If you look across the NBA landscape, it is hard to find a team that has frustrated its fan base more than the New Orleans Hornets have this year. The summer started off with the CP3 drama, an assistant who didn’t want to be our Head Coach, an ownership sale that just refused to go through, and the trade of a talented, young First Team All-Rookie point guard.
With all the turmoil, the Hornets started off red hot and raised expectations immensely, as Hornets fans talked themselves into the possibility that this team was a true contender for the NBA title. Acquiring a legitimate backup point guard only got fans more excited, and the 11-1 record had the Hornets sitting on top of the NBA standings. Unexpectedly, a fall from grace occurred and the Hornets lost 13 of their next 20, with some offensive performances that were downright shameful.
The roller coaster went back up just as the New Year began, as the Hornets won 13 of their next 15, including 10 in a row. But just as talk of contending came back, the injury bug stepped in and robbed the Hornets of their February. That brutal month saw the Hornets starters only play together for one game, and the result was a 4-8 record. (They are 4-12 overall in their last 16 games).
Cleveland fans have had a rough year, but they saw it coming. They haven’t had one stretch of games (much less two) where they could have fooled themselves into thinking they were a contender. Same goes for fans of other bottom feeders and borderline playoff teams. Denver fans experienced turmoil with their superstar, as did Utah, but they have purged themselves and are now able to look forward with few expectations for this year.
Nobody has had to endure what Hornets fans have had to go through this year. Did you notice I didn’t even mention the tiny bit of news about the Hornets being purchased by the league? How about the fact that I didn’t even bring up the fact that the Hornets traded their other young bright prospect, who just happened to be a local boy?
But maybe fans will be rewarded for this frustration. Maybe it is just a test to see if we keep the faith, to see if we stay with our team through thick and thin. Keep telling yourself that, along with these five mantras that will keep you sane in the face of unspeakable frozen chicken taboo.
Mantra #1- His knee will be fine, His knee will be fine
All signs point to the fact that Chris Paul should be healthier next year, and this injury just takes time to get better. He will probably never be 100% of what he was physically, but 90% plus a better stroke from distance and an increased IQ could make the difference negligible. But that is next year. Heck, there might not even be a next year. What about THIS year?
Calm down, my friends and repeat the mantra. Remember, it was months ago (not months from now) that CP3 was playing at an MVP level, leading the Hornets to victories in the final five minutes, and shutting down guys like Jose Calderon. Physically he should be able to do it again, but he has to pick and choose his spots. He doesn’t appear to have the stamina to go hard night in and night out for 82 games, but the good news is that the playoffs are a whole different beast. The pace slows down, half court basketball is king, and there are no more back-to-backs.
The last point is key, as Chris Paul morphs into a very average point guard without rest. This season he averages 16PPG (45% FG) and just 7.3 APG on no rest. Compare that with 19.3 PPG (52% FG) and 9.8 APG on 3 days rest or 11.2 APG on 2 days rest. Come playoff time, there are no back-to-backs and series are stretched out. Combine that with the fact that the pace slows down and there is a good chance that even though his knee won’t get better, it will be fine for playoff season.
Mantra #2- We Finally Have a Bench
Anybody want to guess who our second leading scorer off the bench was in the 07-08 playoffs? That’s right- JuJu with a whopping 4.3 PPG. Our big trade deadline acquisition, Bonzi Wells scored just 3.7 PPG on 38% shooting, while Melvin Ely, Ryan Bowen, and Hilton Armstrong all wrestled for the minutes behind West and Chandler. Yet, the Hornets were a shot or two away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals.
This bench is far superior, and although the Hornets are only likely to go 8 deep once the playoffs start, the combo of Landry, Jack, and Belinelli have the chance to be the elite bench in the Western Conference playoffs. Look no further than Tuesday against Toronto to see what they are capable of- 47 points on 60% shooting from those three off the pine.
New Orleans has not had this kind of firepower and versatility off the bench since CP3 came into the league. It was almost an assumption that the bench would squander any lead that the starters gave them, but now this team has the capability of maintaining leads or even increasing them when starters are out. Heck, against Toronto we even saw them get the Hornets back into the game after the starters played horribly.
Mantra #3- Monty and Dell are just Rookies, they will only get better
Any time a rookie player shows flashes, fans start to project that player forward and assume great things for him. They see the highlight dunks, the flashy passes, and the raw skill set and just assume that the rest will come with time. Fans overlook the occasional bonehead plays and bad shots, brushing them off as “rookie mistakes” that are to be expected.
Why aren’t we willing to do the same for coaches and executives in personnel? Are they expected to do everything right from their first day on the job? Do they have no learning curve whatsoever? Isn’t it possible that they will see the error of their ways and come through better on the other side?
I know that I have seen flashes from these two that show me that they are capable of great things moving forward. The culture of this organization as a whole has changed, the mentality of the players on the defensive end has changed, and both men have held themselves accountable for mistakes made this year. They have no illusions that they are finished products in their profession, and therefore they are willing to continue their growth. This year they revamped the defense; no doubt that next year there will have to be more of a focus on the offense.
With the glimpses we have all seen and the work ethic they obviously have, there is no reason not to expect that they continue to improve moving forward.
Mantra #4- The Hornets are here to stay
Hanging over everything in this mess of a season, is the uncertainty of where this team will play its home games in the not to distant future. Will the NBA find a local buyer? Are they just posturing to raise the price for an out of town sale? Is contraction a possibility? Until these questions get answered, Hornets fans are unable to truly enjoy the fruits of the teams’ labors. Even when the team was on top of the standings, fans were still concerned with this sale and with what it would mean for the future of D West, CP3, and others.
The NBA has no reason to sell right now, as the price is sure to go up after the union is crushed in the next CBA. But when it does come time to sell, will the owner be local? Will a certain man with his own personal treasure chouest enter back into the picture? Will he be able to look David West and Chris Paul in the eye and tell them that he is willing to do whatever it takes to build a long-tem winner?
I say yes. I could go on for another two or three paragraphs speculating as to why, but instead I will just chant the mantra…. The Hornets are here to stay…… The Hornets are here to stay……
Mantra #5- The Hornets are like Magellan, they’re so gellin’
Look at the box score from the last game of 2009-2010. Now look at last nights box score. How many guys are the same? David West, Emeka Okafor, and should we count Aaron Gray? Ok, sure, lets count Gray. That is 3. Wanna throw in CP3, even though he missed half the season? Fine, I’ll give you four. How about everyone else? Jack, Belinelli, Willie Green, Jason Smith, Q-Pon, David Anderson, Trevor Ariza. All new.
It took Emeka time to figure out how to play with West and CP3. Ariza had a rough two months before settling into his own for a stretch there. Jack looked awful for the first 40 games or so, and it took half of a season before coach realized that Marco and Willie would be better off switching roles. Landry’s game can fit in almost anywhere, so he might not take as long, but he still will have growing pains.
Point is that this team has a bunch of new faces and dominant NBA teams have traditionally been teams that have played together for a number of years. You can insert a new piece or two here and there and not miss a beat, but a complete overhaul is usually a recipe for disaster. The Hornets have done well in spurts this year, but nothing can substitute for time- and that is what this roster needs. Time together to grow, to figure each other out, to be able to communicate without being verbal, etc.
These next twenty games will give them a chance to do that, and we have seen the leaps that certain players have made in the past once they get more comfortable. But it is not only the players, the coaches also need adjustment time. They need to figure out rotations, comfort zones, and play calls that maximize the talents of the specific lineups on the court. If both the players and coaches keep working, it is possible that this team can hit their stride right as the playoffs begin.
And if they do, boy is that team scary. In fact, that might be one to save as our playoff mantra. Say it with me now… Boy, is this team scary….. Boy, is this team scary…… Boy, is this…..
128 responses to “Five Mantras for the frustrated Hornets fan”
Word. I’m not sure why Paul is in a slump right now (for my money I think he knows the team is improved but can’t beat the Spurs, Lakers and Celtics of the league this year and so he’s struggling to find motivation) but despite that and the painful losses, the sky is not falling in Hornets Fan Land and these mantras should help remind us …
You put the Man in Mantra, my friend.
Good post.
In the chat last night, folks said they wanted distraction. And t-shirts.
Good job.
I’m working on T-shirts. By the end of March they will be available.
Got any design pics or any idea how they gonna look?
I will buy one.
goos- fra- bah
GREAT POST!!!
I think I’m gonna hang this in my room to read after every hornets loss this season. I could have used it last night. lol
The only thing that is scary is watching a disfunctional administration making moves around the NBA just to show everyone that they’re capable.
Sorry, mantras won’t help. We ran off Jeff Bower, traded away Collison and Thornton, and obtained muck in return. (aside from Jack and Landry)
Hornets are in a demise. Look for it to continue.
I accept your opinion and cordialy refute it.
Cheerio! Pip pip!
Awesome.
You said “traded away Collison and Thornton, and obtained muck in return. (aside from Jack and Landry)”. What about Ariza? And can you call who we got back “muck” if you have to say two good players in paranthesis? Collison is an average point, and Thorton’s good but we needed a backup PF, so you definently cant bash that trade. I respect your opinion, but I disagree. Alot.
I agree. I am a huge MT23 fan, but the trade was in our favor. Landry is a big man that is good. And he looks like Mek. It is unfortunate that you have to give up cheap talent, but you can’t beat that.
I believe we are one more potent scorer and a return of CP3’s elevated play away from doing more damage in the Western Conference playoffs.
I respect all opinions. I guess I just didn’t make my point.
Last 2 games: Hornets shooting guards against Kings back up shooting guard. Willie Green and Marco Bellinelli combined put up 28 points, 10 boards, 4 ast, 4 stl, and 2 blks
Marcus Thornton alone posts 55 points, 6 boards, 4 ast, 5 stl, and 1 blk
Demps is good, huh?
Kenny, I’m REALLY happy for MT, but you need to understand that wont happen on this team. When he gives offensively he gives up defensively. Even if got better on his man defense, it’s the the errant shots he takes that creates fast break opportunities for opposing teams. MT plays 300 mph while we as a team try to play 25 mph in a school zone. You can’t be mad at Monty for that. That’s his style. Want to be mad at someone? Be mad at the guy who hired Monty and chose to go that direction.
Lastly, did you never get the memo? It was Chris Paul who was angry towards Marcus Thornton. HE had the issue with him. MT clashed with CP, Willie Green, and Monty in the locker room. Thats why he was traded. It was a conflict of interest in the desire CP, Willie, and Monty wanted to play vs. how MT wanted to play.
@Ziko whered u hear this?
Sincerely Yours, we talked about it here after he got traded. I can’t remember who brought the info. I believe one of the ADMINS tho.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYgSWGbEKsQ
God i miss this guy
“What inspires me… is to be the best.”
Love that line. Still remember seeing that vid for the first time.
That video just made me sad that CP doesn’t seem close to that player anymore……
AgentZiko ,
Appreciate your comments, but know that I am a Hornets fan as well. However, no one seems to have zeroed in on the inherent problem. If I am the only one seeing serious management issues, please tell me and I’ll shut up.
I see Monty as a fine teaching coach. A very good one specializing in defense, but not a head coach. He has a problem getting the right personnel on the floor at the right time, among other things.
Dell Demps is making a farce of GM duties in his stint with the Hornets. If others agree, ours are the voices that need to be heard.
By the way, Willie Green is a fine all around back up guard. Not a starter.
Kenny James, we’ve stated this over and over and over! I agree with you but for some reason, there are some who fail to admit the obvious. I realize some of these issues are related to ‘rookie’ status, but c’mon, we’re 50+ games into the season…enough already! If nothing else, Monty should know his players and what they are capable of. If he does, it doesn’t seem to equate to what’s being placed on the court. In addition, I don’t appreciate the ‘personal’ crap that seems to go on…this is a business (it’s true) but at the end of the day, you must be a professional! Monty is the leader of this ship; therefore, I do hold him to a slightly higher standard than others…I’m disappointed!
Making Farce, huh. You really think Bower did better? Bower was a TOOL dude. That guy buried us in debt. Demps did what he was allowed to do under the watchful eye of the league. And now we’re under the cap and have key pieces in place. And if Chris Paul isnt slumping we’re fighting for 3rd or 4th in the west. With 2 of the biggest win streaks in the league under our belts.
Micahel, I want to believe. But, every time I think we might really be that team that popped off the two winning streaks.. they play like they have the last week. I have seen nothing inspiring from this team in the way they have played recently. This team doesn’t appear to have much heart. And by that I mean the inability to finish. I’ll give Chris Paul the benefit of the doubt (that he really is committed to winning here). Unfortunately, he has become a very average player, because of his knee. He is getting schooled by opposing point guards and he can’t throw the ball in the ocean right now. With the recent emergence of Jack I would like to see Monty cut Chris’ minutes and ride Jack while he has the hot hand. I would also like to see Monty do the same with other players who have a hot hand. Let’s not be so formulaic in rotations that we ignore what is happening on the court. We have perfected our formula for defeat. Offensively, 6-8 straight empty trips. Then out of frustration, stupid fouls and poor defense within that stretch turn a close game into a double digit deficit (ex: the last three minutes of the first half last night). Again, I want to believe and I want to think this team is scary. Unfortunately, they’re scaring me more than they are scaring opponents right now.
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/211723/Paul_Fully_Invested_In_Hornets …..
… from the horse’s mouth! THE KNEE IS FINE!!!
So, explain the new reason for the terrible play from CP3? … and please, don’t say, “Oh, he’s just saying that, because he doesn’t want to make excuses.”
Their is a reason why he’s playing bad right now, and it ain’t because of the knee or his mental state!
L_REAZY
its widely known that players coming off of big injuries and missed seasons play ultra conservatively. They are terrified of something like that happening again because they realize how dangerous bball can be and how fragile they are. Even though you don’t agree its practically all mental, no other reason he passes up open shots and has that ashamed look on his face the whole game. His heads not there
Sure about widely?
I agree with Sean. Widely, except for New Orleans apparently.
CP3 WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
lol
thanks for writing this post mm, i was down in the dumps and u just reminded me why this team is still a work in progress thanks i feel alot better now and this road trip still has a chance to be a success with memphis chicago and cleveland left to go…
So, I feel like I’ve GOT to go on a little rant here. I’ve been reading all the comments for the past few weeks regarding CP, Monty, the offense, yada yada yada, and I have a few things to say regarding all of it.
1. The Offense.
As much as ALL OF YOU love seeing big scoring nights where we break 100, and pop threes left and right, and get break away dunks… It’s not going to happen. Not with this team. Not with this coach. If we had a guy like Tyson Chandler, a SUPERIOR shot blocker in this league, then MAYBE, yes, it would. If we had Tyson instead of Okafor, then we would have KEPT Marcus Thornton. It is because we DON’T have a shot blocker inside that Marcus didn’t play. Getting beat on the perimeter hurt Okafor and West more than it hurt anyone. But, we don’t have TC anymore, and we dont have MT anymore. This is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TEAM now. And whether you choose to accept it or not, there IS an offense in place. That offense is SPECIFICALLY built around Chris Paul. It is BLATANTLY evident that when Chris Paul isn’t on his game, the WHOLE TEAM SUFFERS. Yea, if MT were here, he could put points up. But does that make us win in this situation? No. It does not. For us to WIN GAMES. We need EVERYONE involved. David West can get 15-20 points on his own by bulldozing players. But With CP setting him up, West can get 25-35 on any given night. Okafor, Ariza, and Belinelli, more than ANYONE on the team rely HEAVILY on Chris Paul. They are not threats on offense what so ever. They NEED Chris Paul to be plugged into the offense for them to have good games. But the same goes for the rest of the squad as well.
You guys can keep complaining about Monty “Not having an offensive scheme”, but he DOES have one, and a VERY EFFECTIVE one for THIS TEAM. If you think running and gunning is the way to go for us, I ask you to think REALLY carefully if you want to be seeing Green, Ariza, Belinelli, and Jack shooting 10+ shots every game. Because that just isn’t going to work, and will only make us look worse. For this team, a slowed down, controlled offense is the absolute BEST way for us to WIN games. If you guys are going to tell me you’d rather watch “fun” games and lose then watch “boring” games and win… Well… then all I can say is prepare to say goodbye to basketball in New Orleans.
2. Monty Williams
The criticism about him has just gotten ridiculous. EVERY coach has a specific style. For example: Phil Jackson HATES small, fast point guards. He never plays them. Thats why Jordan Farmar left LA. Thats why Phil has used slow, methodical guys at the starting PG position like Derek Fisher, Brian Shaw, and Ron Harper. Yet, the Lakers BIGGEST weakness is their defense against opposing POINT GUARDS. And Phil Jackson REFUSES to play, or want to acquire any point guards that don’t fit his mold. In the offseason, the Lakers had their choice of choosing either Randy Foye (who is a DIE HARD Kobe fan and was desperate to play in LA), or Steve Blake. Jackson wasn’t interested in Foye because he wasn’t the kind of PG he “prefers”. Now? Randy Foye is killing it for the Clippers, and Steve Blake is a bust because he’s as bad as Fisher is on defense. The point of this? Every coach has a style that they want to play. They ALL tend to want different players to fill those styles when they join a new team. Its understandable. I said from THE START of the season, MT wasn’t going to be a good fit for Monty. And I said he should be traded so that he has a better opportunity to play for a team that allows him to do as he pleases. Sacramento and Charlotte were the two best fits for him, and I am happy as can be for him because we weren’t playing the same style as we were last season when he played so well. Get off Monty’s back. Just because you don’t like his “style” doesn’t mean he’s a bad coach. I really think he’s a VERY GOOD coach and is going to have a VERY LONG and successful career in this league. No rookie coach in the history of the league has come in and implemented a defense as efficient as his, ever. Yes it’s in jeopardy of being ruined, but that is not due to him. That is due to our Super Star point guard struggling right now.
3. Chris Paul.
I have been a fan of Chris Pauls since I first watched video tape of him in high school. My high school coach flat out said after watching Chris Paul in person that he was the best point guard he had ever seen in his life. That says a lot about a guy who coached and coached against players from all over the US for the 20 years prior. I watched CP at Wake Forest, I watched him get drafted, and I watched him play in almost EVERY single Hornets game since then.
My 2 favorite players growing up were Magic Johnson and John Stockton. Those are two of the best point guards in the history of the game. Chris Paul is already on their level. His problem right now? He’s just struggling. To say that he’s “lost” it is driving me crazy. When he had the 19 and 10 game last week, you guys all screamed “he’s back!”, when he struggled again, you throw him under the bus? I find it ridiculous and stupid. EVERY player goes through slumps. It happens. It’s natural. He WILL break out of it, and he WILL learn from it.
Stop and think for just a few minutes all the things that are going through this guys head right now. Cant you imagine how insane it must be for him? Chris Paul might be one of the most humble, honest, polite, generous, and kind players in SPORTS. No other guy is like him. But look whats going on AROUND HIM:
-He’s coming off a TERRIBLE knee injury that has ruined other players careers before.
-He watched his team trade away players he had a great bond with and whom he played VERY well with like Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic.
-He has had 3 different coaches in the past 2 seasons.
-The organization was sold and is now owned by the NBA.
-3 of his friends joined forces to play in Miami and fight for a championship.
-2 of his other friends are in New York waiting for him.
-He watched DWill get shipped to NEW JERSEY.
-He just played in the All Star Game where he was around ALL THOSE GUYS.
-He JUST played in New York last night.
-The trade deadline came and went, and Dell Demps couldn’t deliver everything I’m guaranteeing you he promised CP he would do in the offseason.
Someone mentioned in the last article the incident CP had at Wake Forest. I remember that, and I remember how disappointed a lot of people were in him. But thats the kind of guy he is. He shys away from so much attention and drama. He DOESNT LIKE IT or want it. I can guarantee you that if there is anything CP regrets saying, its what he said in the toast at Melo’s wedding.
I just don’t see Chris Paul going to New York. I don’t. The new CBA will kick in, he’ll get a Franchise Tag, and either way, NY wont have money to give him and have a full squad. No way is CP gonna go there and play for 7, 8 mil while Melo and Amare make bank. Think about it. CPs got a kid now. Don’t you think he’ll want to make sure his son has all the assets necessary for the rest of his life? I’m positive he will.
I’m telling you all, this drama will pass. CP will get his head straight. We will make the playoffs, and we will make some noise. I’m not saying that this teams complete. I know we still have work to do. I KNOW we need improvements. They will come. But rather than bash the whole team, I think more than anything what we need to do is SUPPORT them. Can you imagine if CP were to one day check this site out and read the criticism? He’s not the kind of guy who gets motivated by it. He’s the kind of guy who gets hurt by it. And most of us are the same. We’d ALL rather have support than be criticized. Especially when we’re going through a tough time.
Niko buddy, I’ve seen all the love and support you’ve given CP. Lets keep it running bro. Niko-Ziko connection.
WE WILL TURN THIS AROUND.
WE WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.
WE WILL BEAT THE THUNDER IN ROUND ONE.
WE WILL DROP JAWS AND TURN HEADS.
And we’ll start with a win tomorrow.
I ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY AGREE WITH THIS!!!
Best post, best reply I’ve read here at the blog, you’re smart man Mr.Ziko, holl from Hrvatksa!!!
Holla from Hrvatska!!!
GEAUX HORNETS!!!!
I agree with your assessment of CP. There is no other point guard who controls the game better than CP. He kinda reminds me of Billups the year they won the championship in Detriot. Chris Paul can run but he controls the game so well on offense that itd almost be dumb to just run in situations that we can slow the game down and let CP make the right passes to the other players for easy baskets.
Last night and against Toronto though he did not look confident at all. He looked like something was bothering him and he just hasnt been fighting over those picks as well either. Did he just have a break up with his girl or something? Is little Chris Paul sick?
Hvala mnogo Cro!
I wit you 50% of the way. even when cp went 19-10 he wasnt the same chris paul your crazy if you think that. Dont hype up tyson chandler like hes hakeem olajuwon he isnt never was and hes flat out not that good, give me okafor everyday over tc. And to say belly has no offense without cp i cant believe i have to be the one who says he does (really ziko) i mean ariza he needs cp but belly does some work in the mid range without anyones help and i respect it. We coming back with a vengeance
Everyone should realize he’s not the same CP3, but to say you would take Okafor over TC is ridiculous! I’m not sure you noticed against the Lakers that Bynum and Gasol were nonchalantly tossing baby hooks over Okafor like he wasn’t there. TC is 7-1′ and Okafor is 6-10′, 3 in height and who knows what in wing span make a huge difference in basketball. There’s also an energy factor to the game, which could win AT LEAST 3 games in itself, that TC brings. How many games against opponents, that don’t get the players juices going, can 2-3 vicious CP3-to-TC ally-oop dunks get everyone energized and pull out wins? Those plays brought the crowd to it’s feet, which players use to dig deep and play harder. This current team lacks excitement and therefore the crowd is rarely fired up unless it’s against the Lakers. How exciting is an Okafor hook shot or D-West jumper vs a Cp3-TC ally-oop? They all produce the same 2 pts, but not the same energy! Even when Okafor has open dunks, it’s just very ho-hum. Anytime TC dunked he tried to tear the rim off, which would get you excited about the game???
Oh yeah, I forgot to disagree with the Belinelli assessment. How many plays has he taken a player off the dribble or created his own shot without a screen/pick/curl? Maybe once every 20 games! We only have 2 players that can create their own shot, CP3 and West. The other was Thornton, but he’s gone.
i aent saying bellys a beast, i dont even like belly but he can move and get a shot. Tyson is not as good as okafor and never will be. Tyson has 1 post game, tyson has 0 offense. Unless he catching an alley oop chalk him up to a non factor. Okafor isnt shaq in his prime but hes a big body and he can make shots down low something tyson could never do. Okafor plays feet on the ground strong defense were tyson plays dumb and goes for blocks all the time. Keep the highlight reel ill take my solid center who averages a double double. Okafor doesnt have the personality of TC and i can see your issue there, he isnt as fired up hes not a crowd pleaser but he goes to work on the court like everyone else and gets the job done. I think all the highlights of tyson catching alley oops has your head clouded of what kind of player tyson is. It kills me hearing people talking about tyson like he was this beast……….he wasnt. He was a decent player who cp made look 50 times better than he is, i loved tyson on our team great guy but hes not okafor quit playing.
Tyson has *no low post game*
Tyson absolutely WAS a beast on the defensive end. That said, Okafor is as well, and has shown he can anchor an elite defense.
I didn’t mean it like that Sean. Okafor and Chandler are different defensively. The defense with Okafor right now is great because we don’t (or at least didn’t) allow dribble penetration to the basket, and we are good at rotating the defense with keeping Okafor positioned inside. A big thank you for that was towards Ariza manning the perimeters best scorer.
The difference with Chandler is with him you WANT to force people to attack the basket. He’s like Bynum. He doesn’t get a lot of blocks, but he ALTERS a lot of shots. I was just saying that Thornton’s defense would have been less worrisome had we had Chandler with him because we would LOOK to force guys to attack towards TC because he is long enough to alter shots, and force bad passes. I was just saying on this team (which, again, I said from the beginning of the season), MT wasn’t a great fit. That’s all.
Also, Chandler is a better 1 on 1 defender than Okafor BECAUSE he has 3 inches over him. Only Bynum and Howard have the size and length to score OVER Chandler. Look what he’s done for Dallas. A team that NEVER played defense, is suddenly pretty damn good at it.
As for Belinelli. I know he CAN create. But when is he most effective? When CP is driving and kicking to him in the corner. Yea, he’s had his slumps too. But THATS his game.
Lastly, Sean, neither Okafor nor TC have a low post game. Both rely HEAVILY on CP to make them look good. Remember Okafor last season? What a bust we thought.
I agree they both are poor in the low post but as bad as okafor is hes miles ahead of cp. Okafor has some touch down there, Aaron Gray has a better post game than Tyson and the funny thing is he really does
Miles ahead of CP lol chris really does have a poor low post game. Meant TC!
I think that beli plays better with ball in his hands, and some of the last matches off the bench proved it. he can create his own shot if he’s asked to, i’ve seen him play in golden state and he played as a point guard to for long stretches, and i believe that at the moment monty asked him to play a very specific role and he’s doing it.
Ill take TC over Mek on this team anyday
are you talking to me? HAHA
Yessir. LoL. Nikko-Ziko Connection!
I basically just ran a pick and pop for you and set you up the way CP sets up DW. Drill that jump shot for me Nikko!
i’ll try ma best *swish*
Um…wow.
Lotta work and give you respect for that.
But Phil Jackson has a reason for not likeing small, fast point guards….they’re not big!
The athlete of today is a freak and to win in the NBA, Phil has learned this lesson…you need to be Big and Fast…but Big first.
IN fact, the reason Monty plays slow ball is along this same line.
Slower, more deliberate basketball wins championships.
You can win crowd support and have fun running and scoring, but you will not win championships.
Not sure if a small, fast team has Ever won a championship.
So get the Magic Johnsons, keep the water bugs.
AS for the blind faith, not from me…not anymore.
I don’t follow leaders off cliffs.
This team lost the last two games because of coaching.
I am so tired of Gray not playing after earning his spot and respect.
I know, you and most others on this sight are not Gray fans, so bless you for your opinion.
But it is wrong.
Dead…losing…wrong.
And I will admit I enjoyed the last 2 losses because I am now ready for Monty to take some of his own tough love.
If he were a player, he’d be benched himself.
He has a seven footer sitting on the bench for two games while getting his ass kicked inside?!
He chooses to put Smith in…because he is an outside threat?
Really?
If I was the opposition, I would let Smithy take that stupid shot. He is nowhere close enough consistently wise to ever bother anybody.
I am tired of watching Monty play to the opposition instead of making the opposition play to your strengths.
Check the stats…Paul very likely has better shooting percentage with Gray on the floor.
Why?
Because he finds longer shooting time behind the Great Gray wall.
He finds driving space behind the space opened by Gray’s big wide body.
There is a reason Gray has ended with extremely high +/- stats every damned game EVE though his unselfish play allows others the big numbers.
Look, trade Gray and allow he and I some enjoyment.
Paul.
Phil Jackson had a press conference earlier this year after the Lakers got torched by some random PG (can’t remember who, but I think it was Mike Conley of MEM), and a reporter asked him if the Lakers should look to acquire a faster PG for defensive purposes. He said he didn’t think so because faster PGs are usually guys who dominate the ball, and he doesn’t want a playmaker because that’s Kobes and Lamars job, and he prefers bigger guards anyway.
As for Gray. I actually like Gray. I want to see him play. He fits well with this team. And he’s gonna be really important against bigger teams like the Lakers, Mavs, and now Thunder (and event the Griz tomorrow). But against Amare? Do you not remember the last game against when Gray DID play? Didn’t work out so well bro. But yea, I like Gray and DONT think we should release him or anything. His body and size fits well with our team.
Nice reply.
I sometimes feel after I click send, I should take a shot of my favorute single malt and wait 15 minutes before sending.
I make people feel I am upset with THEM, not the subject at hand.
So thanks.
I am most assured that Gray would do well against Stat.
I think he has grown into his role with this team and his confidance is(was) where he was getting things done unaffraid in the game.
I als think we are talking 3 games here he was sat.
Now, enough already, coach.
And last night, I could not take Smith anymore.
When you are getting pushed around, throw in the kitchen sink.
Don’t put Gray in with 4 minutes to go and down by 15 miles.
There is no excuse for him not getting some time earlier.
None.
I blame these last losses on the coach.
Single Malt, a whiskey man i respect that 😉
Nice post… but two disagreements.
1 – Mek is probably a slightly *better* shot blocker than Tyson, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about there.
2-
“VERY EFFECTIVE one for THIS TEAM.”
Sorry, but no… you can’t excuse a DREADFUL offense by saying its the right one for “this team.” I don’t care if New Orleans is the slowest or fastest team in the league, pace doesn’t matter, but scoring at least semi-efficiently does… and the Hornets are unable to do that and have been all year. Thankfully, the defense has often been good enough to bail out the woeful offense. I think Monty has done some great things, and he deserves a ton of praise for the defensive excellence the team has shown most of the year. Doesn’t mean we can’t criticize the decisions on the offensive end.
I posted a comment already about Tyson and Emeka on defense. Just different kinds of defenders, thats all. One works better for each scheme.
As for the “effectiveness”. Was it not effective when we went on our winning streaks? Seem to remember it working fine then.
Generally, no… the offense has only been effective on rare occasions. As I said, the defense has been good enough to win games. There are 20 teams who play better offense than the Hornets. This was true even when Chris Paul was playing great. When you have one of the top 10 *worst* offenses in the league, that’s a problem.
Ziko, this article is way too long…you lost me (or I got totally bored with it), but here goes…Monty sits and watches his team lose ball games! That is not good coaching! I don’t know what planet you live on, but the guy (although well intended) hasn’t figured out how to rotate players effectively (when really needed). In answer to your question, coming to the arena and watching our guys lose ball games, while utilizing the ‘effective offense’ you speak of, is no fun! Do you think the Lakers, Spurs, Celtics, Mavericks, Bulls, Heat and the Magic lose 9+ games to the bottom feeders of this league? If this is Monty’s ‘grand plan’, let me help you out, we’re are in deep crap!!! I have nothing personal against Monty, but IMO, he’s not ready to handle the needs of this team…not yet!
Want to see a guy who doesn’t “rotate” players effectively? Look at Phil Jackson. The guy does the most head scratching things in the league. Sometimes I throw my hands up wondering what the heck he’s doing playing Derek Fisher 33 minutes a game or randomly puts guys in at terrible times, or subs them when they’re hot. But you know what… 11 rings says shut up and let the coach figure it out.
Yep after 11 rings respect the guy. Monty has zero. Has he earned that same respect from you?
OkiThor. People questioned Phil before he got his first ring too.
All I’m saying is we are 35 and 28 and our best player is having a down season. The games he plays well, we have DESTROYED some teams too. I think a lot of people are just looking ton roll heads because they were Thornton fans.
+1 I was really sad and mad at how the Hornets played the last couple of games and your post actually lifted my mood up !I hope they can hold it together and make a decent run to the playoffs. I could definitely see a cp3 melodrama this summer especially under the influence of the heat and knicks big threes and the worldwide wes crowd…
I agree thanks for the positive affirmation!
I was at that game last night and all I kept thinking was all the great wins we have had and that we can come back… But as I thought that I heard the people behind me say “they don’t have thornton anymore, games over” ugh… I kept thinking even with a slump… Why are our two leaders “captains” fighting? These internal problems are not only because of confidence its because of their age…. Dwest is the elder and should be given more respect by Cp3… Smh
Positive news guys
Paul ‘Fully Invested’ In Hornets
Mar 03, 2011 2:44 AM EST
Chris Paul made his annual trip to New York on Wednesday and was asked about the idea of joining the Knicks.
“People who know me know that I’m fully invested in anything that I’m a part of, and one thing is New Orleans and our team,” Paul said. “I have the ultimate faith in our team and what we’re capable of. We’re just not doing it right now. That’s a long time from now, free agency.”
The Hornets have now lost three straight games and Paul hasn’t looked like himself, but he insists he’s healthy.
“I’m good,” Paul said. “My knee feels better than it has at any other point. That’s the crazy thing about it. My body’s great. I feel like I can go by a guy more than ever before.”
Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/211723/Paul_Fully_Invested_In_Hornets#ixzz1FYlcZ8lW
Do you guys look at the news stories on here? We post them in the news tab above, and there are links in the panel to the right.
Post what you don’t see there. I’m good at giving shoutouts to those who beat me to the punch.
Being a Hornets fan and living outside the Cleveland area I have feared Paul leaving the Hornets ever since Lebron’s infamous “Decision”. Lebron, like CP, said all the right things making the Cavs believe that he would be back. Same story is playing out with CP, saying all the right things, but being non-comittal about his future. Now I don’t know whats his intentions are.. I hope they are to stay in NOLA. I hate to say it but I think CP may have been planning on going to NY, but now with Melo and Amare there, there is no possible way Paul would go to the Knicks unless he took a huge pay cut. Maybe if not the Knicks.. New Jersey/ Brooklyn was his back up plan. Their not going to want him because they have D-Will (providing D-Will resigns with them.. which he will).
Maybe his play has sucked lately because he feel like he might be stuck with the Hornets, whether he likes it or not. (Missing out on the next Super Team) I really hope this is not the case but im just saying what im thinking. Something is effecting him mentally. He passed up two wide open layups in the 1st quarter to kick the ball out for 3 point shots. (Ariza hit one but Green missed the other).
I dunno guys.. ill be at the Cavs game on Sunday.. but my excitement level has deminished. Im scaired now for what I might see.
When people assume things about CP3’s future and say he has “checked out”, I fear that they are projecting LeBron, Melo, D-Will, etc onto him. They are doing the same thing with Dwight Howard and it is not fair. All of those guys are individuals, you can’t just lump them together because it is convenient to do so.
When CP3 shows any signs of what LeBron or Melo did, I will be critical, but he has not shown that yet and if this organization gets stability and continues to improve its roster, he will stay. But until that day comes, there is no need to question the man’s word when he has so much built up credibility. He deserves the benefit of the doubt.
I agree with mac here. I wish i had a time machine to go into the future and see if i should hate him or not. I fear the franchise tag that more than likely will emerge from the collective barganing agreement will never let us know the truth. If there is a tag, tag david and let me see the kind of guy cp is =)
If I had a time machine, I go back and buy google.
And I would rephrase that last statement to Lynn that lost me a real good weekend.
I’m not giving up on CP3. Far from it. But we need FAR, FAR, FAR more from him than 4 points. That’s pathetic for him. This play is so uncharacteristic for him, my overly creative mind comes up with all kinds of reasons for it.
But in the end. I still believe in him. That’s the thing. It’s not his knee. He looked like the CP3 of old on that stepback shot at the halftime buzzer. It’s mental. Maybe he’s trying so hard to not get hurt again, he’s playing scared. Like he’s still injured in his mind, even though his body isn’t. So he’s trying to play Andre Miller’s game. Which ain’t CP3’s game.
But that still doesn’t quite explain the games where he goes off…aaaaaaaah. I don’t know anymore.
But that’s just the thing and it’s been mentioned several times before – he hasn’t really gone off. Not really. Not like we remember.
He’s had games, and stretches of games, where he’s played really, really well and efficiently. Better than just about anyone else playing the position right now. But he hasn’t at any point this season had that explosion. The lightning quick step and change of direction. He hasn’t always look THIS slow obviously, but times you’re think of as him “going off” were him using his guile, creativity, and jump shooting to take what was given to him.
It’s really solid play, but even that I struggle to decide is really “superstar max contract” play. I don’t expect him to be dunking over Dwight Howard again or anything (although it’d be nice) but there’s just so many things the “old” CP3 brought to the floor that this year’s version isn’t.
The old CP3 would annihilate some random chump for trying to pick him up 30 feet from the basket. Unless you were Dahntay Jones and the refs were treating their whistles like that little Japanese guy treats hot dogs then you gave Old CP3 some respect out there or you got blown by. Now Jose Freaking Calderon is bodying him up almost at the timeline and if we’re lucky CP doesn’t pick up his dribble.
I have no clue whether it’s physical or mental or whatthehellever, but it’s definitely something and always has been this season.
I’m not sure if anyone realizes, but the team who would be an instant contender, which no one ever mentions, with CP3 is the Clippers. A lineup of CP3 (16 PPG)/Gordon (24 PPG)/Gomes (8 PPG)/Griffin (22 PPG)/Kaman (11 PPG) equals 81 PPG from your starting lineup. And the backup C (Jordan) averages almost 7 PPG. Both Griffin and Gordon’s numbers will likely go up with CP3 at the point. Everyone is fascinated with him going to NY, if everyone looked closely they would see that this move would be better for him and provide the equivalent big market and better “Big 4” setup. And LA has a proven big man, something NY doesn’t have. Ronny Turiaf isn’t ANYWHERE near an NBA starting center.
Agree with the on the court theory that they would be the best fit, but they have Donald Sterling as an owner. Heck, Clips would have best on court fit for LeBron. Could you imagine him and Blake with Gordon stretching the D? Crazy. But no high caliber African American player will CHOOSE to go to the Clippers as long as Sterling is the owner.
Yea, he wont go there dude. Sterling is a racist jerk. This is why Blake Griffin will be gone (I’m betting to OKC) in a few years. There was a report here in LA where Sterling told Blake Griffin while laughing “I sort of like you”, in reference to Blake being mixed. It was talked about on the radio for an hour but because the stations here are all Laker and Clipper stations, it was dropped VERY QUICKLY from conversation.
The only places I REALLY see CP considering are New York, Orlando, and LA. But NY won’t have money to sign him, Orlando would have to trade for him, and the Lakers would have to give up Bynum to get him.
Just the article I needed to read at this time. I went out for a run after last night’s loss the Knickerbockers, and I was just thinking about how frustrating this season has been. It’s hard to believe that over two different streaks of this season, this team is 20-1. We’ve seen how great they can, and now, we’re seeing how bad they can be. Will the real New Orleans Hornets please stand up?
Whatever happens, I just don’t want Dan Dickau to be our point guard again.
Look we all got to face the fact that Paul is not the player he was two years ago, he slow, his shot is off!!! He dont get the calls he use to get, so I dont know whats the problem but I would trade him because Jack is out playing him now with alot less mins.
‘AgentZiko’ your saying that he used to control the game better than any other point guard, right?
He used to be the best, flat-out PG, right?
…I mean, yea, he is still very good, even if he is 70 percent, but, we can’t be bias here just because we’re Hornets fans either.
He is no longer the best … just a fact of what we can see … agree or not?
QUESTION: Would you have traded CP3 for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, a 1st rd pick in 2011, and a 1st rd pick in 2012?
If so, than he is trade-able … agree or not?
L_REAZY
He was still the best PG for the first 30 games or so this season. The guy was leading the league in PER and Win Shares for quite a while. He hasn’t been as good since. I don’t see a reason to think he’ll never be again simply because he’s played poorly for lately.
“QUESTION: Would you have traded CP3 for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, a 1st rd pick in 2011, and a 1st rd pick in 2012?”
Definitely NOT.
I’m not biasing anything Reazy. He IS the best. We all agreed he was the best when the team was winning. But now that we’re in a slump, he’s not? Cut the guy some slack. What are you going to say if he comes out the rest of the season and averages 17pts, 11asts, 5rbs, and 3asts, and we win 80% of our games? That he came back from the dead?
And no way in heck would I make that trade. NO WAY. Might work for the Jazz, but not for the Hornets.
He is not the best, and I am not sure if I would ever have called him the best.
I guess I am alone here, but that’s a real tough spot to take.
Perhaps there were periods when he lead the stats at the position, but that does not make you the best.
‘Ziko’,
I guess what I mean is … his ‘Play’ & ‘Stats’ proved he was the best in 07-08 & 08-09!
You cannot hold titles of ‘the best’ if it no longer applies. Right now he is not the best PG … and I really wonder if it matters that much to him anyway?
That being stated, he is still my favorite player to watch … it’s just been tough lately. Nevertheless, without bias, I’m calling it the way I see it to! Hard for anyone to digest.
L_REAZY
There is an article I read awhile ago regarding PGs… I’m gonna find it tomorrow… About how statistically, CP is on his way to being the best and most efficient PG ever because he has the best assist to turnover ratio of any PG including John Stockton and Magic Johnson.
Hey paul., how are you?
When the stats *overwhelmingly* support the evidence that Chris Paul has been the best PG since he entered the league… I don’t know how anyone can argue otherwise. People like to say that “stats don’t tell the whole story,” and that’s true… but they tell *more* of the story than anything else. They are the best tool we have to evaluate players.
@Kenny James: The reason Thorton is thriving so much is because he fits in with their system. Run around and shoot when you choose too. Thorton would probably thrives with the Knicks too. It’s all about the pace. You can’t really compare what he does from that perspective considering the Hornets are alot better than the Kings, most the time.
Thornton is ‘thriving’ because he has a bunch of guys (and his coach) who has made him know that they believe in him…period! He no longer has to worry about whether he will lose playing time simply because his coach would rather play ‘his’ guy instead! I’m sure he’ll work his tail off to get better in this league, but for now, playing time will be his best teacher! I’m so glad he’s in a place where an entire team and city has embraced him with open arms. I know he’d rather be here with us in N.O., but I say…Geaux Marcus…finally you can grow & develop into the player that we all know you can be! Anyone interested, geaux to sactownroyalty.com and read what folks are saying about him there…it’s crazy! Please pay particular attention to the article referencing the impression of Marcus Thornton! I loved it!
Do you know who Paul Westphal is? Do you honestly think Demarcus Cousins is an embracing and supportive kind of guy?
Regardless of how supportive those two fellows are… this statement: “He no longer has to worry about whether he will lose playing time simply because his coach would rather play ‘his’ guy instead!” is undoubtedly true.
Man well at least the idea for this post was good. It started out as a calming yoga session and now I feel like I’m in one those rooms without windows in 105 degree heat doing Bikram Yoga with the smell of ball sweat
LOL … right!
Our team has too many issues right now for us to be sane.
But, I appreciate the therapeutic treatment!
L_REAZY
Word is that Dwest was yelling at paul about how he was not playing with effort in frount of the players and the coaching staff in the playroom after the knicks game.
Can you please give some details? I would love to hear about this
i love the disucssions guys. It’s more professional that what it used to be. But CP3 is still the best. Maybe not the best right NOW, but he’s still the best overall. He’s slumping now. Did anybody say anything when Westbrook was shooting less than 40% this year? same goes with Rose and Williams. If you cut them some slack, might as well give it to CP3.
All this best talk is well-intentioned, but misguided. There is no set of criteria, which is why it makes for good discussion, but which is also why it often descends into mere debate and sophistry,
Chris is suffering. Whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, whatever . . . the dude could be pinging for New York, North Carolina, or the frazzlin’ fjords for all I care, but the dude is suffering . . . publicly.
Publicly.
He didn’t do anything `wrong’, like Eldrick Tont Woods did (according to the most practiced moralities).
Suffering publicly is not something to wish on most. Glossophobia is often cited as a top fear. Imagine suffering publicly, then being asked to talk about it after your suffering just caused you to, in your mind, embarrass yourself and what you hold dear.
Give the guy a respite.
Nikko, I’m replying to you to `heighten’ what you are saying, not refute it.
IMHO…CP3 isn’t in a slump. He’s in “protection mode”. He gets injured because he plays so hard and he knows it. I think he’s protecting himself until he signs a nice long, lucrative contract…wherever…that will cover him no matter what happens. Then he can relax and play Paul Ball, again. Whoever gets him in a contract like that will get the most awesome Point Guard in the NBA…ever.
I just hope it will be in New Orleans.
IMO i think that this team wud benefit from a faster tempo. CP3 probly has the best court vision in the whole league and wud definelty create opportunites with his defense. Right now we get stuck painting the floor wit the ball and jus drain the shot clock with a bad shot. We hold teams but in turn we dont score. In 07-08 we were effective running the ball. 56 wins. We wud jus have to keep defense in mind.
What wud u think of a faster tempo?
Faster tempo would work short term, and honestly it was playing fast that got us back in the Raptors game and got us such a big lead in the Rockets game. Two problems:
1.) We aren’t getting the stops needed to get out and run
2.) Come playoff time it will be half court basketball anyway
This team has to find an identity in the half court that works. Relying on jump shots or David West isolations will not consistently work. This team needs to be more aggressive attacking the rim, moving off the ball, and rolling to the bucket hard off of screens.
They need to get that nastiness back, and hopefully it starts tomorrow night.
The good thing wud be that we cud still play half court effectively because weve shwon that. I jus think that a uptempo wud help
Playing fast running basketball will never win a championship.
I am not sure if this style ever won.
The great teams have always run slow deliberate half court games.
I am not saying they could not fast break, because they could.
They just don’t design their game around it.
It’s an entertaining style, but it will not, never has, won championships.
The 1974 Celtics won a championship playing at a speed of 110 possessions a game. An insanely fast number by today’s standards, and top 5 back then.
The Lakers won championships as a fast-paced team in the 80’s. Of course they also had Magic, Kareem, Byron, etc.
They were generally among the top 10 in pace, and averaged well over 100 possessions a game. 100+ possessions a game these days is almost unheard of.
The “run and gun” Suns of the past six or seven years? 95-96 possessions a game on average. The game as a whole has slowed down. In the 70’s and prior teams that averaged 102, 103 possessions a game were actually on the slow end of the spectrum.
Pace ultimately doesn’t matter that much. Playing well at whatever speed you play at matters.
The Panic Button has been hit.
Can someone please fill me in on David West getting into the team after the game? This is the first of heard of anything like that, but I think that EXACTLY what this team needs! (depending on what he supposedly said, of course haha. I don’t know the details)
Someone stole my name… Identity theft!
Well after the game in the locker room Dwest was fed up with and the way chris has been playing and spoke his mind in frount of the players and coaching staff. chris and dwest got into a verbal fight. the fight was so bad that monty after told the reporters to go away.
oh yea and Marcus thornton scored 26 points
If you go to the website hoopshype go on rumors and click new orleans, monty was talking about how he see fear in players eyes he made a comment like “I saw fear in some of the guys on our team tonight” and .” … I’m not going to tolerate guys not playing with passion and guys playing afraid.”
Also, if you go to this website, click on news, you can resd that and other articles.
http://www.hornets247.com/news/2011/03/03/continuous-improvement-a-mantra/
lmao at 42
Ha.
Just trying to help.
I have an economic lesson linked up on the van Breda Kolff article. You don’t get microeconomic theory at hoopshype, that’s for damned sure.
http://www.hornets247.com/news/2011/03/03/willem-hendrik-butch-van-breda-kolff/
yo, unknown where did u hear this from or where did u get your sources from
I discussed the CP3′ situation in the brazilian blog of the Hornets.
http://nohornetsbrasil.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/are-you-kidding-me/
Anyone interested in a look, just use the Google translator and pass from Portuguese into English.
Derrick Rose is the best point guard in the league. Chris Paul has the talent but he is just so unselfish and he does nt have the quickness to score love he did in the 08-09. Chris hasn’t brought the ball up court and ran all the way to the goal and layed it up since last year. Chris is a great guy but he is an overrated scorer. I like the guy but unless you are the celtics, the bulls, or you have Magic Johnson the best player on your team cannot be a point guard. Dwest is gone after this year. This team needs a true scorer (one of the reasons Chris Pauls assist are down) and no disrespect to the hound Carl Landry but we probably lost that scorer in Marcus Thornton. We should go after Nick Young in the offseason.
Derrick Rose is not a PG. Look at his numbers and compare them to Kobe Bryant. Derrick Rose actually shoots more per game than Kobe does. The guys a ball hog. He’s more of an Iverson than a PG. He’s literally an undersized shooting guard. Even Del Negro thought so when he was coaching and started Hinrich at the 1 and Rose at the 2.
POINT GUARDS in the league, as in PGs who make their teammates better: CP. Nash. Rondo. DWill. Westbrook.
agreed.
Sure he’s a PG. He may not be a “traditional” PG… but uh, he has an AST% of 40.9%, which is among the top 10 in the NBA.
Overrated scorer? Really? Chris Paul has been an absolutely incredible scorer for most of his career by combining both productivity (21 ppg in 07-08, 22 ppg in 08-09) and ultra high efficiency – offensive ratings of 125 and 124 those years, over 1.4 points per FGA, etc. This year he hasn’t been much of a scorer, but his career as a whole is a different story.
“best player on your team cannot be a point guard”
Nonsense. If that best player is Chris Paul playing at his usual MVP-level, I don’t see the problem. The only issue is CP has not been playing at that level.
Thornton’s Thunder,
Ditto. Well said. Why is it that Hornet fans refuse to be realistic? This team is currently playing their way right out of the playoffs, yet some of the comments i’ve read are borderline delusional. Chris Paul is not injured, he’s apparently packed it in. And this locker room crap you speak of is no reason to trade away a great player. This is not a girlscout camp, its the NBA. You don’t have to like everyone, just be professional and play your best.
I like Carl Landry and think he is a fine addition, but you don’t build a better team by trading away quality players. Enough on this subject.
Let’s say we don’t make the playoffs.
What is materially different between that and making the playoffs? What is the concern?
“apparently packed it in” is just random speculation, and contradictory to everything we’ve learned about CP since he was first drafted.
Sorry, “packed it in” was a little harsh. Misstroke on the keyboard. Though, someone must have reignited him for last night.
Hope it continues.
Derrick Rose teammate. PPG year before he joined Rose PPG this year
Luol Deng. 17 points. 17.7
Carlos Boozer. 20.1 points. 18.8 points
Joakim Noah. 6.6. Points. 13.5 points
D Rose gets 8.2 points per game. He does turn the ball over sometimes but that’s inexperience. If you are saying Derrick Rose is not a point guard, then Oscar Robertson and Gary Payton are not point guards. (not to put words in your mouth)
Derrick Rose is not a ball hog. He is the best offensive weapon the bulls have. Why do you think Derrick Rose is nt backing up Jeff Teague right now and Kirk Hinrich is. Watch a Bulls game and then say Derrick Rose is nt a point guard. Derrick Rose killed every point guard you mentioned except Russell Westbrook. Again I love Chris Paul as a basketball player and a humanitarian but there is no way Chris Paul could lead the hornets to beat the bulls right now. Point blank
UNATTRACTIVE FACT OF THE DAY:
If the Hornets lose tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies they fall to 8th place with Phoenix breathing down there necks, and Memphis moves up to 7th place in the Western Conference standings.
So, if that point guard from Wake Forest is going to have a ‘BIG’ game it should be tonight! Right?
L_REAZY
i hate it when people get spoiled.
1.) Spoiled that we aren’t getting the same CP3 as 07-09. People need to understand he’s not that guy anymore. It doesn’t make him worse or anything, it just means different. if he can return to October – November form, we’d be talking 3rd seed or 4th seed right now. CP3 is different. And all this theory’s about Paul making the Hornets think his tradeable, or he’s checking out, or he’s bored or unmotivated –> They all do not look like CP3 qualities. He’s a down to earth guy. One of the few(i actually believe Deron, Howard, and CP3 are not Lebron-ish or Bosh-ish or Melo-ish) superstars like that. I ask everyone again, give him time. His coming back from a knee injury. Imagine if you have a huge scar on your face because of a driving accident. You think you can drive soon? There would be trauma involved. Or if you had your fingers cut because of a knife. You wouldn’t be able to cook or even hold a knife. Give him time.
Well, it does make him worse. Significantly worse if we go by the standards of the past month or so. But I certainly don’t its all over or anything remotely in that vein. He’ll bounce back eventually.
No i mean many are complaining about his deference in late game situations. i don’t see that as a problem. I see that as a different CP3. one that’s REALLY more of a passer than a scorer.
I too think he’ll bounce back.
2.) Look at the following
Coach X
40-42 Lost 1st round
50-32 Lost in Conf Semi
Coach Y
30-52 Miss
45-37 Lost 1st round
19-31 FIRED
Coach Z
42-40 Lost in Conf. Semi
59-23 Lost in Conf. Finals
Notice anything? Every one of them had a record of barely above 0.500 their first year, and them significantly improved during the 2nd year. Who are those coaches? X? Doug Collins. Y? Jerry Sloan. Z? Stan Van Gundy. ALL 3 CONSIDERED TO BE GREAT COACHES. All had the same or BETTER talent than the Hornets right now. So if you’re unhappy with a 35-28 from a rookie head coach on pace for 44-38, then you’re clearly spoiled and ungrateful. Yes, Monty makes mistakes, and yes he should be held accountable for his mistakes. But shouldn’t we give him credit where credit is due? I notice that on games where Monty did an INCREDIBLE job of coaching, nobody seems to praise him. but when he’s done something wrong, everybody seems to HATE on him. And i know everyone wants improvement immediately. But that’s almost impossible. Can you get better at shooting a jumpshot by just practicing for one week? NO. One month? NO. One year? Maybe. Two Years? Maybe. I personally guarantee 2 things..
We’ll make the playoffs. Monty will be better next year(or during 2012-13 if there’s a lockout). Quote me.