In Search of: Optimism

Posted by Jason Calmes January 1, 2012

Bee Bite: 2012.01.01

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

We’re only three games into the season, and we have a winning record, yet I am still expecting a sub-par win total from the team this year.

Carl is looking for a warm reception against slumping Kings, and Ayon will be active going forward, so he may set his first playing time against them or the Warriors.

Our major assets are some of our tradable players and our picks in the upcoming draft. If the win column doesn’t work out, one of those drafts picks will rise. So it all works out in a roundabout way, I suppose.

Carry on.

Kings:

Kings game plan: Tonight’s game vs. New Orleans Hornets

By: Jason Jones, The Sacramento Bee

Lethargic Kings Need To Find The Yellow Brick Road Quickly

By: Bryan R, A Royal Pain

Excerpt:

Too early to panic? In a way, yes. But I’m not panicking – no, not at all. I’m just irritated. Irritated at the lackadaisical play from top to bottom. Irritated at the stupidity. Irritated at the lack of hustle – lack of desire. It’s embarrassing.

42 sense: Catching them at the end of a back-to-back may not matter. We can outwork teams, for sure.

Landry:

New Orleans Hornets’ Carl Landry set to play against former team, the Sacramento Kings

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“When I went back to Houston, I got a standing ovation and everything like that,” Landry said. “They appreciated the work I did and the commitment I had in Houston. We’ll see. We’ll definitely see how it’ll be in Sacramento.”

42 sense: Carl seems like he’s an charming player, and Sacramento fans seem `rootsy’ enough to appreciate how the Carl trade worked out for them.

Ayon:

Gordon not expected to play on two-game trip

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

In other news Saturday, Williams said Gustavo Ayon will be activated Sunday at Sacramento. Ayon was inactive last night vs. Phoenix. Williams added that he wanted Ayon to be more comfortable with his new team before rushing him into action.

Williams: “The last thing you want to do with a guy like that is put him out there and he fails the first time. That could mess him up for a long time. And we have four bigs who have been playing well. So it’s not like we’ve got guys out there not playing well. (Ayon’s opportunity) will come. With a season like this, it’ll come.”

42 sense: If he’s got enough of the system, he’ll get some playing time.

Warriors-Sixers:

Golden State Warriors Vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview: Q&A With SB Nation’s Liberty Ballers

By: Nate Parham, Golden State of Mind

Excerpt:

Anyway, with the Golden State Warriors playing the Sixers tonight, I figured I’d get back in touch with Mike for a Q&A about a team that only makes one trip a year to Oracle Arena and has a few intriguing talents that have been discussed on this site once or twice.

42 sense: Rohan, oddly, gets a mention. Too much convergence not to post.

Draft:

A Premature Draft Primer

By: Brian Ball, At The Give

Excerpt:

That means the Hornets would most likely have a couple of picks in the low lottery range, but there’s still a reasonable chance the Bees could nab a top three pick. If we presume that the Hornets have two randomly distributed lottery slots somewhere between 7 and 14, they would have an 11% chance of getting one top three selection.

42 sense: Think anyone would trade down?

Trades:

The Not-Too-Far Future of the Rebuilding Process

By: 504live, At The Hive

Excerpt:

We won’t hear too much about these guys moving until early February, so it’s safe to put a lid on things for now because a lot can change throughout the league until then. But it’s not hard to see these guys names pop up frequently around the trade deadline as teams start figuring out what they need to make a push for a championship because this year presents a unique opportunity for other teams to win it all. Until then, keep faith in the future of this franchise and try not to get too attached to anyone on this team, except for Monty Williams; that guy’s a stud. Geaux Hornets!

42 sense: Reasonable.

Permalink Back to top Leave a comment

A Time for Reflection and Remensuration

Posted by Jason Calmes December 31, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.31

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

It’s new year’s eve, and I’m taking a break from my research to do this and a couple other things.

We lost, but I wasn’t terribly upset about anything other than that I’d rather put up a clunker against the Heat than the Suns . . . nu-im-sain? On the plus side nba-wise, the Kings aren’t exactly making the NBA redesign scoreboards and the Timberwolves are streaking.

Gordon will likely not be active until the team returns for Philadelphia, but I, frankly, am just ignoring this; this has reached the point of `here kitty kitty’ . . . there will be no treat when kitty arrives until there is, and there’s no predicting with the data available.

To close out the year, we have some refections from the past year and years past, plus a look at how folks measure heights. Three guesses to which I like the best.

Be excellent to each other . . . and . . . party on dudes!

Carry on.

Recap Recap:

Suns 93, Hornets 78: Arguably the Worst Offensive Game in Franchise History

By: Rohan, At The Hive

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

By: Lucas Ottoni, Brazilian Hornet (Google Translate)

Phoenix Suns 93, New Orleans Hornets 78 — Defensive lockdown

By: Micheal Schwartz, Valley of the Suns

Excerpt:

ell that was ugly, gang. How ugly? 28.9%, the Hornets’ FG% tonight, is the worst in the 23 year history of the franchise.

42 sense: And we still had a chance in the fourth. I’d say a puncher’s chance if I knew what it meant.

Gordon:

New Orleans Hornets’ Eric Gordon says he’s feeling better

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets unlikely to have Eric Gordon ready to face Sacramento Kings Sunday night

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

It appears as though it will be mid-week at the earliest before New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon returns to the lineup. Gordon has missed the last two games with a bruised right knee, a preexisting injury that worsened when he bumped knees with Phoenix Suns forward Grant Hill in the Dec. 26 season opener.

42 sense: Oh, how the story changes in 12 hours. And that’s the problem with breaking news and toeing the party line.

Timberwolves:

Heat 103, Timberwolves 101: Crawl ‘fore you ball

By: Myles Brown, A Wolf Among Wolves

Malcolm Lee goes under the knife

By: Benjamin Polk, A Wolf Among Wolves

Excerpt:

As promised, we were entertained. But with nothing to show for our efforts besides faint praise and yet another moral victory, we have to wonder if anything has actually changed.

42 sense: Let us hope nothing has changed.

Kings:

Kings use Friday practice to fine-tune offense and transition defense

By: Jonathan Santiago, Cowbell Kingdom

Excerpt:

The Bulls outscored the Kings by 19 transition points yesterday evening, and with the high-octane New York Knicks coming to town, remedying the transition defense was a crucial part of today’s session.

42 sense: So they are working on the same things we are working on. I wonder what that says about the relative merits or each team.

Pictures:

SOME PHOTOS TO ENJOY

By: Lucas Ottoni, Brzailian Hornets (Google Translate)

Goodbye, 2011

By: Rohan, At The Hive

Excerpt:

The beating given the Celtics is passed. The New Orleans Hornets have come into court, in a moment, at 23h (GMT), to meet (again) the Phoenix Suns at New Orleans Arena. The Suns, you know, was the first opponent Hornets 2011-12 NBA season. And the result, you know, it was a sweaty victory of our team, right in Arizona. As the ball goes up in Louisiana, I have separated some photographs legal and decided to post here in the Brazilian Hornet. I grabbed some images “Jurassic” times of the Charlotte Hornets (remember?) Has Kobe Bryant, “Grandmama,” David West, Monty Williams, etc.. Rockin ‘out (just click) …

42 sense: Very nice, and appropirate for New Year’s Eve.

WTGABT:

Kevin Love and height liars in shoes

By: Ethan Sherwood Strauss

Excerpt:

In-game Dwight Howard may well tower to 6-11. But, do we record NFL player height “in helmet”? Do we weigh boxers “in gloves”? Do we act like jockeys are centaurs and measure them “on horse”? Of course not, because there is no need to tweak traditional human measurements.

42 sense: I am both pro-accuracy and anti-obfuscation. Thanks for writing this.

Permalink Back to top Leave a comment

New Guys Coming Up and Ready to Work

Posted by Jason Calmes December 30, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.30

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Phoenix signed Michael Redd, but he may not be able to play. Redd isn’t anywhere near new to the NBA, but he’s new to the Suns. Ayon and Jack will be newly available for the New Orleans Hornets with respect to the teams’ most recent encounter. Gordon will not play, however, and Ayon may not see any time.

Monty started strong in his rookie year, but the season was as pocked with losing streaks as substantial as the other kind. No one is more aware of that Monty, and he’s working on it. He’s got time, however.

Our two most prominent D-Leaguers played together in Austin and are sorely missed, but their team continues to win. Hope this means they were among the best and the rest of the team is just that good.

Are they ready? Are you ready?

Carry on.

Preview Preview:

Preview: Phoenix Suns (0-2) at New Orleans Hornets (2-0)

By: Michael Schwartz, Valley of the Suns

Michael Redd signing complicates Suns’ bench

By: Michael Schwartz, Valley of the Suns

Excerpt:

After signing Michael Redd on Thursday, the Phoenix Suns’ roster will house 13 players with a legitimate gripe for rotation minutes once Redd is ready to take the floor, which means Alvin Gentry has quite the task on his hands to figure out which players deserve time and which players must be relegated to mop-up duty.

42 sense: We get one, they get one.

Ayon:

Shootaround: Dec. 30 vs. Suns

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

Rookie forward Gustavo Ayon has been cleared to practice and play, meaning he could make his official NBA debut soon. Ayon was listed as inactive in the first two games and was ineligible to play. Incidentally, with 15 total players on the roster, New Orleans always must list two inactives until early February. Gordon and DaJuan Summers are sidelined due to injury right now, while the other 13 players are all available.

42 sense: Maybe we’ll build up enough of a lead to see him play.

Williams:

Monty Williams has New Orleans Hornets off to another strong start

By: Peter Finney, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“I was outcoached by a lot,’’ said Monty who watched a 17-point halftime lead turn into a 14-point loss. After shooting 62 percent in the first half, the Hornets went 5-for-15 in the third quarter and turned the ball over five times to bring the Spurs back in the game.

“Coach Pop made move after move after move, and I had no answer,’’ Williams said.

42 sense: An expected vibe from Coach.

7 years:

Drafting a star gets you seven years

By: Sean Deveney, Sporting News

Excerpt:

Now, here’s where things get tricky — in most of these extensions, as we have seen, there is a player option on the final year. So a star draftee will play the first four years of his career under his rookie contract and sign another deal for five years. Years 5, 6 and 7 will go along swimmingly under the extension, but Year 8 is where things get dodgy. It is a critical time for both the player, who is by that point about 26 or 27 and in his prime, and the team, which has relied on the star for the past seven years. It is in Year 8 that the player option is looming, and if the star player does not like the looks of his team’s roster or the market in general, he will have the opportunity to leave in the summer. And he can let the team know it.

42 sense: This is mostly a rehash, but it may be of interest to those who were wondering about the timing of the trade with the Clippers and just how handy that extension came in.

Johnson:

‘Selfless’ Carldell Johnson a fan favorite for Toros

By: Kevin Robbins, Statesman

Excerpt:

He plans to finish his degree in January, taking coursework online between practices and games. He wonders how much longer he’ll play. Two seasons. Maybe three.

42 sense: Good read on Squeaky. Seems like a good egg.

Thomas:

Toros Celebrate the Holidays With Wins

By: Will Schmidt, The Austin Chronicle

Excerpt:

I’ve been trying to figure out just the right way to embrace our ball club now that Lance Thomas is gone. He’s still across the pond in New Orleans, where he’ll likely find himself a roster spot and a big pay raise from his Toros days. I’ve had some time now, and I’m come to accept this as reality. And my sadness has turned a 180. I’m ecstatic for Lance. He’s in the NBA now! It’s a dream come true for him, and for Lance Thomas fans everywhere. We might not get to see him dominate the basketball court at the Cedar Park Center anymore, and it’s probably true that he’s not ready to have a huge role for the NBA-owned Hornets, but we’ll continue to monitor the situation, and if all goes according to plan, in a few years we’ll all remember Lance’s Toros days as he checks into the NBA All-Star game, wherever it be held.

42 sense: Seems like a good team without them. Maybe these guys will be servicable.

Permalink Back to top Leave a comment

2-0, Gordon May Sit, Ayon and Bureaucracy, Suns Want to Push the Pace

Posted by Jason Calmes December 29, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.29

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

An impressive win over the unimpressive Celtics is still a win, and there are things we should look at a positives going forward. Gerry V provides some keys to look at going forward.

There are negatives, however, like real life. An injury may have Gordon in a suit Friday, and Ayon may still be waiting for his visa updates so he can practice for the first time.

Very minor updates about the ownership situation were given by Commissioner Stern a few days ago.

Looking towards tomorrow’s game, the Suns want to pick up the pace.

Carry on.

Recap Recap:

Jarrett Jack scores 21 points as Hornets beat Celtics 97-78 to drop Boston to 0-3

By: AP

It’s Never Too Early To Bottom Out: Hornets 97 C’s 78

By: Ryan DeGama, Celtics Hub

New Orleans Hornets pummel Boston Celtics behind tough defense

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Hornets 97, Celtics 78: Minus Gordon, Hornets Blow Out the Winless Celtics

By: Rohan, At The Hive

(Video) Monty on Landry

By: The Times-Picayune

(Video) Monty on Cohesion

By: The Times-Picayune

(Video) Kaman

By: The Times-Picayune

(Video) Jack

By: The Times-Picayune

(Video) Vasquez

By: The Times-Picayune

(Video) Monty Pregame

By: The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

The Boston offense cratered last night after two strong outings and the defense came up impotent for the third consecutive game.

With Paul Pierce out and on the back of the strong performances against Miami and New York, it’s hard to worry too much about the scoring right now. But the defense remains a mystery, because Boston’s proving to be one of the league’s worst defensive teams so far this season.

Process that for a moment.

So far, the Celtics are not just bad. They’re D’Antoni bad. Golden State bad. Raptor bad.

42 sense: I’m happy for the win, but let’s not process these wins like they were against championship efforts. Let’s just be happy for the wins we have and get ready to get loud Friday.

Gordon:

New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon expected to miss second consecutive game

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

New Orleans Hornets Coach Monty Williams said he’s not expecting starting shooting guard Eric Gordon to play Friday night against the Phoenix Suns because of a bruised right knee.

42 sense: Friday isn’t a must win. Show the guy you care about his career.

Ayon:

New Orleans Hornets center Gustavo Ayon is waiting for a work visa

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“We expect to have it all cleared up in the next day or so,” Demps said. “It was just because of the holidays. We’re not letting him practice, either. He’s just shooting around.

42 sense: Been there, done that. I’ll believe it’s done when he’s working.

Keys:

‘Soft as pudding’ thinking coming from Atlanta — Gerry V

By: Gerry V

Excerpt:

I like to review and evaluate games in groups of three. What are the trends? What went well, and what didn’t? I then use the next two games to see if the negatives improved, positives slip, or if things remain steady. The five-game body of work gives me the final grade for that group of games.

42 sense: I thought 5, V. Or am I getting too Roman-Numeral on you? I like the keys. Spot on.

Ownership:

Oklahoma City “The Little Engine That Could”

By: Susan Bile, Hoopsworld

Excerpt:

“We are talking to several interested buyers and we expect to complete a sale in the first half of 2012. The timing is a little rough, because there are certain commitments that the state is in the process of making to us on a longer-term basis so that we will execute a longer lease. We hope to announce a final buyer in the next 60 days. It will be good for New Orleans. It will be good for the NBA.”

42 sense: This is just a hair more detail than was mentioned at the post-trade press conference. Thanks to a couple of readers for bringing this to our attention. Good teamwork.

Suns:

Phoenix Suns want to push the tempo

By: Bryan Gibberman, Arizona Sports

Excerpt:

“We got to become more of a running team,” said Gentry after shoot around on Wednesday. “We’re not a running team, we’re a jogging team. We’re not good as a jogging team; we got to find a way to manufacture easy baskets and not to have to work so hard in half-court sets.

42 sense: We’ll see who sets the pace. If you couldn’t set it with Nash Monday, I’m not sure why you’ll be allowed to on Friday.

Permalink Back to top Leave a comment

Observations, Skidding Celtics without Some Players, Chouest Removed from Political Quagmire

Posted by Jason Calmes December 28, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.28

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

The Hornets traveled Monday night and have been here for over a day now. The Celtics have yet to play at home and faced the Heat last night. With two players out, no counting Jeff Green, we just may be catching them at the right time.

Minnesota is 0 – 2 and the analysis of the team can be summed up as follows: Same as last year.

For us on the court, this year is about development, that pick, and fun.

Off the court, we have more stuff going on, and last week a quiet little legal decision just may have opened the floodgates. The NBA doesn’t like the appearance of bribes, even if they accept those that were long ago in a country far, far away. This issue about limits on political contributions becoming a non-issue may just clear the way for an owner to step forward. Only time will tell.

In bonus coverage, an NBA great has a piece in the New York Times.

Carry on.

Preview Preview:

Pierce out next 2 games

By: Gary Washburn, Boston Globe

Wilcox suffers left shoulder injury, unlikely vs. Hornets

By: A. Sherrod Blakely, NECN

New Orleans Hornets vs. Boston Celtics preview

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Boston at New Orleans

By: Dan Pieringer, CBS Sports

Excerpt:

Paul Pierce is close to returning but the Celtics are being very cautious with his bruised right heel. Although coach Doc Rivers said Pierce looked better in workouts today, he was held out of tonight’s game against the Miami Heat and will not play tomorrow against the New Orleans Hornets.

42 sense: Against this team, we need some breaks, and, even then, a victory will still be meaningful.

Chouest:

Ethics Committee Exonerates Don Young for Legal Fund Donations

By: Amanda Becker, Roll Call

Excerpt:

The House Ethics Committee announced today that it had unanimously concluded Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) did not violate any law, rule or regulation when his legal defense fund accepted donations from a dozen corporations owned and operated by the same group of related individuals.

Because Young complied with the letter of the law when his legal trust accepted 12 $5,000 donations from separate Louisiana limited liability corporations owned by an individual named Gary Chouest, his wife and his five children, the committee rejected the independent Office of Congressional Ethics’ conclusion that the contributions had come from a single source and exceeded annual contribution limits.

42 sense: The sort of this is the Chouest isn’t implicated in any wrong-doing since there is no wrong-doing. This could mean an obstacle to Chouest ownership has been removed.

Observations:

Early New Orleans Hornets Observations

By: James Grayson, Swarm and Sting

Excerpt:

Greivis Vasquez makes more of an impact than Quincy Pondexter. I loved me some Q-Pon, but unfortunately I believe that Vasquez can give the Hornets, or any NBA team something, even if he’s going to make some mistakes. Watching the Suns game again you actually feel Vasquez’s presence on the floor. That may be because he’s the point-guard, but none the less he takes shots and creates for others, something Pondexter never really did.

42 sense: I agree with what’s being said here. I also hope we’re both right.

Gordon:

New Orleans Hornets eager to keep the ball rolling with Eric Gordon

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“He scores the basketball, that’s what he does. I anticipate him being our leading scorer, but we want to utilize all his talents.’’

42 sense: Rehash.

Robertson:

N.B.A. Should Honor Its History and Learn From It

By: Oscar Robertson, The New York Times

Excerpt:

Until the N.B.A. has true revenue sharing, as do Major League Baseball and the N.F.L., competitive balance will be difficult (although not impossible) for the small-market teams to achieve. And the collective bargaining agreement is too convoluted with provisions counterproductive to the viability of the game. Until those issues are addressed, which they will not be for at least six years, teams will continue to spend too much money on both unproven players and proven mediocrities.

42 sense: Words directly from one of the most important people in American professional basketball. Read them.

Timberwolves:

Bucks 98, Timberwolves 95: So… about the other night…

By: Zach Harper, A Wolf Among Wolves

Finding half-filled glasses

By: Stop-n-Pop, Canis Hoopus

Excerpt:

This feels like a frustration-laden recap from last season because that’s exactly how last night’s game felt. Bad coaching, poor execution, and a lack of valuing both offensive and defensive possessions plagued this team. It wasn’t the same team we saw at the Target Center the other night. The Wolves shot 25 more free throws than Milwaukee, out-rebounded them by nine, held them to 42.6% from the field, 2/16 from 3-point range and STILL had to fight and scrap their way to a close loss. Turning the ball over on more than a quarter of your possessions (26 turnovers in 99 possessions) will put you in that situation.

42 sense: Looking good from down South.

Permalink Back to top 2 Comments

One Last Stare at the Suns, and the Tumble Begins Waaay up North . . . by Shreveport

Posted by Jason Calmes December 27, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.27

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

The two most important things for the New Orleans Hornets having to do with basketball courts happened last night. First, the short-handed Hornets beat the Suns in a particularly satisfying matter. Secondly, the Timberwolves fell to the Thunder.

The former is key to give the the fanbase some hope. The latter is first head-rap in hopefully long tumble for us.

I think all Hornets fans will agree with the second of these assertions, but the first one will certainly be met with some disagreement. I just think that we need to win all we can and trust that we are bad enough to get into the draft if we can’t win the title, which we can’t do.

For those of you who want to follow the Minnesota angle with a touch of humor, follow the tumblewolves . . .

Carry on.

Recap Recap:

Hornets.com postgame: Hornets 85, Suns 84

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Hornets 85, Suns 84: The Commissioner Administrates All Over the Suns

By: Rohan, At The Hive

New Orleans Hornets win opener on Eric Gordon’s late shot

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Phoenix Suns Lose Season Opener to Hornets in Heartbreaking Fashion, 85-84

By: East Bay Ray, Bright Side of the Sun

New Orleans Hornets 85, Phoenix Suns 84 — No go-to player

By: Michael Schwartz, Valley of the Suns

Breaking down the Suns’ final play against the Hornets

By: Mike Schmitz, Valley of the Suns

(Video) Eric Gordon

By: The Times-Picayune

(Video) Trevor Ariza

By: The Times-Picayune

(Video) Greivis Vasquez

By: The Times-Picayune

(Video) Monty Williams

By: The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

It’s difficult to give Greivis Vasquez enough credit for what he accomplished Monday. Despite joining the team 48 hours earlier, Vasquez looked like he’d been with the Hornets for an extended period of time. Amid the absence of Jarrett Jack (one-game suspension), it’s no stretch to think the Hornets could not have won this game without Vasquez’s 27 minutes. Yes, he had five turnovers, but under the circumstances, he delivered a greatly-needed presence for a team almost completely devoid of substantial NBA point-guard experience.

42 sense: Good win. I’m very happy with what I saw tonight. 42 of 85 points were in the paint, 13 at the line. So, more than half of our points from field goals were from in the paint. That’s something I could deal with as a theme for the season.

Prior Rebuild:

The Payoff of Patience – A glance back at the ’04-’05 Hornets, and a look to the Future

By: GeauxHornets, At The Hive

Excerpt:

With all of the flaws (and as you can see, there were many) dragging down the future of this Hornets’ franchise, it’s important to understand that the only way that team could have turned things around within a window of even FIVE years would be through drafting a transcendent star. Luckily for New Orleans, Chris Paul was that star. As currently constructed, this Hornets team won’t need to rely so much on luck; with what will likely be two top-10 draft picks in a deep class, the team will have two chances to grab its next star, along with another solid player to go along with it. Add those two picks to the young star they already have in Eric Gordon in addition to whatever the team can get back in its inevitable trade deadline deals, and the sky is the limit for this new era of the New Orleans Hornets. Stay on board, Hornets fans – we’re making a short pit stop now, but it’s going to be a fun and exciting ride back towards the top.

42 sense: An interesting and heartening read.

Blueprint:

Post-Melo Nuggets provide blueprint for Hornets

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

“Having a number of guys who can contribute or be effective is harder to guard,” Jack said of the Nuggets’ balanced post-trade offensive attack. “If you look at the situation with Carmelo last year – not to pinpoint it – they lose a great player in him, but they get back four or five guys. It seemed like they didn’t miss a beat. Some people said they were better (as a team after the trade). It’s harder coming into a game to defend against seven potential options, rather than keying in on two (players) or maybe even one guy. I think that’s what we have here. Hopefully on opening night, we’ll be able to show and prove.”

42 sense: A natural comparison.

Timberwolves:

Everything’s on the table

By: Stop-n-Pop

Thunder 104, Timberwolves 100: Who’s the Manna?

By: Myles Brown, A Wolf Among Wolves

Excerpt:

The elephant in the room tonight is the Wolves’ 3-point shooting. They went 3-22 from beyond the arc. Do not fret about this number. It should be an anomaly. It should be an outlier. The Wolves are still an island of misfit toys and a large part of their success will be built beyond the arc, at the line, and…well, that’s it. Tonight OBPs couldn’t hit the broad side of a 3 point barn. This will change. You should be more worried about only 26 FTAs. This should also change. However, in the grand scheme of things, tonight’s silver lining is that the Wolves barely lost a game where they shot 16% from 3. That’s not going to happen all that often.

Another elephant: we are looking at a 7-8 man rotation in about a month. Love, Rubio, Tolliver, Barea, and eventually Williams are going to be the only players that can be trusted on a night-to-night basis. Everybody else is up in the air. This team still has a talent shortage and it needs another perimeter player (cough..at the 2…cough) to be truly serious.

42 sense: Sounds like there’s no magic bullet. The short rotation may be shorter than the season . . .

Permalink Back to top 5 Comments

Looking Forward to the Future, the Season, the Game, Ayon Work Visa Issues

Posted by Jason Calmes December 26, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.26

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Tonight is the night we have waited for for a long time. The New Orleans Hornets will start their season at the Phoenix Suns. Both teams have their issues, but Ayon, who has made the trip, may not be able to play due to some paperwork issues.

Taking the longer view, the Hornets are beating the energy, youth, spirit, potential drum, and rightly so. We’ll be in for a fun season if they can stay hungry.

Carry on.

Ayon:

Bloquea trámite debut de Gustavo Ayón

By: Agencia Reform, Diario

Blocks pending debut of Gustavo Ayon

By: Google Translate

Excerpt:

“Gustavo has made the trip with the team, but can not play because they have not processed the work permit. Si se lo dan el martes podría ya el miércoles vestirse de corto, pero no se sabe si juegue”, confirmó Emilio Durán, agente de Ayón, en entrevista telefónica. If you could give on Tuesday and on Wednesday cut dresses, but do not know if playing “confirmed Emilio Duran, Ayon agent in a telephone interview.

42 sense: Klunky translation aside, I’m not sure how much time he’d get anyway.

Preview Preview:

New Orleans Hornets at Phoenix Suns preview capsule

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Game 1: Hornets @ Suns

By: Rohan, At The Hive

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Hornets Game Preview: Season On!

By: East Bay Ray, Bright Side of the Sun

Preview: New Orleans Hornets (0-0) open season at Phoenix Suns (0-0)

By: Kevin Zimmerman, Valley of the Suns

Excerpt:

The improvement of Phoenix center Robin Lopez from last season will be put on display, as will the seriousness of a broken thumb to fellow center Marcin Gortat. The 7-footer said he’ll play despite not being able to dunk. He also told Paul Coro he has participated in all of the recent practices.

42 sense: Get ‘em, boys!

Youth:

New Orleans Hornets usher in a new era with youthful roster

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“I think we’re excited to see what’s going to unfold over the next few seasons,’’ Hornets President Hugh Weber said. “As we’ve always said, we are taking a long view of this, and it’s not going to be built overnight. We said a year ago we were going to do it right and not cut corners. I think there is a kind of galvanized confidence among us that we’re definitely on the right path.’’

42 sense: I think we are on the right path. Can we stay on it and get some breaks?

Odds:

New Orleans Hornets are intent on defying the odds this season

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“Most of the guys on this team have been the underdog most of their lives. It’s nothing new to any of us. All (Coach) Monty Williams and the front office expect of us is to go out and play hard, and that’s what we did in the first two preseason games (both against the Memphis Grizzlies) and what we’re going to continue to do for the rest of the season.”

42 sense: I’m fine losing . . . just fight.

Permalink Back to top 2 Comments

All Ye Faithful: Trades and Giving

Posted by Jason Calmes December 24, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.25

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Oh, come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant . . . oh, we play Monday . . .

Well . . . get pumped.

In the spirit of the day, everything today will be about giving, at least in one form or another. For instance, the New Orleans Hornets gave their last Bower draft pick to Memphis. They we so thrilled they sent Greivis Vasquez back to us instead of fruit cake.

Gustavo Ayon has some help from one of the Hornets’ coaches.

ESPN gives their southwest division predictions. The Hornets don’t get a mention.

Both the Suns and the Celtics have been dealt some tough cards to play with this week.

Of course, the Hornets have contributed mightily to the community, just as we’ve given to them.

Carry on.

Pondexter:

Hornets Trade Quincy Pondexter To Memphis For Greivis Vazquez

By: Andy Hutchins, SB Nation

Excerpt:

The New Orleans Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies have swung a Christmas Eve deal, sending Quincy Pondexter to Memphis for Greivis Vasquez, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski.

42 sense: On paper, this is a smart move. Let’s see how it works out on the court.

Borrego:

Assistant Borrego will help ease Ayon transition

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

Furthermore, if there is any confusion on Ayon’s behalf about instructions he is given in English, the Hornets have an assistant coach on head coach Monty Williams’ staff who is fluent in Spanish. Second-year assistant James Borrego, who was a high school basketball standout in New Mexico and played collegiately at San Diego State, will be on hand to clear up any potential communication issues for Ayon.

42 sense: Everything is an asset. That’s thinking like a champ. Really.

Charity:

New Orleans Hornets spread holiday cheer at Boys & Girls Club

By: Susan Poag, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

New Orleans Hornets staff, season-ticket holders and volunteers helped paint and clean up the grounds of the Boys & Girls Club-Westbank in Gretna as part of a NBA Cares “Home For the Holidays” event Thursday. The event featured a basketball game for the boys and a dance clinic taught by the Honeybees for the girls. Hornets players Carldell Johnson and Jerome Dyson were guest coaches for the basketball game.

42 sense: Thanks.

Southwest:

’11-12 Predictions: Southwest champs

By: ESPN

Excerpt:

Dallas Mavericks (16 votes), S.A. Spurs (9 votes), Mem. Grizzlies (5 votes).

42 sense: Hard to argue with the poll.

Celtics:

Early Christmas Gift! Pavlovic Likely To Start vs. Knicks

By: Brain Robb, Celtics Hub

Excerpt:

Happy Holidays to all you CelticsHubbers out there. With the regular season opener approaching, Doc Rivers has reached into his stocking early with the news that Sasha Pavlovic will likely get the start at small forward on Christmas, with Paul Pierce still looking doubtful with a heel injury.

42 sense: Who knows, this could end up affecting our home opener.

Suns:

Phoenix Suns Season Forecast, 2011-2012! Time To Rise!

By: Alex Laugan, Bright Side of the Sun

Excerpt:

There you have it, folks. Wins ranging from 28-36 wins, and that’s with a healthy team! Simply, the Suns don’t seem to have the guns to be a contender, and will need a major team effort just to make the playoffs.

42 sense: With all their issues, we just may run these dudes over in game 1.

Permalink Back to top Leave a comment

3 Bloggers, 3 Players, 1 Ex-Player, 1 Ex-Joe-Block

Posted by Jason Calmes December 24, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.24

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

ESPN and the Hornets247 answer some questions about the present and future of the New Orleans Hornets.

Three of the most recent Hornet . . . Kaman, Aminu, and Ayon . . . are all looking to prove something this year.

The Hornets met the roster limit of 15 by cutting Dyson, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stop moving players or requesting waivers.

Joe Block, one-time Hornets radio personality, left the team to work with the Dodgers. Now, he’s working with a living legend in the land of Fonzarelli.

Carry on.

Ayon:

Dell Demps Signs Gustavo Ayon and What It Means

By: Rohan, At The Hive

Excerpt:

Whether Ayon will transition smoothly to the NBA remains to be seen, but the fact remains that this is a smart, cheap, resourceful signing regardless of how it all turns out. You play the odds when you construct a team, and acquiring Ayon is a solid move regardless of the outcome. The Hornets have reportedly been all over him throughout the lockout and will pay his Spanish side $0.75M to extract him from his contract there.

42 sense: It’ll be interesting to see a legit overseas prospect develop.

Aminu:

New Orleans Hornets forward Al-Farouq Aminu wants to make impact as defender

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Aminu is battling with Quincy Pondexter for minutes at the backup small forward spot behind starter Trevor Ariza. Pondexter struggled early, but finished with 14 points and had 12 rebounds against the Grizzlies.

42 sense: His three quick fouls show his youth plainly.

Kaman:

Chris Kaman has New Orleans Hornets looking improved up front

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“I think our frontcourt is good,” Demps said last week. “Kaman was an All-Star a couple of years ago. He’s in the last year of his contract, so I’m sure he’s out to prove that he can still play. Emeka likes to go down low, and he’s really a good defender and finisher around the rim. Kaman is a little more versatile offensively where he can step out and make jump shots and can also play with his back to the basket.”

42 sense: I’m looking forward to seeing what a dominant front court is like, at least on some nights.

Dyson:

New Orleans Hornets reach roster limit by releasing Jerome Dyson

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

The New Orleans Hornets cut free-agent guard Jerome Dyson Saturday afternoon, reaching the league-mandated roster limit of 15.

42 sense: Good luck. Squeaky fans will like this, but the New Orleans native isn’t out of jeopardy yet.

5-on-5:

Hornets roster: To have and hive not

By: ESPN

Excerpt:

What happens to the NBA-owned New Orleans Hornets in their first season post-Chris Paul?

ESPN.com’s John Hollinger analyzed each player on the new-look Hornets. Now our 5-on-5 team chimes in:

42 sense: Ryan, Michael, and Joe make appearances here.

Block:

Joe Block to broadcast Milwaukee Brewers games with Uecker

By: The Business Journal

Excerpt:

Joe Block, a broadcaster who announced games for the former Montreal Expos and various minor league teams, will join Bob Uecker as the play-by-play announcer for Milwaukee Brewers games on 620 WTMJ.

42 sense: Juuuust a bit outside.

Permalink Back to top Leave a comment

More Coming and Going as Opening Day Draws Near

Posted by Jason Calmes December 24, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.23

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Brian Butch is going back to Bakersfield, but Gustavo Ayon has arrived to play forward for the New Orleans Hornets.

Former Hornet Bonzi Wells was cut from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Willie Green signed a deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Rohan takes a hard look at how this team should fare compared to recent Hornets squads. The forecast is mostly cloudy, but better than some expect. The Suns, however, are starting to adjust the expectations of their fans.

Carry on.

Ayon:

Hornets strengthen frontcourt with Ayon signing

By: AP

Newest New Orleans Hornets forward Gustavo Ayon says this was the right fit for him

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets jazzed to have Gustavo Ayon in the fold

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Said Williams, “I think he can do a number of things but we don’t know if he can do against this caliber of player. That’s what we’re anxious to see.”

42 sense: So there’s the 5th big. Will we keep Thomas as the 6th?

Butch:

New Orleans Hornets jazzed to have Gustavo Ayon in the fold

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

The Hornets released free-agent center Brian Butch, reducing the roster to 16.

42 sense: See you, Brian. Best of luck.

Projection:

A Guide To The New Orleans Hornets: 2011-2012 and Beyond

By: Rohan, At The Hive

Excerpt:

Most statistical projections will have the Hornets floundering around the bottom of the Conference this year, in line to pick up an excellent lottery choice in the 2012 draft. To the “eye test,” that may or may not be a reasonable assessment; because nobody’s seen this team really play together, the “eye test” is a tough one to refute, whatever its conclusions. So let’s dig a little deeper than that.

42 sense: EXcellent.

Green:

HAWKS SIGN WILLIE GREEN

By: Hawks

Excerpt:

The Atlanta Hawks today signed free agent guard Willie Green, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms were not disclosed.

42 sense: You go, Willie. Jannero Pargo is there, too.

Wells:

Timberwolves waive veteran swingman Bonzi Wells

By: Sports Network

Excerpt:

The Minnesota Timberwolves waived NBA veteran and training camp invitee Bonzi Wells on Friday.

42 sense: That may be the end of your time in the NBA, Bonzi. If so, go gently.

Suns:

Phoenix Suns looking for a fresh start in regular season

By: Scott Bordow, Tuscon Citizen

Excerpt:

“It’s a lot different than what it used to be,” Gentry said. “But what we have to do is look forward and say what can be become? I’m not interested in what we used to be. I used to have a pretty good body. Now look.”

42 sense: You think the Hornets have problems . . .

Permalink Back to top 4 Comments