New Orleans Hornets Media Day
I think I'm gonna like this place an awful lot if this can be a daily staple for the morning routine. All these new words and cultures exploding at once. The spiritual revolution and cultural rebirth of an American city in SLOE starts here.
"laissez bon temps rouler!"
By Nick Melon; The Advocate
Like the team anchor, ZBo, here, I wondered if I should carry a sword with me down the French Quarter at my hip. Sitting at the 24 hour Cafe on Decatur, wouldn't be a good thing for my budget or waistline but since the team wasn't opening up the facilities for another 2 hours, I figured I could penn out some goals and aspirations for the season ahead and maybe answer an email or two from some old colleagues around the league since the Observer traded me to the Advocate.
Iggy is definitely one flexible and versatile player. He's shown great strides since coming over from Utah after his rookie season to developing more into a focal point of show his capable eye as a skilled passer to see the court and defend multiple positions. At the tender age of just 22, entering his third season, Andre Iguodala will be thrust into a critical and difficult spot at least early on to be the eyes and to make the extra pass with the lack of depth at the lead guard spot.
Earning an Allstar bid for the first time in his career, Richard Jefferson was the most consistent and driving force for the Hornets last season reaching a career high of 23.9 PPG. The duo of RJeff and ZBo have acted a lot like a yin to a yang combo. Both ZBo and RJeff demonstrate an excellent ability to get to the free throw line and the pace at which RJeff and ZBo operate at blitzes the opposing defense having to double team at least one of them creating open spots and shots on the court for others when the opportunity presents itself.
This picture was just too good not to post. Regardless, bringing over his defensive acumen, Calvin Booths presence in the paint to play with ZBo should create a lot of matchup problems for the rest of the Central division hoping to get an easy line to the hoop. GM Nick Malone was quick to make the call to a Western Conference ally in San Antonio and struck a deal which sending over Anthony Johnson and an 09 draft pick. The starting lineup should provide a lot of versatility and length.
Quick hits time then I'll wait for the emails to roll in and enjoy this casual swell of haze and the waft of Bourbon Street. RFA brought about a lot of interesting twists and changes. The Hornets signed Tayshaun Prince to an appropriate offer sheet which they knew Philly had no intention of ever letting go. Philly matched which then led to the decision to let Gordon Giricek walk to Portland but Portland was bold enough to ship off rookie product, Alan Anderson to New Orleans and cash considerations in exchange for the European jump shooter. Alan is a hustle and flow guy that can rock with any rhythm and beat. They'll give Alan plenty of opportunities off the bench to provide some spark this season ahead. Next came up in unrestricted free agency. While unsuccessful to find a long term point guard they did manage to sign the Wiley Jerry Stackhouse to a modest 2 year deal. Jerry has played on some pretty accomplished teams over the years and like Booth, has gotten to the NBA finals during his career. That's something the rest of the Hornets aspire to shoot for as the season rolls around. Now, we click send and post and eat more Beignets, Gumbo, Jambalaya, and whatever the day calls for.
Welcome to New Orleans!
