Charlotte, N.C. — A rookie class featuring Kon Knueppel, Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Liam McNeeley has injected new life into the Charlotte Hornets, according to an NBA.com report. Team president Jeff Peterson said the four newcomers arrived with a unified, team-first mentality, while head coach Charles Lee credited their daily energy and eagerness to learn for the club’s improved atmosphere. All four first-year players are contributing, though McNeeley has split time between the NBA and the G League. Knueppel’s early production has placed him squarely in the Rookie of the Year conversation alongside former Duke teammate and No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg.
Wizards send out youngest starting five on record
Washington introduced the league’s youngest starting lineup since starters began being officially tracked in 1970-71, the team announced Saturday. With Will Riley making his first career start, the Wizards’ opening group — Riley, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington — averaged 20.64 years of age. Seven players were unavailable, including Khris Middleton, who had been listed as questionable the previous day.
Heat search for consistency amid injuries
After a strong opening to the season, Miami has fallen to one game above .500 by losing 15 of its last 24 contests, noted the Miami Herald. Four different starting lineups have been used in the last six games as the Heat deal with ongoing health issues. Center Bam Adebayo said the team must establish defensive consistency regardless of who is available.
The Sun Sentinel added that Miami’s approach to the fast-approaching trade deadline could hinge on Tyler Herro’s availability. According to the report, moving Norman Powell without confidence that Herro will regain full form would leave the roster short on proven scoring options — a scenario the organization traditionally seeks to avoid.
Source: Hoops Rumors
