By Trace Walker (Follow @Trace937)
After a slow start to the season, the Hornets won eight of their last eleven games leading into the break. The hot finish leaves the team sitting at 27-26 entering the All-Star break.
The first half of the season was filled with many ups and downs. Before the start of the second half of the season, lets take a look at the current state of Buzz City.
Standings
The Hornets strong finish has them currently resting at 8th place in the East. Luckily, the Eastern Conference is wide open for the taking. There are merely five games in between the Celtics who are in third place and the tenth place Wizards.
Injuries
It seems like every player on the Hornets has had to sit the bench at some point throughout the season. The biggest blow to the team is the loss of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, again… After returning from shoulder injury, MKG showed major improvements in his shooting and was a much needed addition to the Hornet’s defense. In Kidd-Gilchrist’s seventh game back this season, after taking a fall whilst driving to the basket, a Pacers player fell on his shoulder. Gilchrist immediately left the game for the locker room. The forward is yet again out for the season, as he is scheduled to have surgery to repair his torn labrum.
INJURY UPDATE: @mkg14 to undergo surgery tomorrow to repair torn labrum.https://t.co/2mC1AJCSTt pic.twitter.com/lG8vuhCnaB
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 16, 2016
Best of wishes to you MKG, I wish you a speedy and successful recovery
Al Jefferson, whom has not played in a game since November, remains on the bench. The good news for the Hornets is that Big Al will be back on the left block soon. Jefferson has been cleared to get back on the court, and is working towards his return. The story of Big Al’s return can be found on his website: http://www.aljefferson25.com/2016/02/11/big-al-mend/. Al is set to make his return to the court in the first few weeks after the All-Star break.
Trades
IT’S OFFICIAL: Welcome to #BuzzCity, @CourtneyLee2211!
PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/jXkjOeLknq pic.twitter.com/W4N9p9vNrr
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 17, 2016
The Hornet’s shook their roster up a bit by sending Brian Roberts to Miami and P.J. Hairston to Memphis. In return, Charlotte receives Courtney Lee, who is on the last year of his four year contract. After losing Kidd-Gilchrist for the season, perimeter defensive was going to be a major concern for the Hornets. Lee is an excellent addition to the team as he provides both great defense as well as three point shooting. The move also frees up a roster spot for Charlotte. Kemba Walker spoke on Lee’s arrival saying he’s “excited to have him” and that “he’s a guy that knows what it takes to win.”
“A guy who’s been through a lot in his NBA career, knows what it takes to win.” –@KembaWalker on @CourtneyLee2211
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 17, 2016
Robert’s departure will not have major implications as he has only played 333 minutes this season. Although P.J. played a bigger role, starting 43 of the 48 games he played in, I believe that Courtney Lee will be an improvement. Last month in an article titled, Trade Talk, I predicted Hairston’s departure, saying “I believe that P.J. could be thrown into a package deal in hopes of landing a decent starter.” The full article can be found here: https://bringbackthebuzz.net/2016/01/10/trade-talk/.
It’s also rumored that the Hornets have been engaged with the Rockets in talks of trading Dwight Howard. Howard would provide the interior defense that the team lacks, but is D12 worth the controversy and problems that seem to follow the big man?
The Hornets kick off the second half of the season on Friday night in an Eastern Conference matchup against the Bucks. Make sure to check in and stay up to date with the buzz.
Bring Back the Buzz 