Hornets Links (and one non Hornets) Roundup

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3. Greivis Vasquez, Hornets, $1,619/unit, worth $10.2 million, being paid $1.2 million

4. Brian Roberts, Hornets, $1,821/unit, worth $3.6 million, being paid $473,000

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1. Second-guessing Monty Williams

Williams has had a curious follow-up to his promising first two years as Hornets coach, replete with odd lineup choices and uninspired strategic options. Nevertheless, it’s good to see Williams coming around a bit on Anthony Davis’ playing time, even if it’s evident that he still holds an odd characterization of the rookie big man’s slight frame. Despite playing just 17 minutes against the Lakers and 16 minutes against the Wizards (two teams with strong centers and big front lines overall) in recent weeks, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft is averaging 30 minutes in March after dropping to 25 in January and 26 in February.

Davis makes mistakes and isn’t a perfect matchup for all opponents, but opting for Robin Lopez instead of him seems to reward arbitrary advantage (physical strength) over actual production. In March, Davis has averaged 19.9 points (on 52.8 percent shooting), 12.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per 36 minutes; Lopez’s numbers are far more meager. The Hornets’ defense is actually slightly better this season with Davis on the court. There’s no question that Davis is an incomplete player without the savvy of more experienced players, but for how long can Williams artificially cap his best young player’s minutes for the sake of playing a merely passable big man?

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