The Dark Side: Q and A with Jerry Stephens of SwarmandSting.com

The Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder play Wednesday night. The Hornets have been surprisingly good, despite a major injury prior to the season. We caught up with Jerry Stephens (a former writer for the site) who’s now editor of SwarmandSting.com to discuss what happens this season and the next.

With the news that MKG has been cleared to begin practice, how do you see him fit alongside Nicolas Batum and how does his eventual return change the lineup rotation for Steve Clifford?

It is wonderful news for the team that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist should return sometime this season. He was set to be a focal point in the team’s success this year. The plan was to start Batum at shooting guard and MKG at small forward. P.J. Hairston assumed MKG’s role for the time being but as soon as he is healthy enough to return, then P.J. moves to the bench and MKG slides in at small forward next to Nic on the wing.

Being familiar with Jeremy Lamb‘s tenure in OKC, what would you say is the big difference from last season to this one?

The biggest difference between Lamb from last season to this year is confidence. I believed that he has always had the ability to produce on the offensive end of the floor like he has this season. His confidence seemed to be shot after three seasons of mostly sitting on the bench in OKC and having to live up to the role of being James Harden’s replacement. He has had free range this season with the Charlotte Hornets and he has the freedom to create his own offense with the second unit. The added confidence has shown in him this year and I think that is the main difference.

Al Jefferson had been Charlotte’s best player in previous seasons but that’s no longer the case. With his contract up at the end of the season, what do you think his future is with the Hornets?

Jefferson has been a key piece in building the team to where they are today. He has been their prize free agent but I just can’t see him returning at the end of the year. He has gone through way too many injuries over the past few seasons and the Hornets definitely don’t want to spend a lot of money to keep him there. They are already looking to the future with Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky who are 7’0 who have played well so far in their young careers.

Do you figure Charlotte to be active at this year’s trade deadline? What’s a deal you would love to see the team make?

I would hope that the team would be active this year. They clearly have a strong core of players like Kemba Walker, Batum, and Lamb but there are still many questions surrounding the team. They need a rim protector above everything. They do not have a player that can defend at the rim this season and it shows when opposing teams attack the basket. I would love to see them possibly make a deal for Timofey Mozgov or even John Henson.

Break down a key matchup (or matchups) that you think will change the impact of the OKC/Charlotte game.

Russell Westbrook vs. Walker is the matchup that I think will change the game. Russell is easily one of the top-5 best players in the NBA but Walker has made a name for himself this season especially after his 52-point game. They are both lightning quick and can attack the basket. Westbrook is clearly the better player but if Kemba can get into his head and maybe for Westbrook to pick up a few early fouls, then that could really change the complexion of the game. If not, RW and Kevin Durant will likely play their dominant two man game and roll over the Hornets who have struggled on defense and away from home this season.

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