Halftime Hype

We can't say we didn't see this coming. When Chris Paul was throwing lobs to Tyson Chandler that resulted in emphatic alley-oops, it was obvious that any team with this point guard, along with some decent talent, could be pretty dangerous. Two years ago, CP3 finished second in MVP voting, right after the one-and-only Kobe Bryant - just had to mention Kobe there. Last season, they won 49 games, but in a tough Western Conference that only secured a 7 spot. Regardless, this team has a very bright future. Unlike Oklahoma City, who I was planning to devote a post to, the Hornets have a better sense of direction and what appears to be higher IQ. That may be because of the veteran presence of Peja, Posey, Antonio Daniels, and even Mo Pete. But the rest of the team is worth noting too.

Honestly, I will miss those choreographed pick-n-rolls between Paul and Chandler. It was just such a beautiful maneuver, possibly the Hornets' only set play, and wasn't performed that efficiently since the Andre Miller-Marcus Camby days. But let's face it, Chandler never reached his potential in Louisiana. With the trade for Okafor, New Orleans' has acquired a young man with a bright future who's averaging 13 points-10 rebounds. Despite the great backups in the backcourt of Darren Collison and Antonio Daniels, Paul and Okafor will definitely be the focus of the highlight reel, and this team should surely surpass the 49 wins of last season.



The veteran presence at the small forward position for this team can also be intimidating. James Posey may no longer have youthful energy in him, but he does have his shot. And if he can't find his shot Peja Stojakavic, a former Three-Point Shootout champ, would be glad to step onto the court for some action. Even at thirty-two years of age, Posey is still hitting nearly 37% of his three-point attempts. Peja, the same age, is actually doing better than his teammate, and converting on about 39% of his launches from behind the arc. This is probably the overlooked part of the Hornets' team. The young guns think they can muscle their way past these two vets, but then again, they're vets and know the system.

This squad also has one of the most improved, and still improving, power forward in David West. For years, nobody ever paid any attention to the man. Now, he's an All-Star and averages 21 points and 8.5 rebounds. This scholar, Mr. West, continues to create match-up problems around the league. I know that when my hometown Lakers have to put a body on the guy, he often ends up scorching us anyway. I worry a bit, though, about the effectiveness of the second-tier Julian Wright. If West does end up injured, will Wright be capable of handling the league's elite big men? Regardless, the test for West and Wright, or more broadly, the entire frontcourt, will come when the Hornets have to guard Duncan, Garnett, or Pau Gasol. Hopefully, West and Wright have been building up muscle and have been busy prepping in the offseason.



I truly believe that this Hornets team will outperform that of last season. There is just so much more upside in Okafor than in Chandler. Plus, the roster has barely been modified. Except for the fantastic signing of UCLA standout, Darren Collison, who Paul should mentor and mold into a future superstar - and I'm not just saying that 'cause he's from UCLA. The depth chart of this squad may not look to daunting, but just wait 'til these Hornets step onto the court.

Update: In the last post (Up-and-Coming Coaches, 8/6/09) I mentioned how Rambis seemed to be "all but gone." Turns out, my time on the post was well-spent, and my Lakers lost their assistant coach, Kurt "Superman" (as nicknamed by the late and great Chick Hearn) Rambis, to a head coaching position with the Timberwolves. I wish Rambis the best of luck. He'll need it when trying to improve a team that couldn't even muster 30 wins last year.