One of my favorite little tools has made its re-appearance at ESPN for this season: John Hollinger's Power Rankings.
The tool takes into account no author bias whatsoever, using entirely point differentials and strength of schedule(i.e. how tough the opposition is) in determining a team's overall rank. I've found this system to be highly realistic - and as a stats geek - can't say enough about it.
Interestingly, the Hornets have played the hardest schedule of any team in the league so far, with the Hornet's opponents owning a combined winning percentage of 66%. That's pretty nasty.
And I thought our first seven games would be fairly easy.
Oh - and the Hornets are ranked 5th overall right now according to his system.
7 inspiring comments post your own
Niall Doherty
11/13/08 12:55 PM
Hollinger should take into consideration our Mike James handicap. That would probably help us crack the top 3.
www.ndoherty.com #1
Juncti
11/13/08 02:37 PM
That said about the strength of schedule, the loss to the Bobcats still sticks out to me. No excuse for that one.
And why the hell do we always draw the toughest stretches? Last season we were ranked number 1 on the toughest schedule after the all star break.
I just hope these constant wars will result in growth and the team will get stronger as it goes on and peak just at the right time.
#2
Mark
11/13/08 06:07 PM
I do not excuse the difficulty of the schedule in our blatant lack of efforts. Not only with the Lakers, but I sense a general insecurity our team... essentially not cutting hard enough, putting that extra bend in free throws, or jabbing quickly. Again, yes yes yes it's early in the season, but I truly believe our team can withstand a season+16 without a major meltdown.
Our losses have been attributed not to 48 minutes, but truly horrible quarters. Yes, we're good enough to come back, but to assert dominance and establish the mentality of a champion, you don't let up. You kick the opposition when they're down (not literally B. Bowen) and choke them past tap-out (not literally L. Spree). Yeah, we're media and public darlings, but we model ourselves by the Spurs... aren't they relentless and methodical to a fault? And weren't they a championship team in '99, '03, '05, and '07 (and always a favourite)?
All I'm saying I prefer a hard-earned loss over a pathetic win during the regular season. We're establishing an identity; don't let that identity be minimal sufficiency.
Oh, and the schedule doesn't ease up until after Saturday. Now's not the time to complain.
www.dogpile.com/ #3
Roc217
11/13/08 06:26 PM
They do seem to be playing scared. Whether that's scared of the opposition or scared to mess up I dont know. But I dont see that fire in their eyes. I see worry and indecision. its As if they realize they arent playing like they thought they would and don't know what to do. The opponent defense is taking away their strongest offensive plays and they are too quick to settle for the jump shot which they aren't shooting well. Where are the back cuts and movement? They act like they've never played together before. The hustle is gone, they can't seem to get any loose balls. Last night they tipped some balls free from Lakers but it ended up in another Laker player hand with a free lane to the basket.
I refuse to believe they can't handle the pressure of being the hunted because its not about how the opponent plays, its about how the hornets play. And they are playing like they just met each other.
The schedule is tough no matter who you play when you're not playing well because their inconsistencies and struggles won't go away(see charolette game)
#4
mW
11/13/08 06:42 PM
I think that they're really not moving the ball enough on offense. They stan around too much. They also news to get I'm transition more, I noticed that's really when CP's "Chaos Effect" is most potent.
As for the second unit, they need someone to lead them. I hate to say it but do we miss Bonzi's abilities to make his own shot? That's something some back up is going to have to work into his game.
www.hornetshype.com #5
Ryan Schwan
11/13/08 09:43 PM
Bonzi didn't have an ability to create his own shot. He came to New Orleans with a reputation of a post up player, but he shot terribly on any shot that wasn't a dunk. I was going to post about it this summer when they re-signed him, but they didn't re-sign him.
What we actually miss is Pargo, having a third creator on the floor - even if that creator shoots terribly - can be pretty key. As good as Posey is, he can't slash.
Honestly, I think our problems are a bit overblown.
www.hornets247.com #6
Roc217
11/13/08 10:25 PM
I agree about the movement. When CP goes baseline somebody has to try to cut to the basket. Whoever the offensive coach is on this team needs to do something
#7