No Longer a Hornets fan

[EastHallApp]

They just signed Leaky Black.

I don't mean this to be as rude as it sounds, but... so what?

You don’t find it humorous that a guy who cancelled a show to go watch Leaky Black play basketball becomes owner of an NBA franchise and mere days after becoming an owner he signs Leaky Black, this right after you basically say it’s laughable that he would be directing roster management? And you are a little rude, but I forgive you. I put myself out there for joking about not being a Hornets fan because of Eric Church, so I can take it. And I’m still a Hornets fan, unfortunately

So anyway, I do appreciate the sense of humor - since you're still on board, what did you think of their draft? I was kind of hoping for Scoot, but it seems like most people nationally are on board with picking Miller. Nick Smith seems like a swing-for-the-fences pick. Hopefully the center they moved up to get can develop into something.

I thought the draft was on par with all Michael Jordan run drafts. I thought Scoot was the low risk high reward pick. I think not getting him because we had Ball is silly considering Ball was injured a good portion last year. Also, the baggage with Miller and bringing back Bridges doesn’t provide a feel good story. Nick Smith also injured for significant time in his only college year. Didn’t like using two draft picks to trade up to 34 for a project. You have to hope with 5 picks going in, that someone has to pan out. And as an ABC guy, I do like the Leaky Black signing.

I kind of felt like Miller was the "safe" pick and Scoot was the potential franchise player. I agree with you on Ball - my dream scenario was drafting Scoot and trading Ball before either injuries kill his trade value or it becomes clear he won't re-sign with Charlotte and forces their hand. But I also just don't really find Ball likable personally.

I don't follow them that closely, but my guess is drafting Miller allows them to cut Bridges loose. Especially if they re-sign Washington, who's basically a poor-man's Bridges without the off-court trouble.

The one thing I disagree with you on is that I definitely wanted them to package and move some of those late 1st/early 2nd rounders. Don't think they need four rookies in camp who are all long shots to make an impact. But all they did was move up a few spots, so they probably didn't gain that much of an advantage from it.

[Rick83]

I've adopted a different attitude about Eric Church, which I know will be unpopular on this board . My wish is that he would support App ONLY as a fan, but he has the right to support and follow any team he wishes. So, if my objective is to get him, and his deep pockets, primarily supporting App, then berating him for his supporting other teams isn't going to sway him over to our side. There's an old sarcastic saying in the corporate world, "beatings will continue until morale improves."
So, you guys should just keep beating on him, and see if we win him over.

In addition, I applaud any App grad who does well out in the world, and he certainly has.

[311neers]

Hard to be a fan of that franchise for many reasons, as illustrated with their #2 pick last night. Also, with Church's input the pattern of taking sub-par UNC players over other decent players will continue

Hornets haven't drafted a UNC player since 2007, when they were still the Bobcats.

And I don't think Eric Church will be elbow-deep in the draft war room directing roster management. He's just a famous rich guy who wants to be part of the club.

They just signed Leaky Black.

I don't mean this to be as rude as it sounds, but... so what?

Leaky Black is not good. That’s a homer signing to keep argyle sweater vests at UNC interested and buying tickets. If he makes the roster, the Hornets still don’t give a flip about being competitive. Same with the Martin twins, and all the stretch 4’s we’ve signed/drafted over the past 15 years.

[AppinVA]

Hard to be a fan of that franchise for many reasons, as illustrated with their #2 pick last night. Also, with Church's input the pattern of taking sub-par UNC players over other decent players will continue

Hornets haven't drafted a UNC player since 2007, when they were still the Bobcats.

And I don't think Eric Church will be elbow-deep in the draft war room directing roster management. He's just a famous rich guy who wants to be part of the club.

They just signed Leaky Black.

I don't mean this to be as rude as it sounds, but... so what?

Leaky Black is not good. That’s a homer signing to keep argyle sweater vests at UNC interested and buying tickets. If he makes the roster, the Hornets still don’t give a flip about being competitive. Same with the Martin twins, and all the stretch 4’s we’ve signed/drafted over the past 15 years.

Leaky is filling out the summer league roster. It wouldn’t surprise me for him to land on the G-League team in Greensboro (Swarm?). That may sell a few tickets, and it would be good business, as that’s where his talent level is.

[EastHallApp]

Hard to be a fan of that franchise for many reasons, as illustrated with their #2 pick last night. Also, with Church's input the pattern of taking sub-par UNC players over other decent players will continue

Hornets haven't drafted a UNC player since 2007, when they were still the Bobcats.

And I don't think Eric Church will be elbow-deep in the draft war room directing roster management. He's just a famous rich guy who wants to be part of the club.

They just signed Leaky Black.

I don't mean this to be as rude as it sounds, but... so what?

Leaky Black is not good. That’s a homer signing to keep argyle sweater vests at UNC interested and buying tickets. If he makes the roster, the Hornets still don’t give a flip about being competitive. Same with the Martin twins, and all the stretch 4’s we’ve signed/drafted over the past 15 years.

I basically agree that it's a homer signing. But I think it's more about doing a favor for a UNC guy and giving him a shot. He's also an older player and a tough defender who will make all those drafted rookies work hard in Summer League practices.

Maybe they'll sell a few extra tickets in Greensboro. Nobody's buying NBA tickets to see the 13th man, regardless of where he went to college.

As for the NBA roster, over the years I've come to believe that the last couple spots on the roster aren't really about who has the most talent, but about who's the most reliable professional. These guys are rarely going to play anyway; they're mainly there to be practice players and good locker room guys. Which is how Udonis Haslem is still on the Heat at age 43 despite not having played more than 130 minutes in a SEASON in six years.

[goapps93]

Hornets haven't drafted a UNC player since 2007, when they were still the Bobcats.

And I don't think Eric Church will be elbow-deep in the draft war room directing roster management. He's just a famous rich guy who wants to be part of the club.

They just signed Leaky Black.

I don't mean this to be as rude as it sounds, but... so what?

Leaky Black is not good. That’s a homer signing to keep argyle sweater vests at UNC interested and buying tickets. If he makes the roster, the Hornets still don’t give a flip about being competitive. Same with the Martin twins, and all the stretch 4’s we’ve signed/drafted over the past 15 years.

I basically agree that it's a homer signing. But I think it's more about doing a favor for a UNC guy and giving him a shot. He's also an older player and a tough defender who will make all those drafted rookies work hard in Summer League practices.

Maybe they'll sell a few extra tickets in Greensboro. Nobody's buying NBA tickets to see the 13th man, regardless of where he went to college.

As for the NBA roster, over the years I've come to believe that the last couple spots on the roster aren't really about who has the most talent, but about who's the most reliable professional. These guys are rarely going to play anyway; they're mainly there to be practice players and good locker room guys. Which is how Udonis Haslem is still on the Heat at age 43 despite not having played more than 130 minutes in a SEASON in six years.

There have been lots of NBA players who couldn't score but had careers as defensive specialists. Not in the last few years though. That said, I don't think Leaky is NBA material. It's sad that Hubert never helped him develop offensively.

[EastHallApp]

They just signed Leaky Black.

I don't mean this to be as rude as it sounds, but... so what?

Leaky Black is not good. That’s a homer signing to keep argyle sweater vests at UNC interested and buying tickets. If he makes the roster, the Hornets still don’t give a flip about being competitive. Same with the Martin twins, and all the stretch 4’s we’ve signed/drafted over the past 15 years.

I basically agree that it's a homer signing. But I think it's more about doing a favor for a UNC guy and giving him a shot. He's also an older player and a tough defender who will make all those drafted rookies work hard in Summer League practices.

Maybe they'll sell a few extra tickets in Greensboro. Nobody's buying NBA tickets to see the 13th man, regardless of where he went to college.

As for the NBA roster, over the years I've come to believe that the last couple spots on the roster aren't really about who has the most talent, but about who's the most reliable professional. These guys are rarely going to play anyway; they're mainly there to be practice players and good locker room guys. Which is how Udonis Haslem is still on the Heat at age 43 despite not having played more than 130 minutes in a SEASON in six years.

There have been lots of NBA players who couldn't score but had careers as defensive specialists. Not in the last few years though. That said, I don't think Leaky is NBA material. It's sad that Hubert never helped him develop offensively.

Gotta be a 3 and D guy now. So far, he only has the second half of that.

[T-Dog]

Lighter meets gasoline

[Appmountaineers19]

Lighter meets gasoline

No doubt...EC is a UNC athletic supporter

[BallantyneApp]

Uhh yeah dude cancelled a concert to go see a basketball game. We don’t even get a shoutout when we beat a top 10 team on the road.

[appstate24]

Yep, dudes a douche.

This ridiculous pose he does, does make me laugh though.

“Mack, baby turn the AC off, I’m getting chilly.”

GO APPS!!

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

Expect to see Bacot on the Hornets roster next year.

[t4pizza]

I think the guy can do whatever he wants, it is his time, effort and money to give as he choses. That being said, I would be very curious to know if we have ever approached him about doing something like this for App. He gets crucified on this board, yet I still hear that he is a big supporter of App also. I don't know why so many care where or how someone else spends their time, effort and money.

[BambooRdApp]

I think some get their panties in a wad as they believe he does not openly or proactively support App. in the media like you see with UNC as well think the only college that should get his money his App given he attended App.
I focus on my own fandom...that takes energy enough.

[T-Dog]

That being said, I would be very curious to know if we have ever approached him about doing something like this for App.

From a former athletics staffer who loved sneering at App people to "be positive" and saying there was no war in Ba Sing Se. Sounds like the idea was there.

[AppSt94]

It seems that Mr. Church has moved on from App. Maybe it’s time for some of ya’ll to do the same.

[Tru2ASU]

Church is playing amphitheaters, Luke is playing football/baseball stadiums. Let Eric go, it'll be ok.

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

It seems that Mr. Church has moved on from App. Maybe it’s time for some of ya’ll to do the same.

[mike87]

Yep, dudes a douche.

This ridiculous pose he does, does make me laugh though.

“Mack, baby turn the AC off, I’m getting chilly.”

GO APPS!!

This sums it up for me. Dude can do what he wants but good lord boy, man it up a little.

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

Brandon Miller in Summer League =