Preseason Review of the Hornets, Suns, and the CBA

Posted by Jason Calmes December 22, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.22

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

The Hornets have completed the preseason sweep, which about 8 teams should do, so that’s not exactly a treat reserved for us. The game last night, however, was fun to watch. The team is clearly responding to Monty, and that’s great to see in person. We’ll see how long the honeymoon lasts, but I’m all for enjoying it as long as a possible.

The Hornets have reportedly reached an agreement with Gustavo Ayon, who will join the team soon. It’s unclear where he’ll fit in the rotation exactly or when he’ll be game ready.

Looking ahead, the Suns game is Monday night. How are they holding up? What sort of threat are they?

Lastly, this preseason has also been a bit of an off-season with free agency, trades, options, etc. What does this preseason say about the CBA and its lofty goals?

Carry on.

Recap Recap:

Hornets take down Grizzlies, 95-80, in final preseason tune-up – 12/21/11

By: GeauxHornets, At The Hive

New Orleans Hornets newcomers impressive in win vs. Memphis Grizzlies

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

New acquisitions Gordon and Kaman combine for 35 points as Hornets top Grizzlies 95-80

By: AP

Excerpt:

In the first Hornets game in the New Orleans Arena in nearly 8 months, the team faced off the against Southwest division rival Memphis Grizzlies. Who they played wasn’t really that important; as a fan, you just want to see quality minutes from the important players, and maybe a few pleasant surprises along the way. That being said, here are my 5 keys to take away from tonight’s final Hornets preseason game.

42 sense: If they can keep the effort up, this team is going to be fun to watch, even at 0-66. Hey, when is 0-82 better than 0-66? Anytime!

Gordon:

New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon gives team some needed relief

By: John DeShazier, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“I’m feeling acclimated with this group. I still need to get used to a couple of things.”

42 sense: We’ll give you a few games, dude.

Kaman:

Welcome, Chris Kaman

By: Rohan, At The Hive

Excerpt:

We’ll surely talk a lot more about Chris Kaman’s basketball ability in the coming days* and months, in addition to his value as an expiring contract and so forth. His fit in the front court alongside Emeka Okafor, Carl Landry, and Jason Smith will be interesting to watch. But! Today, let us focus on more important things. Let us talk of the time Chris Kaman created his own trucking company, the time Chris Kaman shot a 1988 Ford Taurus with a .50 caliber rifle, and, indeed, the time Chris Kaman set off $10,000 worth of illegal explosives. Yes, let us do that now, via the medium of video. Hello Youtubes!

42 sense: A fitting introduction for the postentially the most interesting person to join the squad in recent memory.

Ayon:

New Orleans Hornets snag center Gustavo Ayon

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Mexican C-F Ayon expected to join Hornets

By: AP

Mexico’s Gustavo Ayon tab for the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA

By: Google Translate

El mexicano Gustavo Ayón ficha por los New Orleans Hornets de la NBA

By: AP

Excerpt:

Hornets spokesman Harold Kaufman says a press conference is scheduled on Friday to announce the addition of a new player, but he could not name the player, per team policy, because a contract has not been signed.

42 sense: So something will maybe happen today, and something else will certainly happen Friday.

CBA:

Time to sink or swim in new NBA

By: Bruce Arthur, National Post

Excerpt:

“The big ones are going to eat the little ones.” — Mark Heisler, of the Los Angeles Times, upon the signing of the NBA collective bargaining agreement, Nov. 3, 1995.

42 sense: Ding!

Suns:

Defensive learning curve: Suns drop first preseason game to Denver Nuggets 127-110

By: Kevin Zimmerman, Valley of the Suns

Marcin Gortat says he will fight through broken thumb

By: Kevin Zimmerman, Valley of the Suns

Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick working toward bounce back seasons

By: Mike Schmitz, Valley of the Suns

Healthy Robin Lopez poised for comeback season

By: Michael Schwartz, Valley of the Suns

Excerpt:

Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat broke his thumb in the team’s preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, and while he’ll sit out Thursday’s rematch against the Nuggets, he will likely be back in the rotation come Monday’s season opener, according to Paul Coro.

42 sense: They are looking as fluid as us, despite having continuity on their side.

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Let Them Play! Let Them Play!

Posted by Jason Calmes December 20, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.21

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

I know, the CBA is all signed and preseason is already underway. That’s not what I mean.

Well, I mean it a little. I’m very eager to get back into my seat and get back to complaining about my team slightly less than I complain about the other. Oh, those halcyon days.

Tonight we have a repeat performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, but this time it’s in our house. We are looking stronger than we did in our victory Friday, but we may not be as cohesive. Memphis, however, is clearly worse off, even with Marc Gasol back on his ankles.

For the New Orleans Hornets, we need to see if Jarrett furthers his role as leader (captain?) of the team. Carl wants to show the hometown crowd . . . all those season ticket holders . . . that this team is worth it. Likewise, we are all very interested in what Kaman, Aminu, and Gordon may offer up to us in the A-mains.

In a season preview, we get a peek ahead that is fairly fair and fairly fair.

In a great near the court move, the Hornets will be feature live music from local artists. This effort features the legend-in-the-making, Irvin Mayfield.

Wow.

Let them play!

Finally.

Next: free samples from local restaurants!

Carry on.

Jarrett:

New Orleans Hornets point guard Jarrett Jack is comfortable setting the tone

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“I know the other night I had a really good game, but all games aren’t going to call for me to score as much as I did or whatever the case may be. I just gazed the situation; I was able to get some looks up, make some shots and just help our team win.”

42 sense: I think you did a good job, Jarrett. Just keep it up.

Carl:

Landry: Hornets aim to surprise many in 2011-12

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

(Video) Hornets Training Camp Day 11 – Carl Landry

By: Hornets

New Orleans Hornets’ Carl Landry is OK with the actions of NBA Commissioner David Stern

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Asked whether the 2011-12 Hornets have something to prove, Landry quickly responded, “Of course. I’m sure a lot of people are counting us out. (But) we want to please the fans. We sold over 10,000 season tickets, so we’ve got a good fan base, very supportive. The city of New Orleans is behind us. We want to show them that we do still have a good basketball team.”

42 sense: Always nice to hear from a `vet’.

Chris:

Off the Court: Chris Kaman

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

One day after being officially introduced to the New Orleans media for the first time, newly-acquired center Chris Kaman sat down with Hornets.com to discuss his background and provide more insight into some of his interests away from basketball.

42 sense: Fun little read about a seemingly fun guy.

Music:

“INSPIRED TO PLAY”

By: Hornets

Excerpt:

Starting with the team’s preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 21, the Hornets will feature a house band featuring a rotating core of local music artists who will play throughout each game on a dedicated courtside stage known as the “Irvin Mayfield’s I Club Stage”. Fans will also see pre-recorded messages and performances by local artists on the Arena’s video screens during the games.

The official start of “Inspired to Play” will take place at the opening game against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, December 28, and will feature a special introduction from Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and Artistic Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), Irvin Mayfield. After performing the national anthem, Mayfield will introduce the band to kickoff player introductions with an original Hornets “theme song” written especially by him for The Hornets. The band will also perform during the halftime show that same evening.

42 sense: Talk about value for the ticket and for having this team here. When do these guys play in front of 15,000 people? When?

Grizzlies:

Rumors Abound, Decisions Pending

By: Chip Crain, 3 Shades of Blue

Grizzlies prepare offer sheet for Bobcats’ forward, discuss trade with Sixers

By: Ronald Tillery, Commercial Appeal

Excerpt:

There have been a few rumors surrounding the issue of the Grizzlies front line. After spending millions to keep the frontline of Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay together their replacements suddenly have become the issue at the Grizzlies pre-season camp.

42 sense: We will overwhlem them with out frontcourt? I’d pay to see that. Oh, I already did . . .

Preview:

Ball Don’t Lie’s 2011-12 Season Previews: New Orleans Hornets

By: Kelly Dwyer, Yahoo

Excerpt:

What New Orleans has right now is an imperfect, not especially explosive roster that’s largely a placeholder for Whatever Comes Next. The rebuilding project begins in earnest this summer, when Dell Demps will roughly $25.6 million in salary coming off the books (assuming he parts ways with Landry, Kaman and Marco Belinelli) and have two (likely high) lottery picks in a talent-laden draft. That could be the start of something legitimately exciting. Until then, the prospect of a tough, professional team that takes on the personality of its coach will have to tide Hornets fans over.

42 sense: Fair in every sense of the word.

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Antio, Peja! Eucharisto! Also, Emerge, Our Roster, and Some CBA Gumflapping

Posted by Jason Calmes December 20, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.20

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

One of the key figures in New Orleans Hornets history, Peja Stojakovic, has retired from the NBA. He was also a great King and a sharpshooter with few peers, but, to me, he’s a Hornet, regardless of what his ring, or anything else says. I say this because that’s just where he is in my head and in my heart.

Antio, Peja. Enjoy your afternoons and coffeespoons. And T.S. Eliot.

Eucharisto!

(Peja is down with the Greek, and I can’t sort through the Serbian, etc. enough to make passable transliterations after correct selections of interjections. Best I could do on short notice, brah! Sorry for the inconvenience.)

Moving onto the current roster, Aminu is ready to work. Also the initial depth chart is starting to take shape over the two-a-days, with Kaman coming off the bench and likely getting some minutes at the four-spot. With the Ayon talking and Mike nodding in the corner (have you seen our twitter?), this next couple days could end up being rough for the injured Brian Butch.

The Hornets are throwing a big shindig for hundreds of the students in the area who have perfect attendance up to this point. If this story got any attention . . . travesty that it does not, except here . . . I wonder who would be first to accuse the Hornets of keeping the students up too late on a school night. These are the same folks who think those that walk on water do so only because they can’t swim. I hate those guys.

The CBA grumbling hasn’t stopped. The Thunder media are a little upset with Durant’s extra pay raise . . . sounds like getting a slightly less than stellar deal on a superstar is a good problem to have. Also, now the media is starting to say that we didn’t have to trade Chris Paul . . . or shouldn’t have. Yes, really.

Carry on.

Peja:

Peja Stojakovic to retire after 13 years

By: Marc Stein, ESPN

Peja Stojakovic Retires

By: Rohan, At The Hive

Excerpt:

After cementing his reputation as one of the finest shooters in NBA history by helping the Dallas Mavericks win their first championship, Peja Stojakovic has decided to retire after 13 seasons.

42 sense: Thanks, Peja, and you’re welcome . . . you know, for trading you to Toronto. I’m sure one of the guys will have a Peja piece up when things settle; Rohan’s is very nice and is a suitable sendoff just as it is.

In The Lane:

VIDEO INTERVIEWS

By: Bob Licht, Hornets

Excerpt:

In the latest edition of In The Lane, Hornets play-by-play announcer Bob Licht sits down with some newly acquired players as well as some familiar faces to get their outlook on the 2011-12 season.

42 sense: These were recorded just after the scrimmage. Gordon, Kaman, Landry.

Emerge:

Emerge party rewards public school attendance

By: Kandace Graves, Best of New Orleans

Emerge Program

By: Hornets

(Video) Emerge Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway 2011

By: Hornets

Excerpt:

About 1,000 New Orleans public school students will learn the benefits of attending class every day during a special party for scholars with perfect attendance. The event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Mardi Gras World (1380 Port of New Orleans Place).

42 sense: Big ‘ups to all. I hope Wednesday isn’t a schoolday!

Assorted:

New Orleans Hornets Al-Farouq Aminu ready to get to work

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets GM Dell Demps still considering options to improve roster

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets’ Monty Williams gets to see entire team on floor

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets setting rotation for Wednesday’s preseason game vs. Memphis Grizzlies

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

For Wednesday’s game, Williams said Emeka Okafor will start at center with Kaman coming off the bench. There’s also a chance Kaman could get minutes at power forward.

42 sense: Much of these we’ve covered in the past couple of days, but the quotes may be nice. There is some rotation talk, for instance, that one may want from the horse’s mouth.

Superstars:

Let ‘em walk

By: Kevin Arnovitz, ESPN

Chris Paul, the Clippers and Unnecessary Risk

By: Charlie Widdoes, Clipperblog

Excerpt:

Orlando now finds itself in a similar situation with Howard. The two most desirable outcomes for the Magic are (1) figuring out how to retain Howard for the long term (2) putting themselves in the same position they were when they drafted Howard in 2004 — 40 games under .500.

Offering him the most years at the most money is the only way to achieve No. 1. “Getting nothing in return for Howard” is the easiest way to get to No. 2.

But trading Howard for productive players is the sure-fire way to thwart both plans.

42 sense: An interesting read, but I’m not sure this solution to the Gordian knot applies to the Hornets . . . the whole sword of Damocles and all. The piece about the Clippers suggests that the trade market should be a little drier than it typically is for such superstars and their trades.

Raise:

Thunder: Kevin Durant benefits from ‘Derrick Rose rule’

By: Darnell Mayberry, NewsOK

Excerpt:

Oklahoma City gets to hold onto Durant for another five seasons. But to do it, the Thunder, out of the blue, now has to pay more than the franchise initially projected.

42 sense: It’s not just the small market teams this affects, but the inequities are not yet mitigated, that’s for sure. How many other affects will the CBA have? Time will tell, but it won’t tell the Hornets. Maybe that’s part of Dell’s plan . . .

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Some Meaningful Injuries to Sort-of-Hornets on Other Teams While the Actual Hornets Assemble

Posted by Jason Calmes December 19, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.19

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Despite some photos from the open scrimmage and press conference that have been making the rounds, many players are happy to be here with the New Orleans Hornets. Much of the reason for the happiness has to do with the opportunity play ball, and especially play for Monty and Dell.

Around the NBA, other players are not so happy. Jeff Green will likely miss the season, so he won’t be in New Orleans for our home opener. Darrell Arthur injured his Achilles tendon. Since he didn’t make the game Friday, he won’t get a chance for a first or last stand this season. Baron Davis, despite his injury, looks like he’ll get a job with the Knicks. How’s that for a Hornets point guard for them?

Carry on.

Belinelli:

Familiarity led Belinelli to stay in New Orleans

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

Having experienced the frustration of receiving sporadic playing time and being in and out of the rotation as a member of the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors, Belinelli also appreciated the vote of confidence he was given by Hornets general manager Dell Demps and head coach Monty Williams. “The Hornets were my first option,” the native of Italy said of free agency. “I had an offer from another team, but I was thinking the whole time that I wanted to be here, because I know the people here, I know my teammates, the coaching staff and (the front office). I immediately felt the love that the people have for me here.”

42 sense: More love of Monty etc. Looking forward to improvements from our Italian.

New Players:

Hornets’ fans embrace new players, say guard Paul now in past

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Arrival of players acquired in trade ushers in Hornets’ fresh start

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Gordon is eligible to sign a rookie-scale extension any time between now and Jan. 25. If no deal is reached by then, Gordon will be a restricted free agent next summer. At this point, no decision has been made what direction Gordon and the Hornets may take.

42 sense: And there is the deadline.

Scrimmage:

Scrimmage session gives new-look Hornets a chance to build

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Notes from Hornets Open Practice

By: LSUHornet17, At The Hive

Excerpt:

“The scrimmage was a little lax,” Williams said as the Black squad beat the White 46-43. “But we got some work in as far as we walked through a lot of stuff. The new guys (Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu and Chris Kaman) couldn’t be on the floor, but they could sit on the side and listen.

42 sense: The scrimmage was fun, but I didn’t get much out of it. I’m not sure how we could given the turnover on the team.

Arthur:

Darrell Arthur Might Miss Entire Season

By: Red Coleman, 3 Shades of Blue

Griz fear Arthur lost for the season

By: Preston McClellan, Mephisport

Excerpt:

Grizzlies forward Darrell Arthur left practice this morning with a serious Achilles injury and the fear is that he might be lost for the entire 2011-12 season, according to sources with knowledge of situation.

42 sense: This will affect Wednesday’s game and future division games. It may also affect the market.

Green:

Jeff Green Will Miss Entire Season to Undergo Heart Surgery

By: Brian Robb, Celtics Hub

Excerpt:

Green will miss the entire 2011-12 season, after he undergoes surgery on Monday January 9th at the Cleveland Clinic to repair an aortic aneurysm.

42 sense: The effect on the Celtics may be substantial, since they are over the tax. He’ll be hard to replace with the salary situation they are in.

Davis:

Sources: Knicks to sign Baron Davis

By: Marc Stein, Dave McMenamin, ESPN

Excerpt:

SI.com reported that Davis and the Knicks have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, which is the maximum New York could pay in using what is known as the “mini” mid-level exception for luxury-tax teams.

42 sense: So they use a new exception to sign an injured point guard. Yeah, competitive balance reigns.

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Possible Center Addition, Gordon, Scrimmage Photos, and Other Markets

Posted by Jason Calmes December 18, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.18

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Dell may be pulling a rabbit out of the sombrero at the center position.

Eric Gordon has some nice things to say. I suspect we shouldn’t judge his judgments for a couple of weeks.

The Times-Picayune has some photos from the open practice, scrimmage, and introduction of the newest New Orleans Hornets.

A Memphis blog has a look back at their loss. They were frustrated.

Minnesota defeated Milwaukee, and Rubio looked good.

Lastly, another of many analyses that claim to show that big time markets don’t win big time . . . and totally misses the point.

Carry on.

Center:

Gustavo Ayón, con pie y medio en la NBA

By: Chema De Lucas, Solobasket

Gustavo Ayon, with one foot in the NBA

By: Google Translate

Excerpt:

The player could make the leap is imminent for the best league in the world. The Hornets are the team best positioned by the Mexican could be negotiated and departure Basketball Fuenlabrada. Form inside game with Kaman and Okafor

42 sense: The translation is a bit off, but we might be getting a center from Mexico. Shout out to Mike for getting this . . . follow Hornets247 on twitter to stay of top this stuff!

Gordon:

New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon excited about new opportunity

By: John Reid, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Saying it’s a great opportunity and he expects to have a good year, newly acquired shooting guard Eric Gordon was formally introduced by the New Orleans Hornets with his former Clippers teammates Al Farouq Aminu and Chris Kaman. The trio joined the Hornets Wednesday when they were acquired from the Clippers in a trade that involved four-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul going to Los Angeles.

“They traded Chris and he was a great player here and I look for myself to try and fill in some of the things he’s done,’’ Gordon said. “It’s a great opportunity, but of course it’s been a whirlwind. But I look forward to playing here.’’

42 sense: Standard stuff, but the guys were supposed to practice today. The two-a-days are going to be thick in the coming days.

Photos:

(Photos) Hornets open practice and scrimmage

By: Brett Duke, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

New Orleans Hornets players Eric Gordon, and Chris Kaman have a laugh during the team’s open practice and scrimmage at the New Orleans Arena Saturday, December 17, 2011. The event was free and open to the public and gave fans the opportunity to see the 2011-12 Hornets practice. The event included a bicycle giveaway, appearances by Hugo, and the Honeybees, an autograph session, and fans participated in on-court contests featuring Hornets players.

42 sense: Good flipbook.

Memphis Recap:

Hornets At Grizzlies: Cobwebs, Dust, and Basketball

By: HPTMATT, 3 Shades of Blue

Excerpt:

The ugly? Sorry, OJ, 7 turnovers gets you to the top of the ugly list. Get the preseason jitters out now, man, ‘cuz with Henry looking like parts of him may be made of glass, the team will likely need you to produce at a high level throughout the season.

42 sense: They were less than thrilled and are clinging onto the no-big-player pillow with all their might.

Minnesota:

Rubio impresses in debut for Timberwolves

By: John Krawczykski, AP

Excerpt:

Ricky Rubio wowed an eager crowd with some slick passing in his NBA debut and Kevin Love had 21 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in their preseason opener on Saturday night.

42 sense: Not great news, but not a great opponent either.

DMA:

Size of city predicts almost nothing

By: Henry Abbott, ESPN

Excerpt:

What’s the point of this? I have heard from several fans who despair that their team has no chance because the NBA makes it impossible for small markets. The people in San Antonio, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Portland, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee and Orlando argue otherwise.

42 sense: Factor in titles, profits, and media respect, then let’s see what matters. The idea isn’t causation, but that the market size is a very helpful precondition.

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Out with the Old, In with the New

Posted by Jason Calmes December 17, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.17

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Coming right off the heels of their 97-90 victory against the Grizzlies, the Hornets had a open practice today followed by a press conference to introduce their newest players.

As we welcome new players to the team and the NBA, former New Orleans Hornets center Sean Marks has retired from NBA playing. He is taking his game to a new level, however, with the Spurs.

The Wooo! seems like it is a trade casualty.

Researchers have recently tossed out the idea of the hot hand and the complementary cold hand.

Carry on.

Recap recap:

Jarrett Jack drives New Orleans Hornets to 97-90 win over Memphis Grizzlies

By: Ron Higgins, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets defeat Memphis Grizzlies 97-90 in preseason opener

By: AP

Grizzlies Fall 97-90 to Hornets in Preseason Opener

By: Preston McClellan, Mephisport

VICTORIOUS DEBUTS IN TENNESSEE

By: Lucas Ottoni, brazilianhornet + Google Translate

ESTREIA VITORIOSA NO TENNESSEE

By: Lucas Ottoni, brazilianhornet

Excerpt:

Jack, stepping into the spot vacated by disgruntled All-Star Chris Paul, who finally got his wish and was traded on Wednesday to the Clippers, personally drove the Hornets to a 97-90 preseason victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at FedExForum.

42 sense: Congrats, guys.

Smith:

New Orleans Hornets outbid large number of teams to re-sign forward Jason Smith

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets keep free-agent forward Jason Smith in the fold

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

The Hornets may or may not have overpaid for their frontcourt

By: Matt Moore, NBC Sports

Excerpt:

“I think he just created such a bond with that coaching staff last year,” Bartelstein said Friday evening. “I think they put in a tremendous amount of time of individual work with him. He felt like his game really improved from the individual work he got with the coaches.

42 sense: I’m a fan of the deal, but I’m a bigger fan of what is being said here.

Gordon:

Eric Gordon’s rush-hour commute

By: Kevin Arnovitz, ESPN

Excerpt:

It wasn’t said cruelly or with any sort of ridicule. The staff loved the young guard from Indianapolis, who had just turned 20. There were guards with better ball-handling skills on the draft board at No. 6 in 2008, like Jerryd Bayless and D.J. Augustin, but the Clippers liked Gordon’s sturdiness. They knew he was introverted, but didn’t realize just how reserved he was. Mike Dunleavy repeatedly begged Gordon, who loves to absorb contact off the dribble, to be more expressive with referees so he could earn more trips to the line.

42 sense: A good read about the man. Seems a classy guy.

Marks:

Marks calls time on NBA

By: Grant Chapman, New Zealand Herald

Excerpt:

“The body tells you when it’s time,” says Marks (36), who stands at 2.08m and 113kg. “You realise you can’t keep up with the young guys any more. Each generation is just bigger, stronger, faster, more athletic and perhaps a little hungrier.”

42 sense: This is a great read for anyone who wants to get a nice summary of Sean’s career. Take it easy, Sean.

Wooo:

Wooo! Pro Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Ready To Make An L.A. Clip For Chris Paul

By: Martin Rogers, thepostgame.com

Excerpt:

Chris Paul looks set to have his lucky sound effect to accompany him when he suits up in a Los Angeles Clippers uniform this season — thanks to pro wrestler Ric Flair.

42 sense: And that is the answer to the question.

Hot Hand:

Ice your hot hand

By: Henry Abbott, ESPN

Reinforcement learning in professional basketball players

By: Tal Neiman, Yonatan Loewenstein, Nature

Excerpt:

“These results suggest that players attempt too many 3pt shots after a made 3pt,” write the researchers, “and too few after a missed 3pt.” It’s part of a bigger body of research about how humans learn. We have a tendency to put too much emphasis on things that just happened. That last made shot sends us a strong signal we are great shooters.

42 sense: I find this interesting. I love it when sports myths are just busted wide open.

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Our Guys, Their Guys, Some Other Guy, but Not That Guy

Posted by Jason Calmes December 16, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.16

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

As the team finally crossed the line of `half-complete’ following our trade, we added a ninth player who’ll make the New Orleans Hornets final roster: Carl Landry. He signed a 1yr deal for just under $9m, starter money on what’s basically a mutual trial deal. He has great things to say about the team and staff.

I made this point elsewhere, but I have to say: given the deals their respective deals, I think the Carl Landry / Marcus Thornton swap was a good one for all parties.

Brian Butch was injured today. While the severity has yet to be officially reported, his college coach has some things to say that we should all find encouraging.

More and more people are calling Gordon underrated. I can’t wait to underrate this guy. Really. Wednesday, here I come!

Ex-Hornet Bonzi Wells made the cut in Minnesota.

With Minnesota rookie Derrick Williams not progressing as much as have been hoped, it’s time to check the camp progress of our yet to be named draft pick . . . I’ll propose Willie, but you guys may be able to do better. If you do, you get tickets to an upcoming Hornets home game, courtesy of Hornets247.

On Willie: so far, so good.

The Timberwolves have their first preseason game at home against Milwaukee Saturday night.

The post-trade conference call had some chatter about the ownership and the lease situations, so anyone that cares about such things, take a gander. The information is all throughout, so skimming may not get you there.

Carry on.

Landry:

Carl Landry says he feels at home with New Orleans Hornets

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“The city, the fans, and most of all, the front office with Dell Demps and Monty Williams and the coaching staff, those guys welcomed me with open arms from the first day I got there as I’ve said before,” Landry said. “That was the advantage over the rest of the teams: the coaching staff and the front office.”

42 sense: Music to my ears. Music.

Butch:

UW’s Ryan pleased for Butch, Stiemsma

By: Jeff Potrykus, Journal Sentinel

Excerpt:

“It just shows how dedicated he is to the game of basketball and how much he loves the game of basketball,” Ryan said. “He just bounces back. He doesn’t look to ever make excuses. He doesn’t look to ever blame anybody. He just keeps working.”

42 sense: His college coach believes he’s got the attitude to not let this knee thing keep him down.

Gordon:

Eric Gordon: The Most Underrated Player in the NBA

By: montrealmarc. The Poutine Wall

Excerpt:

All of this brings us back to Eric Gordon, who albeit earlier in his career than Gary Oldman, finally has the spotlight far away from the red neon glow of Blake Griffin and Tinsletown. Gordon will bring a blue-collar, lunch pail attitude to New Orleans, a city living in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This is a city that could use a Commissioner Gordon.

42 sense: A good sell. Pumped. Kudos to Rohan for finding this.

Wells:

Timberwolves sign Wells, Lee

By: AP

Excerpt:

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed veteran Bonzi Wells, who hasn’t played in the NBA since 2008.

42 sense: congrats, Bonzi. Too bad we have to pull against you.

Willie:

Derrick Williams is a 4 right now… act accordingly

By: Zach Harper, A Wolf Among Wolves

Excerpt:

Hopefully, this is just a rookie trying to get adjusted to the speed of the game. It’s a bit early to start to worry if Williams is going to be a building block long-term. At the same time, having realistic expectations of what we can expect from him may make things more enjoyable this season, just in case he either starts off much slower than we’d like or ends up breaking through those realistic expectations to make things more exciting for us.

42 sense: The early indications are that we’ll like what Willie brings to the team.

Transcript:

Transcript from Paul trade announcement

By: NBA

Excerpt:

The following is a transcript from the Chris Paul trade announcement with NBA commissioner David Stern, Hornets chairman Jac Sperling, Hornets president Hugh Weber and Hornets general manager Dell Demps.

42 sense: Lots of stuff about the lease and ownership issues straight from the horse’s mouth.

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Forwards May Sign, Marco’s Loyalty, Jarrett, Eric, and Faretheewell Chris Paul

Posted by Jason Calmes December 15, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.15

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

With Chris Paul traded, we’ll be both excited and grieving as we say goodbye. We have an initial reaction to the trade along with a look back at Chris’ New Orleans hornets career.

Eric Gordon is one of the key pieces the Hornets received in trade for Mr. Paul. Grantland has breakdown of his good and bad points. There are lots of good points, for sure.

Besides the trade, the Hornets have been filling out their roster with free agents. Marco says his affinity for the team last season played a role in his return. Carl Landry and Jason Smith have both been offered contracts and may sign Thursday.

Jarrett Jack answered some questions from fans thanks to Jim Eichenhofer.

Thanks, Chris, for everything. I mean both of those things: Thanks and everything. Without you, we may not the NBA here or any of the great stuff that goes with it.

Really.

Carry on.

Forwards:

New Orleans Hornets have offered Carl Landry, Jason Smith contracts; decision from both expected Thursday

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Free agent forwards Carl Landry and Jason Smith are both currently mulling offers to re-sign with the New Orleans Hornets, their agent Mark Bartelstein said Wednesday night, and likely will decide whether to accept the deals sometime Thursday now that the Chris Paul trade to the Clippers has been consummated.

42 sense: Voila! Maybe.

Marco:

New Orleans Hornets’ Marco Belinelli says loyalty played factor in decision to stay

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“One (good) year of playing in the NBA does not solidify you. I believe too many guys are getting paid off 15, 20, 25, 30 games. I think Marco is doing it the right way. He knows our system. The coaches love him. He’s a guy who allows himself to be coached every day and he knows he still has to improve.”

42 sense: Looking forward to another year of improvement, Marco, and I’m not being snarky. I believe you haven’t topped out.

Gordon:

NBA Player Watch: Los Angeles Clippers’ Eric Gordon

By: Sebastian Pruiti, Grantland

Excerpt:

Last year, we saw Gordon take a step in the right direction. He became a very good ball handler and decision-maker when coming off screens, and he became a spot-up shooting threat. However, if he wants to continue to develop, he must learn to play effectively off the ball. Additionally, Gordon really needs to take better care of the basketball in transition. The Clippers are a young and athletic team that will probably try to amp up the pace, and with Gordon acting as a primary ball handler, he can’t turn the ball over so often. If Gordon can clean up those two areas, there is a good chance that he can turn into a superstar.

42 sense: Monty’s slower pace on post-scoring offense will help Gordon, according to this. This was on twitter yesterday. For those not following Mike on the Hornets247 twitter feed, you’re missing out!

Jack:

Give-and-Go: Jarrett Jack

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

This is the initial 2011-12 edition of “Give-and-Go,” a periodic Hornets.com feature with Hornets players. In this installment, New Orleans guard Jarrett Jack directly answers Twitter questions sent to www.twitter.com/Jim_Eichenhofer. We caught up with the seventh-year NBA veteran during Media Day in the New Orleans Arena.

42 sense: Fun stuff, and quite the shoe story.

Analysis:

Did Hornets make the right CP3 deal?

By: ESPN

Excerpt:

Are the once-butt-of-every-joke Clippers now serious contenders? Did the Hornets get enough in return? Our five-man team has the answers to all of your pressing CP3 questions.

42 sense: Featuring Joe!

Retrospective:

A look at Chris Paul’s tenure with the New Orleans Hornets

By: The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Feb. 17, 2008: Participated in his first All-Star Game, starting at point guard for the Western Conference along with teammate David West. Hornets Coach Byron Scott led the West, and the game was played at the New Orleans Arena.

42 sense: A nice little summary in terms of facts, but lacks warmth.

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Paul Trade Commentary, Camp Reports, and The Brothers Landry

Posted by Jason Calmes December 14, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.14

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Countdown: 89 extra days, 0! season tickets to go, ~30 extra parties

Countup: Day 167 of Lockout?

Camp is continuing with one session a day, as Monty is saving the two-a-days for when we hopefully have more bodies in camp following a possible Chris Paul trade. Also, DaJuan Summers has a knee injury of some kind.

Carl Landry is still unsigned by has two other suitors. With Nene going to New Jersey, the Nets may make a hard run at him. Of course, they may be focused on landing a center.

In related news, Marcus Landry is in a camp this season. Yes, Marcus Landry.

Lastly, everyone has an opinion or reaction on this perpetual non-trade of Chris Paul. We have a cross-section of such articles, from the reasonable down.

Carry on.

Carl:

Forward Carl Landry ‘still open’ to a return to the New Orleans Hornets

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Bartelstein didn’t return phone calls on Monday, but Landry said the Portland Trail Blazers and New Jersey Nets also are in pursuit.

42 sense: Not sure what’s up with Portand, but I get New Jersey.

Marcus:

Suns waive Dowdell, add Price, Landry

By: AP

Excerpt:

The Phoenix Suns have waived backup point guard Zabian Dowdell, signed guard Ronnie Price and added forward Marcus Landry to the roster.

. . .

Landry (6-7, 225) has spent most of his professional career in the NBADL since leaving Wisconsin in 2009. His lone NBA experience was a 17-game stretch with the Knicks in 2009-10. He is the brother of NBA forward Carl Landry.

42 sense: Marcus Landry? If I knew about his last year, the post-trade world would have been more fun. Curse my lax research.

Trevor:

(Video) Camp Interview

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

Hornets forward Trevor Ariza addresses the media on the fifth day of Hornets training camp.

42 sense: Very even, answers . . . doesn’t go out on a limb.

Slow:

(Video) New Orleans Hornets’ training camp progress is slowed

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Beat writer Jimmy Smith discusses how training camp preparations have been affected by Chris Paul trade saga; one player misses Tuesday’s practice.

42 sense: I applaud the shifting of the 2-a-days, but this Summers thing is another straw . . .

Show Us:

OK commissioner, show New Orleans Hornets fans what Chris Paul deal you’ll make

By: John DeShazier, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

Show us you can be better general managers than you’ve shown yourselves to be, when you apparently worked out a deal with the Clippers, or essentially forced Demps to work out a deal, for the center the Clippers don’t want (Chris Kaman) and three unproven talents (Eric Bledsoe, Al-Farouq Aminu and a first-round picks), and were rebuffed when you reportedly insisted that Eric Gordon be included in the deal.

42 sense: He’s mad. Let’s hope we get a good deal. It’s possible the little dude will end up here through the season, too.

Commentary:

CP3 Trade Keyword Isn’t ‘Dead.’ It’s ‘Panic’

By: Fish and David Lord, Scout

De facto owner Stern has turned Paul situation into complete farce

By: Michael Rosenberg, SI

N.B.A. and Its Conflicts Cloud Getting Best Deal for Hornets

By: Howard Beck, The New York Times

The Eighth Day of NBA Christmas

By: Bill Simmons, Grantland

Excerpt:

They’ve gone from there being a perception that “NO has to take whatever it can get” to “That Stern is so crazy, they might not even do a trade!”

42 sense: All interesting reads. I found some of these on our twitter page. Mike id doing a great job over there, so be sure to . . . whatever it is . . . make us look good and have the stuff delivered to your electronic door. Follow!

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Fun with Chris Paul, Open Practice, Two Free Agents, and Two Former Players

Posted by Jason Calmes December 12, 2011

Bee Bite: 2011.12.13

1 Page of Page 2 New Orleans Hornets News

Countdown: 88 extra days, 0! season tickets to go, ~30 extra parties

Countup: Day 166 of Lockout?

This Chris Paul drama has everyone frustrated and paranoid. At least two fun pieces have emerged from the chaos. Enjoy.

Carl Landry has said that the Chris Paul situation won’t deter him from signing with the Hornets.

Marco Belinelli still has the qualifying offer on the table until Monday, unless he gets an offer.

We’ll get a look at the new roster, either with or without Chris, at an upcoming open practice the team is holding.

Two former New Orleans Hornets forwards are up north. Rasual Butler is in Toronto on a one year deal, and Bonzi Wells is at Minnesota’s camp.

Carry on.

Marco:

Belinelli status for 2011-12 remains TBD

By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets

Excerpt:

If there weren’t already ample uncertainty swirling around the New Orleans Hornets’ roster just days before their Friday preseason opener, the team’s starting shooting guard for much of 2010-11 remains temporarily in limbo. Marco Belinelli is a restricted free agent, with the words “free agent” being the operative words. As such, he is not allowed to report to a training camp until he becomes official property of an NBA team – which is why Belinelli has not appeared in Westwego.

42 sense: A good write-up of the mechanics of the Belinelli situation apart for the market for his services.

Carl:

Despite transaction turmoil, forward Carl Landry still open for a return to New Orleans Hornets

By: Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Excerpt:

“Does it make me shy away? No because I know soon everything will be just fine. I’m definitely still open. My agent is still talking to a couple of other teams and just trying to make sure I pick the right team and make sure it’s the right fit, just try to get me the best situation, not necessarily financially but just placed in the right spot to have an opportunity for success in the next couple years of my career.”

42 sense: If he signs with us after Marcus went for about $8m a year, does that change anyone’s opinion of the trade?

Chris Fun:

The tangled web of Chris Paul, David Stern, and the blockbuster trade that wasn’t

By: Rob Mahoney, NBC Sports

Chart

By: Rob Mahoney, NBC Sports

A Little Dose of Humor

By: Jake Madison, Swarm and Sting

Excerpt:

The ripple effects of Stern’s veto have been incredibly far-reaching, and upset the delicate balance of an already furious free agency period. Behold: an attempt to capture the 10-team, 28-player insanity that has resulted from Stern’s decision to block the Chris Paul blockbuster:

42 sense: Fun

Practice:

HORNETS OPEN SCRIMMAGE

By: Hornets

Excerpt:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM | NEW ORLEANS ARENA

42 sense: These are fun. I’ll be there.

Rasual:

Veterans Butler, Carter expected to show young Raps the ropes

By: Doug Smith, The Star

Excerpt:

Butler, who has played for five teams over the course of his career, figures he cannot only provide some leadership to a young team but some much needed shooting depth. A career 36 per cent shooter from three-point range, he’s already one of the most prolific outside shooters on the Raptors roster.

42 sense: I’ve always had a soft spot for Rasual. I hope things work out for him.

Bonzi:

Bonzi Wells Is A Bit Late

By: Danny Chau, Hardwood Paroxysm

Excerpt:

Bonzi Wells is back in an NBA training camp from a nearly four-year absence. He’s attending the Minnesota Timberwolves’ training camp. In 2011. A lot has changed since he’s last been here. A new Lakers dynasty rose and fell (and may yet rise again), superteams have formed with more forthcoming. It must be strange terrain for a relic of a past decade, a past era of NBA basketball. Try searching for his highlights on YouTube, and you’ll run into five-year-old videos of him getting embarrassed by other players. Players cause chaos in today’s NBA by announcing which big market they’re going to force their teams to trade them to. In Bonzi’s NBA, chaos was a simple matter of immaturity — of being irresponsible and unaccountable; of snapping back at a coach and turning an entire city against you with stupid comments.

42 sense: I hope he can squeeze a good season out . . . unless we get Minnesota’s pick . . .

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