettleman was a great general manager, who helped the Panthers win three NFC South titles, NFC championship and a trip to Super Bowl. A lot of people have said his success was due to the last GM who drafted Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly, but Gettleman signed those players long term, fixed the payroll problem the Panthers had when he came in and drafted/signed the right players, players who didn’t get in trouble with the law and was the best fit for the team. I think the biggest thing he did was that he made the Panthers into a franchise that players wanted to go too and people talked about outside of North Carolina. People knew players who played for the Panthers, had prime time games and got the city of Charlotte into the Carolina Panthers again. He was a big part of that. I understand that Greg Olsen and Thomas Davis are two main faces of the organization and that you should keep them on the team, but you shouldn’t fire your GM that turned your organization around in a great way because he doesn’t want to give those extensions. Gettleman and Olsen/Davis could’ve come to the middle ground and agreed to terms both parties would’ve been happy with. No player is bigger than the team. I just worried that the Panthers will go back to not even mediocrity but back to where they won’t have primetime games and the people stop caring for the Panthers. Well, tell me what you think of this surprising move in the comment section below! 

Michael Carter-Williams agrees to one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets

Since I was out of town yesterday and did not bring my laptop with me, I’m a day behind from every other Charlotte Hornets news site but it doesn’t matter, let’s get into this! Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a one-year deal with point guard Michael Carter-Williams. Contract details are one-year 2.7 million deal. Carter-Williams will be replacing Ramon Sessions as the Hornets backup point guard after Charlotte chose not to exercise Sessions’ team option of nearly 6.3 million for next season. Michael Carter-Williams was 2013-2014 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Philadelphia 76ers. But was traded twice in the next two years, first to the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2015, then to the Bulls just before the start of last season. Carter-Williams was an unrestricted free-agent after the Chicago Bulls decided not to extend him a qualifying offer after acquiring point guard Kris Dunn from Minnesota Timberwolves in the Jimmy Butler trade.

The 6-foot-6 guard struggled this past season with the Bulls, was in and out of the rotation (19 starts), bothered by knee pain (only played 45 games) and he averages just 6.6, 2.5 assists well below his career average of 13 points and 5 assists. Now I have a few things to say about this move in general! First, all he is big for his position at 6-6, with that body type, he is sometimes compared to former Charlotte Bobcat and now backing up Stephen Curry, Shaun Livingston. I believe that the coach Clifford will try to play him with Walker at times like they did with Jeremy Lin two season ago. Michael Carter-Williams should be wanted to prove that he should be in the NBA like Lin did as well, considering the fact that he been on his fourth team in five seasons and coming off a very disappointing last season also. Carter-Williams is not a good three-point shooter, his career three-point percentage is 25 and last season he was 23%. He’s more of a pick-n-roll then shooter, which can work with the second unit. The Hornets have done a great job fixing the roster over the past couple of weeks. As it stands right now the roster looks like 1) Kemba Walker 2) Nic Batum 3) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 4) Marvin Williams 5) Dwight Howard and coming off the bench will be Michael Carter-Williams, Malik Monk, Jeremy Lamb, Frank Kaminsky, Cody Zeller, Briante Weber and Johnny O’Bryant. That a lineup that can should make the playoffs in a very weak Eastern Conference. And while I’m typing this the Charlotte Hornets signed this year first round pick Malik Monk to his rookie contract, still no word of on second-round pick Dwayne Bacon contract, who been playing great in the summer league. Tell me what you think about this news in the comment section below! Have a great day! 

The Charlotte Hornets drafted Malik Monk with the 11th overall pick in this year NBA Draft!

The Charlotte Hornets might have gotten a steal in this year NBA Draft by drafting freshmen shooting guard Malik Monk from Kentucky with the 11^th overall pick. Going into the draft most NBA insiders had the Hornets drafting either guard's Luke Kennard or Donovan Mitchell with the 11^th pick. Couple days ago ESPN insiders had Monk dropping to the Hornets and Charlotte taking him, I initially thought that’s too good to be true, either a team will draft him before we were able to or that the Hornets would pass on him and take Kennard or Mitchell instead. Lucky, I was wrong. Malik Monk was the first option on a Kentucky team that finished as the nation’s 12^th ranked offense. Was a key to the Wildcat’s run to the Elite Eight and earned All-SEC first team honors while average 19.8 points a game. Strengths: Monk is an explosive athlete in terms of both burst and leaping, highlight dunker with an explosive bounce in space. Good defender when motivated and good at close out. Dynamic Scorer, scored 30+ points four times, including a 47-point game. Deep range, confident, versatile shooter; explodes into pull ups, jumper threat opens drive. Dangerous stepping into three’s. Great contested, very confident shooter, has the quickness to lose his man off screens. Reads the defense well, good mid-range game and good crossover to get to the rim, sharp footwork. Has a score-first mentality but can make basic passes, makes the simple play. Made clutch shots all year long and is a very confident shooter. NBA-ready scoring guard with considerable upside. Weaknesses: He is undersized as a two guard at 6’3” has an average frame, not physical. Doesn’t absorb contact well when he does attack bigs, lacks the size to contain most shooting guard and even some big point guards. Effort/IQ comes and go on defense, needs to play with consistent intensity, ball watches, beat by straight line drives and takes bad angles and needs make more of an effort to keep the ball in front of him. He’s mostly limited to basic crossover/straight line drives which can make him very predictable. Not good with ball pressure. Reliance questionable shot leads to inconsistent efficiency, wants jumpers over assists doesn’t hit the open pop. Doesn’t let plays develop/recognize lacks spacing.

Charlotte had the 31^st pick from the Atlanta trade early in the week and the Hornets drafted guard Frank Jackson from Duke but traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 40^th pick and cash. And with the 40^th pick, the Charlotte Hornets drafted small forward Dwayne Bacon from Florida State. Played alongside 6^th overall pick (Orlando Magic) Jonathan Isaac, Bacon could highlight his offensive versatility and his efficiency from the floor. As a sophomore, Bacon held an average 23.9 points, 5 rebounds per 40 minutes. Strengths: Listed at 6-7. 6-9.5 wingspan, nice size for a wing. Can absorb contact and finish. A physical defender, capable rebounder for a wing. Ability to challenge shots with length. Is an elite scorer in transition, confident shooter and can attack in transition after defensive rebound and has sound shooting mechanics. Creates space for pull ups. Is NBA ready in terms of scoring and physicality and could possibly become a reliable 2^nd unit guard? Weaknesses: Struggles to create vs NBA-level length and athletes, an average athlete with questionable shot selection. Lacks explosiveness at the rim. The inconsistent three-point shooter, not a consistency shooter in general. Inconsistent defense effort doesn’t play in a stance, lacks focus off the ball, lose shooters. Needs the ball in his hands to make an impact on offense. Has a low basketball IQ, can he think at the NBA level?

Overall, I think the Hornets knocked it out of the park this year in the draft. Especially over the past drafts where we had failed miserly. I think Malik Monk can be a factor for the Hornets for years to come and help unload some of the scorings from Kemba Walker also. Also, gives them a player who is explosive and a dynamic scorer which the Hornets needed to badly. The trade the Hornets made also makes sense, they needed money because they were getting close to reaching the tax threshold and would not surprise me if we trade for an experienced backup point guard. Drafting Dyane Bacon was probably the best player they could get at the selection, I see him playing for the Greensboro Swarm, especially since we have Jeremy Lamb, Treveon Graham, and Malik Monk. Like I said I generally think the Hornets did a great job in this year draft, I haven’t felt this way about the Hornets after the draft in a long time. And with the trade to bring in Dwight Howard as the starting center, if the Hornets can get a reliable back-up point guard I believe they can make the playoffs again. Well, that’s what I think about the Charlotte Hornets draft, what do you think about it? Tell me in the comment section below! And Gives this a thumbs up!

Charlotte Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks agreed upon a deal to send center Dwight Howard to Charlotte!

Only hours after the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks were making trades for ‘snap with a puppy filter’ and ‘right to swap ’18 draft tweets’ on Twitter. The Hornets and Hawks have agreed to a deal to send center Dwight Howard and the 31^st pick for center Miles Plumlee and guard Marco Belinelli and the 41^st pick. First reported by the great Adrian Wojnarowski, the trade came out of nowhere with no one even disgusting the idea of the Hornets making any kind of deals before the draft. The trade is great for the Hornets on many fronts in my opinion. The first front is the fact that we got rid of Plumlee ridiculous 3 years 12 million per year contract. I know whenever we traded for him midway through the season that I said the trade was great, which it was because we got rid of both Roy Hibbert and Spencer Hawes who both terrible and at the time I was for the most OK with the bad contract if Plumlee was able to come off the bench and score points for the Hornets, something the other two players did not do and help the Hornets make the playoffs. But for most of the season Plumlee was bothered by an ankle injury and when he was able to come back, Hornets playoffs chances were all but dead. I know Dwight contract isn’t much better, 2 years 23 million per year. But is a possible starter who averaged 13 points per game last season and even not in his prime anymore a way better player than Plumlee. Howard contract times really well for Kemba free-agency, Miles extra year could’ve really messed things up for Charlotte. Dwight Howard best season was when Hornets head coach Steve Clifford was on the coaching staff helping him personally if anyone who can get him to play well it's Clifford. Also with this trade, the Hornets moved up to have the first pick in the second round. With this year draft being so deep the Hornets could possibly get someone that could be a decent bench player. Charlotte did have to give up Marco Belinelli who I liked, mostly because of his crazy circus three-pointers and Eric Collins reactions to them, however Jeremy Lamb looked like he was finally getting his crap together in the second of last season and with this season being a contract year for him I imagine he wants to go out and prove to teams that they should sign him in free agency. The only question I have after this trade is who is going to Hornets starting center, Cody Zeller, or Dwight Howard?

To keep the good news coming ESPN Chad Ford new mock draft came out today and he’s taking the Hornets to draft point guard Malik Monk from Kentucky! Malik Monk is a dynamic scorer and an elite shooter. While he’s a tad undersized (6’3), Monk finds ways to create space and shoot over defenders. He has an excellent pull-up jumper and he’s comfortable shooting off screens. He also has unlimited range. While most identify him as a perimeter shooter, Monk is very agile and can explode to the hoop. He’s fearless and always in attack mode. He plays with relentless energy and is fairly crafty when he accelerates inside. Because of his size, some wonder if Monk can transform into a point guard. While his court vision and game management need improvement, Monk is more unselfish that he gets credit for. Who I believe will be good in the NBA and would be a great backup point guard or even starter for the Hornets next season.

What do you think of this trade and the new mock draft? Tell me in the comment section below! And make sure to check back here Thursday after the draft to read what I have to think about the moves the Hornets will make. For me. It’s so far so good!

Charlotte Hornets draft predictions 2.0! Who will the Hornets draft at the 11th spot?

With less than a week left before the 2017 NBA draft, I thought it would be a good time to do another and probably the last one for this year Charlotte Hornets draft predictions! The Charlotte Hornets holds the 11th and 41st overall picks in this year draft. And according to Chris Kroeger, Rich Cho said that the “team has already been approached about multiple trades and the team has also proposed trades to other teams.” Cho also said “the Hornets have gotten a lot of calls for the 11th overall pick. He thinks they’ll have even more interest next week.” So, with that in mind let’s get in all the draft prospects that various sites are predicting the Hornets to draft with the 11th overall pick. Granted now the Hornets might possibly either trade up or down or just draft some random player no one is talking about right now so this whole thing is probably for nothing. So, let’s get into it! Bleacher Report.com and CBS Sports.com both predict the Hornets to draft freshmen power forward Lauri Markkanen from Arizona University with the 11th pick. DraftExpress.com has the Hornets drafting international point guard Frank Ntilikina. Sports Illustrated.com got the Hornets taking sophomore shooting guard Donovan Mitchell from Louisville University. The last one is FoxSports.com has the Hornets drafting freshmen center Jarrett Allen from Texas.

The first player I’m going to be talking about is Arizona freshmen power forward Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen earned All-Pac 12 first-team honors while scoring 15 ppg (points per game) on 42% shooting beyond the arc. Listed as 7’0-230 pounds, great size for a power forward; fluid, coordinated athlete who lacks a degree of explosiveness, length and physical strength. Strengths: His main strengths are his versatile shooter, made more three-pointers than any 7-footers since 2000. Smooth stroke, good balance, soft touch. Great on moving to the left, screens, pull-ups and uses size to his advantage. Can use him a lot of different ways with NBA space. Has simple shooting mechanics, quick from catch to release, no wasted movement. Use size/lean to shoot over the top of a smaller defender and isn’t afraid of a bigger defender either. Good out of pick-n-roll. He’s tall for a power forward at 7-0, agile, solid feet good closeout defender, plays angles. Solid first step attacking to his left, defender must respect his jumper. Fluid enough to attack if run off touch with either hand, sound closeouts, good foot in short-slide situations. Can step out and guard if have too and is a solid rebounder for a stretch big. Has a professional/mature approach, a likable teammate. Weaknesses: Lack of elite length and reach really limit him on defense, plays smaller than his height, average frame at 225 pounds. Instincts aren’t great, more intriguing on offense at center, but can he guard a center? Weak base struggles to hold positions in ¾ or front. Not physical, average awareness and no length. Lack reach to block shots, trouble contesting jump hooks from forward's. Doesn’t have the tools or mentally of a rim protector, the technique needs works. Instincts aren’t great on defense-glass. Need to improve post/finishing, was taking out of games by pick-n-roll switches. Very predictable on the perimeter, only drives left. Bad in isolations situations and doesn’t confidence in the post. Overall, he isn’t an explosiveness player the Hornets need, he will be nothing but a role-player in the NBA. He also has way too many similarities to Frank Kaminsky, Hornets do not need another Frank Kaminsky on the team. A player who 7-foot-tall and just stands on the three-point line and throws up three-pointers all game and not play a lick of defense and has no post moves.

The next player is International point guard Frank Ntilikina. Ntilikina finished the U18 European Championships average 22 points, 3 steals, 1 block and 5 turnovers per 14 minutes on 42% from two-point range and 58% from three-point range while on the French national team. Strengths: 6-6 with a near-7-footer wingspan, big frame, elite tools for a point guard. Fluid with a long stride may have some untapped athletic penitential, great in transitions. Lengths allow him to finish from different angles/above the rim in space. Has defense upside, long quick feet, sharp instincts, active hands. Works to fight over ball screens covers ground on closeouts. 3.2 steals and 1.7 blocks per 40 minutes at the U18 Euros. Willing defender with great feet works to make up for mistakes, impressive timing as a shot blocker and good at getting through screens. Has a nice feel for the game with a high basketball IQ. Makes the simple play out of pick-n-roll. Shot 17-of-29 from three (58.6%) led the U18 Euros in a pull-up jumper efficiency. Doesn’t create much space but sound footwork off the dribble catches in rhythm off the catch. Shoot from NBA range with confidence, made 5-of-7 jumpers with the clock below 4 seconds. Weaknesses: Needs to develop his lead guard skills, struggles with ball pressure, 5 turnovers per 40 minutes. Handles is a bit loose, average burst must rely on size, timing, and accuracy as a passer; can improve accuracy and timing on drop offs. Will force passes into tight spaces at times. Struggles to make the simple play, telegraphs passes. Exposes the ball vs pressure. Struggles to finish vs length and turning the corner vs athletes. Can we improve his offhand dribble. Has room to improve as a shooter, struggles when contested, will have to become more reliable given other limitations.

Follow up player is sophomore shooting guard Donovan Mitchell from Louisville. Had an inconsistent freshmen season at Louisville, coming off the bench but made a big leap as a sophomore, first team All-ACC and All-defensive team member. Strengths: 6’2” with 6’10” wingspan, strong and can take contact. Excellent speed and body control in the open court uses length at the rim. Fastest ¾ sprint at combine slow to fast, long strides. Long arms and two feet leaping help him play above the rim. Has the tools to finish from different angles. Versatile shot maker, great balance, and rise, capable playmaker. Strong foundation as a pick-n-roll shot maker, sharp footwork on step backs and creates space with pullbacks. A good defender who can checkpoint guards, shooting guard the and even some forward. Elite length, strong frame, good feet sits and slides his feet. Active off the ball, will scrap and get on the floor and pick up in the backcourt. Works to contest, capable of making plays at the rim and good at anticipating passes. High-character and well-spoken on and off the court, competitive on both sides of the floor; good work ethic, proven by his shooting stroke. Weaknesses: Settles for jumpers too often, sped up at times. Pulls up for three’s when having numbers on numerous times. Lives off contested pull up two’s a bit too often, bad shot selection. Drives in the line without much of a plan, not great going left and needs to improve his touch in the paint. Consistency in the important considering style of play likes to live off tough shots. Slightly undersized for a two guard at 6’3”. Overall, will he be a good backup guard in the NBA, be better than Ramon Sessions? Will he improve his game more in the upcoming season?

The final player is freshmen center Jarrett Allen from Texas University. Was a highly regarded prospect but started the season slow, but found his footing and eventually being named Big 12’s All-Rookie and All-Conference 3rd team. Strengths: Excellent physical tools for a modern NBA center. Has massive hands. Long strides, agile runner/roller when motivated, length allows him to finish from all different angles, potential as a pick-n-roll finisher due to agility and length at the rim. Potential as a rim protector, good instincts at the rim. Inconsistent motor and toughness but upside is there, rangy on closeout, versatile pick-n-roll defender. Big hands and long arms help high-point the ball for rebounds. Has touch and footwork to be more than a tool big, excellent extension on jump hooks, soft touch left and right. Mid-range potential, post flashes and has a good push shot. Weaknesses: Defense energy wavers, not nearly the rim protector he should be and not physical at all. Gets push around by stronger and physical bigs. Slow to help and doesn’t always contest. Lose focus when contact is involved and fundamental not great. Uncomfortable in traffic on offense, goes up soft, weak with the ball; minimal deep catches in the paint. Panic dribbles a lot, uncomfortable vs help defense. Needs to be stronger with the ball after offense-boards. Poor awareness on the block, slow, mechanical stroke, not a pick and pop threat. Not good at creating for others, best as a finisher. Limited mental toughness. Overall, he started the year very slow and had an up and down production. Will be hard to rely on him on a daily basic. What does he do consistently well?

            After talking about these four prospects I think the Hornets is really in a rough situation at the 11th spot. I kind of hope the Hornets trade up to get a better player but I don’t see anyone trading with them since they have nothing to give up besides Kemba Walker and the Hornets would be idiots to trade Kemba. But if I had to choose out of these four players I would have to pick either Frank Ntilikina or Donovan Mitchell. I think both players can fill the backup point guard need pretty decent I guess, Frank Ntilikina plays just like Nic Batum but he’s a point guard other than a shooting guard, both like to shoot the three balls and make passes that sometimes he shouldn’t make and have a high turnover rate. But he could fit in the Hornets system well. Donovan Mitchell has a good work ethic, just compare him shooting the ball when he was a freshman to him shooting the ball as a sophomore. There completely different in a good way. He plays tough aggressive defense which what coach Clifford loves in a player and again be a good backup point guard replacement. But I do not want the Hornets to select Lauri Markkanen because he plays exactly like Frank Kaminsky and I don’t won’t another Frank the Tank on the team. And Jarrett Allen just seems lazy and not physical at all for a center. Also, Charlotte doesn’t need a center, we have two good centers (?) as is. Well, I’m done talking about what the Hornets should do, who do YOU think the Charlotte Hornets should draft? Or should they make a trade to either move up or down or just takes another player like they did last year with the Marco Belinelli. Tell me in the comment selection below! Have a great day and make sure to watch the NBA draft Thursday at 7 pm!

Charlotte Hornets draft predictions 1.0

After checking multiple sites and reviewing a lot of game tapes I have finished my first Charlotte Hornets draft predictions for this year (2017)! Before I get into that the Charlotte Hornets have hired Mike Batiste as an assistant coach, Batiste joins the Hornets after spending last season with the Brooklyn Nets as a player development assistant. Now I got that out of the way lets dive into this shall? I looked at four different trustworthy websites to see who they had the Hornets drafting eleventh overall in this year draft. DraftExpress.com had the Hornets drafting sophomore shooting guard Luke Kennard from Duke with the eleventh pick. BleacherReport.com had them drafting Duke forward Harry Giles and both CBS Sport.com and FoxSports.com had the Charlotte Hornets drafting freshman power forward/center Zach Collins from Gonzaga.

            The first player I’m going to talk about is Luke Kennard from Duke. Kennard was the 21^st recruit in the 2015 high school class and was a McDonald’s All-American and USA basketball fixture who surprised a lot by developing into one of the best players in college basketball and potential lottery pick. Kennard has a solid freshman season, averaging 12 ppg (points per game) in 27 minutes. But as a sophomore, he finished as the 2^nd best scorer in the ACC at 19 ppg earning him ACC first-team All-Conference honors. Strengths: Has positional size and scoring versatility who plays with a great pace, savvy ball handler. Uses size well to get to the paint for pull-ups and floaters, tough cover for opposing point guards in college. Has a pretty good head/ball fake into side step three’s or mid-range pull-ups, confident from NBA range. A big one for me plays with his head up and few turnovers! Makes quick decisions and has an excellent feel for the game. Can shoot over the top of smaller defenders. Built around his jumpers, floaters, sharp footwork, and tight handles. Can play point guard if need too. Weaknesses: Not very physical and quick enough for a guard, struggles with big wings. Can show more urgency on closeouts, takes bad angles and opens lines when defending bigger guards. Limit ball pressure, caught sleeping on ball multiple times. Will have to rely on his instincts to get by in the NBA. Kills his dribble in the paint too often, leans on his fakes, floaters a lot against smaller guards. Very predictable, jump shot in the paint, pivot to opposite shoulder. Struggles with length and in traffic, won’t explode with a full head of steam and seek contact and didn’t take many free throws at Duke. Overall: Will his game even translate in the NBA? Much less take him with the eleventh pick in the draft.

            Next players is Luke Kennard teammate Duke freshman Harry Giles. Was one of the best prospects in all high school before tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his left knee. Then in his first game in his senior year of high school, he tore his ACL in his right knee. Had another minor surgery in late 2016 that delayed his collegiate debut until late December. Played behind fifth-year senior Amile Jefferson due to his late start and persistent foul trouble (I get back to that later). Only played 11½ minutes per game. Strengths: Good length and wingspan for his size (6’11”, 7’3”) also light on his feet mobile runner, shot 61% at the rim in half court; good dive man out of pick and roll, rolls with a purpose. HUSTLES. Working off the rust but still competitive and active on defense, has the feet to check power forward’s, the length to guard modern centers and can be a good rim protector. Elite offensive rebounder crashes the board aggressively, knows how to get inside position, box out and pursue with strong hands. Jump shot comes and goes needs to work on expanding his range as well but can make a jump hook with both hands. Weaknesses: Limitations on offense, limited to mostly rim runs and pick and roll dives and put backs, lacks skill in the paints. When sped up is an uncomfortable playmaker, must improve decision making and needs to slow down, catch then go up misses a lot of under the basket wide open shots. Not a treat outside 10 feet can’t utilize his quickness without a reliable jumper. Doesn’t have a great feel as pick and roll defender, bad angles. Gets beat a lot and take to many “avoidable” fouls, 7.7 fouls per 40 minutes. Loses focus too much, awareness needs to improve. Overall: Giles has untapped potential and can possibly be a good starter in the NBA if he works on his offense. He hustles and plays, for the most part, good defense (when he’s not fouling) which that’s what coach Steve Clifford loves in a player. Just worry about his past injuries and if they will be a problem down the line.

            The last player is freshman power forward/center Zach Collins from Gonzaga. Zach Collins arrived at Gonzaga as a McDonald's All-American but nevertheless exceeded expectations significantly. He put up some of the best numbers in the country among freshmen on a per-minute basis and finished the season on as strong a note as you can possibly hope for, leading Gonzaga to the NCAA Tournament Championship game and playing extremely well in both Final Four games. Thus, there wasn't much surprise when Collins decided to enter the draft following the season, even though NBA scouts never quite got to see him in a featured role playing behind an All-American senior in center Prezmek Karnowski. Strengths: Has nice size for NBA power forward/center at 7-0. Light on his feet, great verticality, instincts, and timing. Agile in transitions also good in pick and roll. Quick to shooters, has feet to guard traditional power forward’s, can stay with the ball in pick and roll, recover to block at the rim; has flashes of a high motor. Has stretch potential, touch on jump hooks, a pick/pop threat has simply shooting mechanics. Good mid-range and decent face-up game. Has an average vision. Good instincts on the backboards have nose the ball. Quick to the ball on the offense boards, gets low and boxes out. Weaknesses: Average length and reach, 230 pounds get moved off the block by NBA caliber centers. Gets moved easily after catch, not overall tough. Doesn’t get great extension on post finishes. Has a bad habit of bringing the ball down in traffic. Very jumpy on defense, bites of slight shot fakes. Fundamentally sound but lacks discipline inside, really struggles vs experience, foul prone. Does need to sharpen skills to play more on the perimeter, lacks NBA range. Slow, not a dynamic stroke. Not a threat off the bounce, easy to run off. Not a perimeter playmaker. Overall: In my opinion, he looks a lot like Frank Kaminsky that can’t shoot three-pointers. Will he be able to play consistent NBA minutes? Looks more of a D-league player to me.

            If I had to guess which on these three players the Hornets would mostly draft it would be Harry Giles. He just fits the Hornets profile; He hustles and plays, for the most part, good defense (when he’s not fouling) which that’s what coach Steve Clifford loves in a player. Just worry about his past injuries and if they will be a problem down the line. He does have untapped potential that maybe the Hornets can get lucky and tap into. Luke Kennard, I think will be best a decent back-up in the league if that and Zach Collins just doesn’t impress me. The Hornets need a secondary scorer to help the Hornets. The Hornets was hoping that Nicolas Batum would fill that void but Batum would rather pass then take the shot. I was hoping would tank and get a high pick because I think there some good prospect that fills that void for them but from the looks of things the Hornets just going to get another average player at best and the Hornets won’t be able to do much in free agency this year also. keep being an average team. What do you think of the three players I reviewed? Which one would you be happy with the Hornets drafting? Or should they draft someone else? Tell me in the comment section below!