Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: Kemba Walker has high hopes for rookies Malik Monk and Dwayne Bacon

By Jerry Stephens

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Dwayne Bacon, Markelle Fultz, Malik Monk and Bam Adebayo pose for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Dwayne Bacon, Markelle Fultz, Malik Monk and Bam Adebayo pose for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /
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It’s safe to say that Kemba Walker expects the Charlotte Hornets’ rookies to be contributors during their first year in the NBA.

The Charlotte Hornets had, what looks to be, one of their strongest drafts in recent memory this year when they selected Malik Monk and Dwayne Bacon. Kemba Walker knows how important these two young players will be to the team’s success not only this year but for the future as well. He is expecting big things from them in their first season.

Both rookies have shown real promise. Monk was one of the top players in college basketball last year while Bacon was the Hornets’ best player during summer league. They are each expected to be role players for Charlotte this season with Malik as a sixth man and Dwayne providing wing depth off the bench.

During five summer league games, Bacon, who was the 40th overall pick, averaged 15.4 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 42% from the field and 100% (19-19) from the free throw line. He was one of the most surprising players in Orlando and his 29 point, eight rebounds performance helped the Florida State product make a name for himself.

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As for Monk, he has become somewhat of an afterthought. He missed the summer league and most of the offseason because of an ankle injury. Despite that, there is still plenty of hype surrounding the former Kentucky Wildcat as he is expected to be one of the best true scorers and outside shooters in the 2017 NBA Draft class.

The rookies have already made a strong impression on the 2017 all-star point guard as the Bronx native said “We got two new, young players who should be studs,” Walker said. “I expect a lot from those two. I don’t want to hear anything about them being rookies.” (CharlotteObserver.com) It seems like he thinks pretty highly of the team’s two 2017 draft picks.

Kemba told SLAM Online: “I spoke to both of them. It’ll be fine, they’re two really good players. It’s not easy to come in and be good right away so as long as they put in the work, they’ll be fine.”

Walker seems really excited about playing alongside Monk but admitted that he was surprised he fell to Charlotte saying, “I didn’t think we’d get him. By the 11th pick I thought he’d be gone,” Walker said. “I said, ‘They’d better take him!’ All Charlotte Hornets fans should be excited about him.” (CharlotteObserver.com)

Next: What is Malik Monk's true ceiling and pro comparison?

If the Charlotte Hornets are going to get back to the playoffs and possibly reach new heights this season, they will need both Monk and Bacon to be key contributors. Although higher expectations will be placed on Malik, and rightfully so, Dwayne will also need to be ready when called upon.

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