National Basketball Association

Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks: Primed For Preseason

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the NBA regular season just 22 days away, the Charlotte Hornets suited up for their preseason game and are primed for action.

The Charlotte Hornets have always done a good job of generating buzz. This past year, the team and the NBA Development League decided to award the city of Greensboro with its own affiliate team: the Greensboro Swarm.

The Hornets also scheduled a preseason matchup with the Boston Celtics, which will also be played in Greensboro. The game will give the fans a glimpse of the new players and the rookies who may be suiting up for either the Hornets or the Swarm in a few weeks.

But, before Thursday’s tilt with Boston, the Hornets had to battle the Dallas Mavericks e in the American Airlines Center.

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Synopsis

In a game filled with sloppy plays and flashes of potential brilliance, the Hornets fell to the Mavs 95-88. Charlotte was missing guard Kemba Walker and center Cody Zeller (knee injuries) and recently signed rookie Perry Ellis (sports hernia).

Charlotte had quite a few bright spots. Second-year man Frank Kaminsky led the squad with 13 points and seven rebounds, and newly signed Roy Hibbert came off the bench to finish with 10 points and eight boards in 22 minutes.

Rookie Andrew Andrews came off the pine to score 10 points, while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams both contributed eight points and five rebounds in limited minutes. Nic Batum chipped in nine points and four rebounds for the visitors.

Dallas were led by Seth Curry‘s 20 points and four rebounds. JJ Barea added 11 points, Wes Matthews and Justin Anderson both had nine, and Dwight Powell and former NC State standout CJ Williams added eight points apiece. AJ Hammonds led in the rebounding department with nine boards.

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Looking Ahead

Even though the starters didn’t score many points against Dallas, it was the lesser known players that Hornets fans should be paying attention to. Second year man Aaron Harrison scored only two points in nine minutes of play, a surprising stat line. Forward Christian Wood, the player Charlotte signed away from Philadelphia, finished with four points and four boards. Former Duke and Maryland player Rasheed Sulaimon only scored two points and added two assists and one rebound in seven minutes of action.

While the first preseason game is always a bit messy, those players could very well be seeing court time in Greensboro at the conclusion of the preseason. The Hornets are undoubtedly looking for players to fill the last few roster spots, but it would be wasteful to neglect their talent. The Development League may be their next destination, if they are waived.

FRANK THE TANK! pic.twitter.com/wloGi9I7kq

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 4, 2016

However, given the recent possible trade rumors, it is possible that one or more of these younger players could impress the coaching staff and make the final roster. It’s been mentioned before, but is worth mentioning again: depth is key in all sports, especially the NBA.

Therefore, it would be a mistake to simply write off any of these players during the preseason. Any of them could make the squad, and any of them could resurface again if they are waived or send down to Greensboro.

Thursday’s game against Boston will certainly give the players another chance to prove their worth. Game day can’t come soon enough.

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