It’s no secret that Hornets top draft pick Frank Kaminsky will have to bulk up to compete at the NBA level. At 7-feet tall, Kaminsky will have to bang down low with big men. (Imagine him trying to box out someone like DeMarcus Cousins or Andre Drummond.) With that in mind, Hornets head coach Steve Clifford has made it clear that in order to contribute as a rookie, Frank The Tank has to add strength. From a recent interview with the head coach in the Charlotte Observer:
Q: You went West to watch rookies Frank Kaminsky and Aaron Harrison at Grgurich’s camp. How did they look?
I like the camp, thought it was really good. Aaron did a good job early, then got sick and missed a couple of sessions. Frank played really well. He shot the ball well and actually looked fresher than he did in summer league. Guys go straight from the draft to summer-league games. At the camp he just looked quicker and fresher.
Q: What is the key to Kaminsky contributing as a rookie?
Just strength. And obviously him adjusting to the NBA game. But he’s a quick learner and a good worker. He’ll pick things up quickly. That applies to both ends of the floor. He’s so good off the dribble that he would beat guys but be pushed off (his lane to the rim) a little bit. So a lot of times, where in college he got to the basket, he was instead taking 8-to-10 footers. As he gets stronger, he’ll be at the basket again.
