It was a strange season in New Orleans. Early on the Hornets looked like one of the worst teams in the League, then later looked like a playoff contender, all while superstar Chris Paul missed nearly half the schedule with injuries and two overachieving rookie guards became breakout stars-in-the-making. Alternating between promising and disappointing seemingly week-to-week, N.O. ultimately finished last-place in the Southwest Division.

Going into next season, the Hornets have a solid core in CP3, David West, Emeka Okafor, Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton, plus the 11th pick in the NBA Draft. And it looks like Blazers assistant Monty Williams will be the team’s next head coach. So what has to happen this summer to ensure Williams inherits a team ready for a return to the playoffs? Read More »

Since Chris Paul‘s return to the lineup, the Hornets are 2-2. In his absence they were 8-17. So why are there still people saying that they should trade CP3 in order to run with the cheaper model in rookie Darren Collison? I don’t know. Last night, the Hornets beat the Lakers and Paul finished with 15 points, four rebounds and 13 assists in 39 minutes, while Collison finished with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists in 21 minutes. Both guys added a steal and two turnovers, and both guys finished the game with a plus/minus of +14. So where to from here? Read More »

I’m not saying anything profound by declaring that the NBA is a business. Dollars and cents clearly take precedence over loyalty and feelings. But while this harsh reality may often come as a surprise to devoted season ticket holders, the bottom line is the bottom line. There’s a reason teams fire coaches and let the GM take a seat on the bench. Perhaps it’s not the correct basketball move, but the Band-Aid is much cheaper than the surgery. Read More »

It’s no secret that the Cavs are looking to add one more piece for their title run this Spring. And while names such as Antawn Jamison and Troy Murphy have popped up and fizzled out, it appears the latest rumor out of Cleveland has the Cavs making a run at David West. With the Hornets doing everything they can to avoid paying the luxury tax, acquiring Big Z‘s $11.5 million expiring contract – and ridding themselves of West’s $9.1 million this season, $8.3 million next year and $7.5 million player option in 2011-12 – you have to think this deal makes sense for both teams. Read More »