CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From offseason acquisitions, through trades to building through the NBA Draft, excitement is buzzing around the 2017 Charlotte Hornets.
Sports anchor Phil Orban interviewed Hornets radio analyst Matt Carroll.
PO: There are a lot of changes to this Hornets roster. How soon are we going to know that those will pay off?
Couple rookies, Malik Monk, Dwayne Bacon. Excited to see them, tons of potential. They may take a little bit longer, but I think you're going to see some changes happening pretty quickly and getting comfortable very fast.
MC: You know Phil, there are a lot of changes, but some very good changes, changes that the Hornets are really excited about. I think you're going to see it sooner than later. No. 1 being, I think the biggest addition we have is Dwight Howard. He's a seasoned veteran, been around for a long time.
PO: Coach (Steve) Clifford is a guy who likes to temper expectations for these rookies, but on the other hand, there's a lot of buzz about these guys. What do you think they are going to be able to accomplish here early on?
MC: Any rookie, it's not easy. In the NBA, there's a lot to learn. It's a lot different than the college level, and like you said, Coach Clifford doesn't usually play a lot of rookies, though Frank Kaminsky was one of those guys who played quite a bit for a rookie. Malik Monk, I think he's going to get a good opportunity. He's a guy that we really need on this roster. He can really score, probably the best shooter coming into the draft this season, so I think you're going see him playing early and he should get a pretty good opportunity.