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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets' Zeller Speaks on Courage, MJ Plays Key Role in CBA
Welcome to Buzz City Stings, Swarm and Sting’s daily roundup of the best Charlotte Hornets’ stories from around the web.
Buzz City Stings is your daily destination for the latest and best news from around the internet about the Charlotte Hornets. The team finally has an off day to get some rest before their upcoming homestand that includes two games at the Spectrum Center against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. In this edition, Cody Zeller tells us what courage looks like, Nicolas Batum surprises the JR. Rollin Hornets, and Michael Jordan plays a key role in the new CBA agreement.
What Courage Looks Like by Cody Zeller
“A lot of people throw around words like courage and bravery in these circumstances. We’ve all heard that kind of thing. I happen to think those characterizations fit for Elizabeth. But they also aren’t nearly enough. They feel inadequate to describe what she and other kids facing cancer have to go through, not just physically but emotionally. I have no illusions about the real impact that I — or any athlete — can have through making a few hospital visits or a donation … it’s truly the least any of us can do. The doctors and nurses and researchers are the ones who do the real work — and patients like Elizabeth and her family are the real fighters. What I saw in the hospital last week was a 13-year-old young woman who was standing tall in an adult world, a world that can be cruel. Elizabeth showed me that maturity and bravery aren’t exclusive to adults. Us grown ups — all of us — need to listen more. Kids may be smaller than us, but they’re stronger than we give them credit for.” (ThePlayersTribune.com)
In one of the best stories you’ll hear all year, Hornets’ big man Cody Zeller explains what courage looks like to him after an eye-opening experience. The Players Tribune has opened up an outlet for players of every sport to share their stories and Charlotte’s starting center did so with this touching tale with one of his smallest and bravest fans. What a great story about Cody and Elizabeth.
More from Swarm and Sting
Nic Batum Surprises Jr. Rollin Hornets
“On his first day off after a long road trip, Nic Batum could take advantage of some much-needed rest. Instead, the Hornets’ small forward spent Sunday afternoon hanging out with the Jr. Rollin’ Hornets wheelchair basketball team.” (WCNC.com)
In another heart-warming story, Batum spent his first day back in Charlotte by surprising the Jr. Rollin Hornets. The wheelchair basketball team was visiting the Spectrum Center when the Hornets’ star joined them for a game but even Nic said it was difficult to play and that these kids are “unbelievable.” Credit to all the professional athletes taking time out of their days to give back to their fans.
MJ Plays Key Role in CBA Deal
“in 2016, with the two sides tentatively reaching an amicable new collective-bargaining agreement well in advance of any serious rancor, rhetoric or actual repercussions, Jordan emerged as one of the most important voices in the room. Members of both the owners’ and players’ negotiating committees lauded Jordan’s contributions in exclusive interviews with NBA.com.” (NBA.com)
It has already been previously reported that the Charlotte Hornets’ owner was a big factor towards the new Collective Bargaining Agreement talks. As a former player and now an owner, Micahel Jordan’s influence can resonate with both sides. Thankfully, a deal was reached way ahead of schedule and now there will be no fear of a lockout in the future.
