Speaking to reporters before Wednesday’s game, Hornets coach James Borrego pledged his support for shooting guard Malik Monk, who has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of the NBA’s anti-drug program, relays Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer.
Borrego said he hasn’t talked with Monk since the suspension was announced this morning.
“All of us face different things in life; it’s how you respond,” Borrego said. “It’s my belief, knowing Malik, that he’ll respond the right way. (The suspension) does put us in a bind. But in the end, this could be a very positive story. I look forward to talking to him.”
Bonnell points out that Monk has turned in some of the best performances of his career recently, averaging 17.8 points over the past 11 games while shooting 47 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc. Tuesday marked the first start of his three-season career.
While Monk is unavailable, Bonnell expects more playing time for rookies Cody Martin and Caleb Martin and possibly an early return from the G League for Dwayne Bacon.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- It appears Borrego will give opportunities to all three of his centers for the rest of the season, Bonnell tweets. Cody Zeller, who has appeared in 53 of the team’s 58 games, was active for Wednesday’ss game but didn’t play. Bismack Biyombo got the start with Willy Hernangomez was his backup.
- Clint Capela has shown progress with running and movement, but there’s still not a definite plan for his Hawks debut, writes Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal Consitution. Capela, who was acquired from the Rockets at the trade deadline, is dealing with plantar fasciitis and a right calcaneus contusion (heel). He will be re-evaluated March 4. “He felt he came back too soon, and re-injured it, now he’s being cautious,” coach Lloyd Pierce said. “He thought it was a setback when he re-injured it as opposed to just coming back and taking his time and letting it completely heal.”
- The Heat still may be active on the buyout market, suggests Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel. He mentions forward Solomon Hill, who has barely played since being acquired from the Grizzlies earlier this month, as a possible buyout candidate if Miami wants to open a roster spot. Winderman says the Heat can offer a portion of their mid-level or bi-annual exceptions, giving them an edge over teams that can only offer minimum contracts.
