Hornets247.com

The following is a guest post by Michael McNamara (a.k.a. loveforthehornets).

So far we have looked at shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards; so in our fourth and final installment we take a look at the centers that the Hornets might consider in the 2010 NBA draft. The Hornets are very thin at the center position, with Emeka Okafor as the only legitimate center on the team, and some say he might even be better suited as a power forward.

The crop of centers this year is average, at best, with three to four guys who could be first round picks- none of which are expected to be franchise building blocks or multi-time All Stars. Center is, without question, the most overpaid position in the game and that is because legitimate big men are so hard to find that teams have to overspend to acquire one or keep one. Therefore, getting a solid big on a rookie contract for the next 4-5 years could be of huge value to any team.

Ideally, the Hornets would like to add a center with some athleticism that would have the ability to make an impact on the defensive end- both blocking shots and grabbing boards. A center who could play in both the high post and low post would also be a plus, as this would allow him to be on the court with either West or Okafor.

So having said that, let's take a look at the Centers we should keep an eye on this month:

Continue reading »

The following is a guest post by Michael McNamara (a.k.a. loveforthehornets).

In Part Three of our series, we will look at the power forward class for the upcoming NBA Draft. If you missed the earlier installments, check these links for the lowdown on shooting guards and small forwards.

The 2010 crop of power forwards might be the strongest since 1995- a draft that saw Joe Smith, Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace, and Kevin Garnett all go in the first five picks. Kurt Thomas also went tenth that year and Theo Ratliff was taken eighteenth. This class has the potential to be as strong.

Power Forward both is and isn't a position of need for the Hornets. They have two players under contract for the 2010-2011 season in David West and Darius Songalia. West is a two time All Star and a top 12 power forward in the league and Songalia is a better than average backup. However both are on the backside of their careers and both only have one year remaining on their contract. Furthermore, both are finesse power forwards who rebound poorly for their position and don't make much of an impact on the defensive end.

Ideally, the Hornets would love either a power forward who could step in and replace West if he opted to leave (or was traded) and/or they could use a backup to West that can offer a different set of skills, namely shot-blocking, rebounding, and toughness. If the Hornets see power forward as a pressing need, they are in luck because this draft will be loaded with impact players.

Here's a look at some power forwards to keep an eye on that could be available when it is the Hornets turn to pick:

Continue reading »

The following is a guest post by Michael McNamara (a.k.a. loveforthehornets).

Last time we took a look at the shooting guards that the Hornets will have to consider when they are on the clock at the 2010 NBA Draft. Today, we shift our attention to the small forward position. On paper, this is the deepest and costliest position for New Orleans, as they have three small forwards under contract for next year at a whopping price tag of twenty four million dollars. To put that in prospective, if LeBron does go to New York for the max, the Knicks will be paying less to their small forward duo of LeBron and Gallinari. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.

The good news is that two of those contracts will be expiring at the end of next year and 2009-2010 might be the last full year we have to endure Peja's streakiness and Wright's clumsiness. With Posey overweight and seemingly disinterested, there is a lot of room for playing time at the small forward position if the Hornets draft the right (not Wright) player. Here's a look at some players the Hornets could consider at the end of the lottery.

Continue reading »

The following is a guest post by Michael McNamara (a.k.a. loveforthehornets).

As the playoffs become improbable, at best, Hornets fans need a reason to be interested in basketball for the next two months. Seeing LeBron or Kobe hoist the trophy at the end of the year will do little to satisfy the Hornet fan, who just two years ago had so much hope for the future.

While we do have CP3's return to look forward to, there is little else to be excited about coming down the stretch. The best case scenario is that the last fifteen games or so act as an extended training camp for the 2010-2011 season. The coaching staff can figure out a way to get CP3 and the two rookies the minutes and the shots they need to remain productive. Okafor and West can continue to try and develop some chemistry, and CP3 and Okafor can do so as well. Remember, it wasn't until their second season together that Chandler and Paul really got a feel for one another.

But there is at least one player who will be in a Hornets uniform next season that will be involved in the playoffs this year- the college basketball playoffs that is. This time last year Marcus Thornton was the SEC player of the year and was preparing to face Butler in the first round. Meanwhile, Darren Collison was attempting to lead his UCLA Bruins to their fourth consecutive Final Four appearance.

Continue reading »

I was trying to keep from addressing this until the off-season, but the kid from UCLA just won't let it rest.  With every amazing comeback he leads, with every poised fourth quarter, with every explosive foray to the hoop, he's forced the issue.  So here's the question:

What do you do when your team's best two players play the same position?

One answer, and the easiest, is to trade one of them this summer.  There's only 48 minutes available to a point guard, the Hornets have immediate needs in the front court and at the wing.  Both Chris Paul and Darren Collison would demand a major return on the trade market.  The Hornets could move Collison with a bigger contract to pad his outgoing salary, and probably get back a good rebounder or multi-faceted wing.  They could move Paul and would be certain to get a platter of solid talent and draft picks that could shore up a couple positions.

It does sound enticing.  And the grass is always greener, right?

I think it would be a terrible mistake.

The Hornets are currently in the midst of a two-year rebuilding plan.  Sure, they haven't said as much, because in the NBA, "rebuilding" is a euphemism for nuking the team and starting over.  Regardless, they are trying to rebuild while still staying good enough to keep fan support while they do so.  That subtlety may not have served them well, as it has triggered, once more, a set of myths that make it seem imperative for the team to trade Paul, West, or now, Darren Collison.  It's a bit like last summer, in fact, when everyone was certain the Hornets would have to trade David West or Chris Paul to get under the tax line.  Surprise!  Not necessary!

So let's take the time to knock down some of those myths:

Myth 1: The Hornets have no room to breathe under the weight of all their bad contracts

Continue reading »