The Buzz In Charlotte Starts In Greensboro

On Monday night, when James Bouknight had his coming out party and JT Thor played a big role off the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers, people around the NBA might have wondered where they have been all season. It starts in Greensboro

For those who attend games in Greensboro, North Carolina to watch the Swarm play, they have seen these two rookies develop since the start of the season.

Bouknight and Thor are the latest members of the Hornets who have had time to groom their game in Greensboro playing for the Hornets G-League team. The Swarm as they are known as, play about an hour and half away from Charlotte in the NBA’s Developmental league.

Over the past three years, Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak has used their affiliate to not only keep players who aren’t playing on the main roster sharp, but to help younger players develop. Greensboro has seen the likes of Devonte’ Graham, Cody and Caleb Martin, Jalen McDaniels, Nick Richards and Vernon Carey Jr. spend time on the roster and have played in time with the Hornets.

Greensboro has been a breeding ground for players who need to get acclimated to what the Charlotte philosophies and tendencies are. By using members of the Hornets staff as coaches in Greensboro, it allows the team to be able to get players up to speed on how the Hornets play in case of being called up.

Over the last few seasons, Jay Hernandez ( assistant coach and Director of Player Development) and current Swarm head coach Jordan Surenkamp (former Video Coordinator for Hornets head coach James Borrego) have been apart of the staff in Charlotte.

After Charlotte was hit hard by players entering health and safety protocols last week, (five players lost, including three starters since December 4th) the Hornets haven’t miss a beat adding players like Bouknight, Thor, Carey Jr., Scottie Lewis and Arnoldas Kulboka.

When you see the Greensboro Swarm take the court for G-League action, remember you could possibly be watching future members of the Charlotte Hornets rotation play.

 

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