I like to think I'm pretty good at what I do.  My posts are usually a mix of stats and analysis, and judging by the reaction and number of returning users we've been getting of late, they've obviously been written well enough to get my point across.  Still – there is one thing I typically avoid:  talking about what the Hornets mean to me.

Normally, I'm fine with that.  I'm not particularly good at expressing that kind of sentiment, and with Ron and the wonderful pair ticktock and Wawer over at Hornets Hype(go see their new video), someone usually produces something suitably eloquent – or vulgar – that addresses any situation.  So I just leave it alone.

Today, however, I wanted to put something on record.  I've been following the Hornets since 2000-2001.  I saw the Hornets fall to Milwaukee that year in the second round.  The next year I saw Baron Davis drop two triple doubles in a row against Orlando and have a game-winning shot waved off despite him launching it long before the clock expired.  I watched them lose to New Jersey the following series, and then fall to Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat in the first round the following year.  I watched every single game of the 18-win season.  I saw Paul's debut, West's amazing third season, Tyson's arrival, Peja's back injury, Paul's high-ankle sprain, and West's bad elbow.

Not once, in those 7 years, have I felt about a Hornets team the way I feel about this one.  In these playoffs, I've been unable to sleep for hours after tough defeats.  I've been amped up and unable to sleep until 1:30 am after big victories.  I've watched in disbelief the lopsided wins and losses of this series as it defies almost all ability to analyze it.  Despite having big deliverables at work, and a myriad of other distractions outside of work in my children and the season finale of some of my favorite shows,(Damn, Survivor was spectacular this season) I think about the Hornets all the damn time.  This three day layoff has been torture for me.  Last night, I tried reading a book twice, and realized I was turning pages and not actually absorbing anything because I was thinking about how the Hornets would slow Ginobili.

Being a fan of the Hornets this season was being caught in the Perfect Storm.  This team is fun to watch.  It has downright loveable players.  It has several electrifying talents, the dramatic backdrop of post-Katrina New Orleans, and already more franchise records than I can count – and I chose this season to start blogging about it, investing myself in the team even more than I have in any other year.  Ron invited me to join this site, and the great community you all help create.

It's been an incredible ride, and I don't want it to end tonight, no matter how good that may be for my mental health.

Geaux Hornets.  Put those Spurs in the ground.