Ryan and Michael talk about the 8-0 streak, Emeka Okafor and whether he’s worthy of an All-Star nod, what weaknesses we do still see for this team, plus Ryan talks about D&D and find out that Michael would rather fight a Grizzly Bear than an Ostrich. Yes, Michael may be an idiot.
Oh, and we’re on iTunes now! Subscribe or die. Or not. Your choice, really.
20 responses to “In the NO Podcast Episode 14: Fear the Ostrich”
I respect the whole Gerald Wallace, Samuel Dalembert, and Nazr Mohammed trade ideas, but other trades would make the Hornets more formidable for the rest of this season … such as:
These two trades, which would make the Hornets an elite team with minimal weaknesses:
Willie Green (exp), Marcus Banks (exp), & David Andersen (1-year) for Richard Hamilton … who is definitely available, and Detroit would love to have expiring contracts for him. The Hornets would get a consistent, ‘open-shot-maker’ with Rip, unlike Belinelli.
Speaking of Marco … trade Marco Belinelli (exp) for Jason Thompson. Thompson has 1-year left. Sacramento would trade for a decent 2-guard, with range, defense, and an expiring contract for J-Thompson.
IMO these trades are realistic, and would not disrupt the Hornets chemistry.
F-West, F-Ariza, C-Okafor, G-Hamilton, G-Paul
F-Smith, F-Pondexter, C-Thompson, G-Thornton, G-Jack
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NOOO to Rip Hamilton ever. I don’t care if they take every single expiring crap contract we have. No way. No how. Never. Ever. Our offseason flexibility is a reason to get excited. Rip Hamilton is a reason to dread our future.
Also, I knew Marcus Thornton assumed he had the starting 2-guard position locked up; hence losing the position to the likes of Belinelli, and other playing time to Willie Green. My criticism of him earlier in the season was accurate as to why he wasn’t getting playing time.
If he really declined to participate in the off-season defensive sessions with Monty, and players like Marco and Willie Green worked their tail off in those sessions, they sort deserved more playing time.
Even if he was injured, he still could have attended those sessions just to observe and learn!
His fault then, but I’m glad he’s getting the work in now.
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I don’t think that CP3 has been a little slower, IMO he’s the same, just the tempo of our offense is slower and sometimes it looks slower, but when he’s in transition and when he’s aggressive, really aggressive he looks really fast so he hasn’t slowed down IMO…
I agree cro_CP3.
CP3 is definitely slower. Not bashing the guy. He’s not having to force anything. But his athleticism is not at peak level. I think you guys have forgotten just how obnoxious (in an awesome way) it was to watch CP3 when he’s fully healthy. Go check out his highlight reels from past years and then check out the one they made for him this year to go to the All-Star game. It’s all jumpers mostly. It’s night and day in terms of explosiveness.
Furthermore, I think this is by choice. I think it’s still there. He is just not going to expose his knee to the punishment that is CP3 going full speed. In spurts he will just turn it on, but for the most part, he is playing as a man that knows if he puts to much pressure on that knee, it will buckle.
I played a little original stuff and some advanced. Mostly, it was second edition stuff in high school. Do I need to mention that I gravitated toward chaotic neutral warriors, or is it obvious?
Upgrading the 2 position shouldn’t be the priority. Back up BIG all the way!!
How about Project Grizzly? Funny documentary, that one.
How does subscribing on itunes help compared to just clicking here?
Nice Marty reference.
Chimeras in Greek mythology are much more interesting.
I’m a fan of the Terrasque, if I’m remembering the Monster Compendium correctly. Pure destruction. Gozilla plus velociraptor.
You can download to an i*** device and listen in your car or while you jog, workout, or run from the police.
Yes, yes. Sorry. I meant better-for-247.
I’m so leaving this one an only apple product. Any recommendations for a phone / service?
Hmmm…
Iphone 5 should come out in May. And you should be able to get it on the Verizon network. But I don’t live in the states, so take my recommendations with a grain of salt : )
Gentlemen:
Your podcast as always has great entertainment value. But, it carries a sense of trepedation as to wether or not the Hornets winning ways will continue. Just let the success of the Bugs mo-jo wash over you. Enjoy it in the moment. Be confident, stare down that grizzlie (pessimism) and know, despite a five-to-one weight ratio disadvantage, and a lack of claws and massive jaw strength, you have your opponent right were you want him (unless of course he gets hungry, then you’re screwed). Winning streaks are fleeting that’s why they feel sooo good.
‘Will Bennett’
After some thought, maybe we don’t need an upgrade at the wing position … however, it wouldn’t hurt if our own wing players hit open shots atleast 70 to 80 percent of the time … kind of like Ariza did against the Spurs. The problem is that the open shot hasn’t been falling consistently this year for him, Belinelli, Green, or Thornton.
One thing I know is Rip Hamilton is the mid-range version of Ray Allen. He will hit his open shots. The problem in Detroit is that he isn’t getting a whole lot of open looks. But, I know Rip Hamilton isn’t the Hornets’ fans top choice at the 2-guard spot.
So, I propose this ‘semi-blockbuster’ trade:
Bobcats send:
Nazr Mohammed (exp) & Stephen Jackson (2 years left)
Hornets send back:
Marco Belinelli (exp), Willie Green (exp), David Andersen (1 year left),
Marcus Banks (exp).
Hornets after trade:
F-West, F-Ariza, C-Okafor, G-Jackson, G-Paul
F-Smith, F-Pondexter, C-Mohammed, G-Thornton, G-Jack
Bobcats after trade:
F-Diaw, F-Wallace, C-K. Brown, G-Belinelli, G-Augustin
F-Thomas, F-D. Brown, C-Andersen, G-Green, G-Livingston
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… Also, the Bobcats still have Desagna Diop as the ‘physical back-up center’ whereas David Andersen would give them the ‘finesse’ option behind Kwame Brown.
Question is: Are the Bobcats that eager to rid themselves of Stephen Jackson’s contract so much that they send Nazr with him for a package that gives them more depth at the 2-guard position and more flexibility at the Center position (K. Brown, Andersen, & Diop)?
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If the Hornets only want a back-up Center in a trade, then they could deal:
Marcus Banks & David Andersen for Nazr Mohammed & Sherron Collins.
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really appreciate the trade info but check this BS out….http://bleacherreport.com/articles/573842-new-orleans-hornets-are-in-the-final-stretch-of-their-attendance-benchmark-run
Don’t worry about that guy. He’s uninformed, and his article proves it.
Brendan Haywood is getting more All Star votes then NeNe and that’s just a crime. Emeka Oakfar deserves an All Star nod IMO.
Guys great job on the podcast. Ryan “interesting” D&D reference. I’ll keep that in my back pocket just in case I am ever losing an argument with you and I need an instant victory.
Example:
Me: “Nate Robison has replaced Chris Paul as the best point guard in the league.”
Ryan: “No way CP3 has a PER of 6,000.”
Me: “Remember the D&D reference? Nate for the win!!”
Ryan: “Yeah, I see your point. He is a key player in Boston’s championship aspirations.”
In all seriousness, can you’ll get some artwork for the podcast for when I download it to my iPhone?