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Authored by Jason M. Williams - 22nd June, 2008 - 5:25 pm
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2007-2008 Finish: 48-34
2008 Draft Picks: 27th
Pre-Draft 2008-09 Projected Starters:
PG Chris Paul
SG Morris Peterson
SF Peja Stojakovic
PF David West
C Tyson Chandler
Key Reserves:
PG Jannero Pargo
PG Mike James
SF Julian Wright
PF Hilton Armstrong
What the Hornets Do Well:
The Hornets were the toast of the town and the league this past season. They had a remarkable run to the Western Semis and probably should have stomped out the Spurs earlier in the series. However, experience got the best of this young team, but next year – look out.
Chris Paul is the man. What else can you say? He was nanometers away from capturing the MVP award in only his third season. He shattered the competition and played with heart and determination. He led the team with 21.1 points, 11.6 assists, and 2.71 steals per game. His assist and steal averages also led the league. He played with a controlled fury and was one of the biggest difference makers the league has seen in a long time. I’m so excited he’s still only 23-years old.
David West and Tyson Chandler anchored the interior with authority. Both big men had incredible seasons. Chandler led the crew with 11.7 rebounds per game, and West led the team with 1.30 blocks. West was equally nasty all over the place, finishing second on the team in scoring with 20.6 points to go along with his stout 8.9 rebounds.
Peja Stojakovic also came back from an injury-riddled 2006-07 season. He was third on the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game on 44.1% shooting from downtown, which gave Paul the ability to shred opposing defenses. This team is very young and very dangerous.
Greatest Areas of Improvement:
Wing to Take the Ball to the Rim
The beautiful thing about the New Orleans Hornets is CP3’s ability to break down the D and look to the outside for big 3-pointers from Mo Pete and Peja or look to set up an alley-oop for Tyson Chandler or David West. What they need to fully compliment their scheme is a wingman who is more focused on creating off the dribble and getting in the lane to draw fouls. This would complete their offense and make them that much more dangerous.
Depth in the Frontcourt
The starting frontcourt for the Hornets is pretty ridiculously effective in Byron Scott’s scheme. But behind West and Chandler, they don’t have many options. If their wingman is off the board when David Stern calls their name, they could look to bolster their already sick stock of big men.
Who’s Gone Number 27 Recently?
Over the past five years, the 27th pick has been pretty legit. Kendrick Perkins was the starting center on the champion Celtics; Sasha Vujacic was a key member of the runner-up Lakers; Linas Kleiza is developing into a Sixth Man candidate in Denver; Sergio Rodriguez has been phenomenal off the bench for the Blazers; and Arron Afflalo is hoping to break through next year with new Head Coach Mike Curry.
2007
Arron Afflalo, Detroit Pistons
2006
Sergio Rodriguez, Phoenix Suns (traded to Portland)
2005
Linas Kleiza, Portland Trail Blazers (traded to Denver)
2004
Sasha Vujacic, L.A. Lakers
2003
Kendrick Perkins, Memphis Grizzlies (traded to Boston)
Who Should the Hornets Target?
For more in-depth analysis and background regarding the players that the Hornets should target in this year’s Draft, click on each player name to be redirected to Christopher Reina’s Prospect Report piece.
Chris Douglas-Roberts of Memphis
This just feels right. CDR belongs in New Orleans. He could give them another talented scorer who can get to the bucket and to the charity stripe. He plays with a swagger and would be a perfect fit for this up and coming Western Conference powerhouse. I pray he’s still on the board and the Hornets make the right decision.
Jason Thompson of Rider
If they don’t get their man in CDR, they should hope that Thompson is still available at 27. He has the ability to be another athletic big man who can run the floor and profit from playing with Chris Paul.
Picks Over the Past Five Years
The Hornets have built their powerhouse team through the Draft. Chris Paul, David West, and Julian Wright have been phenomenal and don’t forget they also had J.R. Smith – but then again, he was dealt for Tyson Chandler, so that seems to have worked out for New Awlins.
2007
Julian Wright, 13th
Adam Haluska, 43rd
2006
Hilton Armstrong, 11th
Cedric Simmons, 15th
Marcus Vincius, 43rd
2005
Chris Paul, 4th
Brandon Bass, 33rd
2004
J.R. Smith, 18th
Tim Pickett, 45th
2003
David West, 18th
James Lang, 49th
Previous Editions of the 30 Teams, 30 Days Series
30 Teams, 30 Days: Chicago Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Miami Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Minnesota Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Seattle Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Memphis Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: New York Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: LA Clippers Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Milwaukee Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Charlotte Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: New Jersey Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Indiana Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Sacramento Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Portland Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Golden State Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Phoenix Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Philadelphia Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Toronto Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Washington Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Cleveland Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Denver Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: New Jersey Draft Preview (21st)
30 Teams, 30 Days: Orlando Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Utah Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Seattle Draft Preview (24th)
30 Teams, 30 Days: Houston Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: San Antonio Draft Preview
Whom do you want the Hornets to draft at number 27? Feel free to contact Jason M. Williams with your thoughts. He can be reached at Jason.Williams@RealGM.com for comments and questions. |
