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Charlotte Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak took to the podium to filed questions from the media regarding the upcoming season. Here is a stream of Tweets from those who were there with my commentary in between.
"Very pleased to date with what I've seen in training camp to date. We're excited to be opening our season on Wednesday." - Mitch Kupchak
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 21, 2019
Same.
Kupchak "We want to build something that can consistently get in the playoffs. And advance in the playoffs."
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) October 21, 2019
Kupchak has repeated this several times during the offseason. Hopefully he can make that goal a reality.
Mitch Kupchak said he doesn't anticipate #Hornets being a big player in the free agent market next summer. He doesn't think it's the way to go to rebuild this roster.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) October 21, 2019
It doesn’t sound like Kupchak plans to use the free agent pool to chase short term gains. That’s a good thing. Those kinds of decisions have plagued this organization in the past.
Kupchak said he doesn't see the Hornets being a big player in free agency next summer. Doesn't see the sense in it. Will instead look to develop with young players, but wouldn't rule a "savvy trade" this season.
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) October 21, 2019
I just love Kupchak referring to his own theoretical future trade as a savvy trade.
Mitch Kupchak says #Hornets rookie P.J. Washington has earned himself a lot of minutes after a strong preseason. Says he’s doing things they didn’t see him do at #Kentucky particularly with his long-range shooting.
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) October 21, 2019
PJ Washington for Rookie of the Year. Looking like a great pick so far.
"I think we are on the right track. For me, success this year is to win as many games as we can and along the way have progress, energy and player development... To date, I've seen nothing to indicate that won't be the case." - Mitch Kupchak
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 21, 2019
I love hearing the different ways Kupchak admits the team will not win a lot while not directly saying that he doesn’t expect the team to win a lot.
Kupchak: “We don’t have any All-Stars on this team. We don’t have anybody on this team that is going to automatically get minutes.”
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) October 21, 2019
Says veterans “have to be productive”
#hornets #nba
Typical offseason speak, but it’s nice hearing the front office acknowledge the fluidity of the roster.
Kupchak said he agrees with coach James Borrego that a won-lost record will not be the best reflection of whether the @hornets 2019-20 season is a success or not. He says JB, Michael Jordan and he are "aligned" "on that.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) October 21, 2019
Good.
"@PJWashington has been consistent through his first 5 games. He's surprised me with his skillset... We're still expecting Malik to make that jump. His last game was encouraging. Miles has been encouraging, Dwayne was really productive at the end of last season." - Mitch Kupchak
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 21, 2019
I got a little chuckle out of this one for some reason. Almost felt like a slight to Bacon.
Kupchak said PJ Washington is the young player that has stood out the most to him this summer.
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) October 21, 2019
Agreed.
Kupchak says he's sure Malik Monk is feeling a need for "urgency" entering his third NBA season.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) October 21, 2019
I sure hope so. This season might be his last chance to prove that he belongs in Charlotte long term.
#Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak says Dwayne Bacon has made a “big jump,” and can be a consistent scorer in the #nba
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) October 21, 2019
That’s a more flattering comment about Dwayne Bacon.
The message to #Hornets fans according to Kupchak: A team in transition with young players and hopefully good draft picks. One that should be evaluated at the moment on style of play, and culture going forward.
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) October 21, 2019
Another way of saying “Don’t expect us to win a lot this season.”
GM Mitch Kupchak expects PJ Washington to play up with the Hornets rather than with the Swarm - as long as he is getting good minutes. pic.twitter.com/ZYDn5Vlc0C
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) October 21, 2019
Seems as though Washington has played his way out of Swarm minutes. I don’t see any reason for him to not get steady NBA minutes out of the gate.