Longtime Hornet icon Baron Davis is dishing dimes in the Bay Area, but the New Orleans Hornets still have sting. The Rookie of the Year turned team leader overnight, Chris Paul, has done an admirable job at point guard. His 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists performance this season resulted in an assortment of individual accolades such as Rookie of the Year, ESPY Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, and Team USA finalist for the World Championships.
Under CP’s era, the Hornets almost made the playoffs, reaching the seventh seed midseason. Unfortunately, the Kings and Lakers went on ferocious runs to close out the season, leaving the Hornets on the outside looking in. Given the lack of depth on the roster, the Hornets had to feel good about themselves. With just a few more pieces, mainly outside shooters, they will definitely be in the playoff hunt for seasons to come.NBA Draft: Hilton Armstrong, Cedric Simmons
Considering it’s somewhat difficult to watch college basketball routinely, I do not have any idea how talented these first-round picks are. However, I do know they are forwards meaning both will come off the bench. Versatile swingman Rasual Butler and newly acquired Peja Stojakovic will start. Only time will tell if these two will earn their paychecks next season. I have confidence in these two because Paul will give them opportunities to exhibit their talents.
Free Agents: Peja Stojakovic, Bobby Jackson
The acquisition of Peja Stojakovic is quite possibly the best offseason move. The Hornets desperately need a shooter considering the bulk of their offense came down low from David West or from layups created by Paul slicing down the lanes. Peja stretches defenses with his range and stroke and definitely has the dribbling capabilities to weave his way to the basket for a small layup. He will have the defense constantly guessing which will take pressure and attention off of West and Paul. I am starting to like this Big Three, especially since Peja is very happy to be with the Hornets. He may play like his MVP year.
Bobby Jackson, a former Sacramento King as well, signed with the Hornets, but no contract terms were announced. Jackson complements Paul perfectly as the more offensive guard. During his time in Sacramento, Jackson provided instant offense from the bench. During a Kings and Mavericks’ shootout, he ran to the scorer’s table to chalk up his hands when his name was called. He was ready to score, and the Hornets need a scoring punch this season.
Walk the Line: Kirk Snyder
Kirk Snyder is a very low-key guard who is often competing for a spot. In Utah, he competed against Keith Mcleod and Deron Williams for the starting position. A few weeks ago, Snyder was basically given to the Houston Rockets for a second round pick. The Rockets need to resolve their point guard situation while the Hornets have already resolved theirs.
Trades: Tyson Chandler for P.J. Brown and J.R. Smith
It would seem ludicrous that the Hornets would trade hardworking, double-double averaging P.J. Brown and up-and-coming J.R. Smith for chronic injury ridden Tyson Chandler. However, the Hornets have their guard situation resolved, and they are going for a youth movement. Brown is eligible for the Dikembe Mutombo club at age 37 while Chandler is only 24. Both players have comparable numbers; both average a near double-double in points and rebounds (except Chandler’s 5 points average). When he does play, Chandler is fairly consistent with his rebounds and blocks which are the two things the Hornets want him to do. Finally, I assume that the Hornets plan to keep him and expect his numbers to exceed Brown’s in a few years.
NBA Draft: –
I have no real criteria to judge these two rookies.
Free Agents: A+
Stojakovic and Jackson provide much needed offense while filling in needed positions.
Walk the Line: A
There is no longer any point guard dilemma, so Snyder is just deadweight to them. The Rockets could use Snyder if Bobby Sura is still not fully recovered from knee and leg injuries.
Trades: B
I like the youth movement. The Hornets receive comparable numbers with a much younger player. However, like Marcus Camby, Chandler’s effectiveness depends on the amount of games he dons a jersey instead of a business suit.
Overall: A-
Of my current reports, the Hornets have made the best moves. The best part, albeit scary, is that this is a relatively young team that fans will be seeing for a long time. The team’s resurgence could not have come at a better time for the hurricane-ravaged populace.