Team Expert/Cool Guy: Ron Hitley at the ultra-cool looking Hornets247.com. And as cool as the page looks, the content is even better! Style and substance all the way.
Questions and Answers:
1. How much better does Chris Paul get this season? Especially
considering the addition of free agent Peja Stojakovic who should be
happy to convert any assists thrown his way from Paul?
I'd expect Chris Paul to be an All-Star this season. He just got done
with Team USA, where he kept LeBron, Dwyane and Carmelo happy with his
pass-first (and second, and third) mentality. That experience makes him better. Add to that his new regular season target in Peja Stojakovic, and the fact that the kid is a year older and wiser, and it's hard to imagine a sophomore slump for CP3. Last season he averaged about 16 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals per game. You might think he'll have a hard time improving on those numbers, but just watch.
2. Do the Hornets make the playoffs this season with their additions, the aforementioned Stojakovic, a seemingly determined Tyson Chandler, and a couple of interesting rookies in Cedric Simmons and Hilton Armstrong?
They have to make the Playoffs. The Hornets won 38 games last season,
and you have to figure they're good for at least a ten-win improvement
with the additions they've made. Stojakovic, Bobby Jackson and Jannero
Pargo, all acquired in free-agency (well, maybe not Peja, technically)
make the Hornets a far better outside shooting team, while Chandler and the young rooks provide some shot-blocking and rebounding that was
lacking last season. Also, Brandon Bass and Linton Johnson, a pair of
bench-warmers last year, have been impressive thus far in training camp, and should only solidify the Hornets bench, giving Byron Scott far more options in 06-07.
3. Can David West repeat last year's breakout production?
He came to training camp in great condition, played great in practice,
then came out and knocked down 7-of-10 jumpers in the first preseason
game against the Mavericks. All signs indicate that D-West is for real. Last season was no fluke. He'll likely improve on his team-leading 17ppg last season.
4. Anything else you want to say about the Hornets?
If this team stays healthy, they could be very dangerous. They seem to
have all the pieces in place, with a solid starter and capable back-up
at each position. If everybody fills their role and buys what Byron
Scott is selling, they could make some serious noise in the Playoffs.
5. Who wins the NBA Finals this coming season (besides your team, that is)? Just give me a team name at least.
The Dallas Mavericks.
Ron thanks for the love sent our way in helping us do these previews up. About.com's Basketball site is a better place for it!
MY TAKE - Things Go Right If These Three Things Happen:
1. Chris Paul continues to get better and isn't fatigued from playing with the U.S. team at the World Championships during the summer.
2. Tyson Chandler finds new life with the Hornets and fulfills the potential that he had coming out of high school and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls.
3. David West's game doesn't suffer with Peja Stojakovic around as Peja will probably be the main offensive scoring option.
MY TAKE - Things Go Wrong If These Three Things Happen:
1. Paul is tired. It'll be the same old Chandler. Peja is a bust acquisition.
2. The tall and athletic rookies, Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons can't play at the NBA level. They should be counted on to be running partners with Paul and use their length and speed, but will their "rawness" get in the way of their success?
3. Bobby Jackson isn't effective in backing up Paul, making it necessary for Paul to play more minutes, which could wear Paul out.
