Schwann: Hey everybody and welcome to the "In The No" podcast and today, Michael and I will get to breakdown all of your New Orleans basketball news and notes from this past offseason! Before we begin, how are you doing today, Michael?
McNamara: I guess ok. I just hope the new named Pelicans have a better season than my boys, junior varsity basketball team did this past year. They won 2 games the entire year but at least they made it through the entire year healthy. Come to think of it, every Hornets/Pelicans season has been dashed by some sort of injury. It's been a long time since the ZBo/Jamison/Baron Davis team went all the way to the finals but I digress.
Schwann: Speaking of Pelicans... the New Orleans Hornets went through a bit of a change. They are no longer called the Hornets but have adopted a name that more aptly fits the region of New Orleans and have rebranded. What do you think of the name, "Pelicans," Michael?
McNamara: It's a bird. I'll always be attached to the Hornets name and logo so it'll take some getting used to. In fact, I still have my old starters jacket in the closet. We both don't live in the state but I'm sure it'll grow on me. At least the logo looks badass. Kinda like daggers in the eyes. At least they weren't named the Zephyrs or Baby Cakes.
Schwann: SLOE has now expanded to 30 teams. The Hornets/now Pelicans will remain in New Orleans but slide from the Eastern Conference to the West. There is a new team in Charlotte (the Bobcats).
McNamara: Mountain Lions are stupid.
Schwann: Seattle has relocated to Oklahoma City and will be named the Thunder.
McNamara: I feel for the city of Seattle... Having their team ripped right from under them to go to a no name market like Oklahoma City. But at least the Pels got Blake Griffin from them right before they moved.
Schwann: And the Grizzlies finally chose a singular market of Vancouver. Both Oklahoma City and Vancouver are in the Northwest Division. While New Orleans is in the Southwest... While New Orleans is now the eastern most team in the Western conference.
McNamara: I'm America all the way. Maybe we can build a wall or something to keep us from going to Canada. I just hope a freaking enlarged cat doesn't embarrass the legacy of being in Charlotte. Will always hold the 94 Gugs Hornets Eastern conference finals team close to my heart.
Schwann: Lets move into the present. The Pelicans finished last season with a mark of 36-46. Missing the playoffs but earned the #11 pick in the draft as a result. They selected Phil Milburn... A 17 year old kid at the time of the draft with a stamina of 25...
McNamara: Alright... I'm gonna put my Mike-Stradamus hat on here. Did you read the scouting report on this guy or just look at his age? A 5 * high school prospect coming out of Michigan. And was a Big 10 All conference team guy. The Pels are obviously thinking long-long-long term here.
Schwann: When has the front office every demonstrated a propensity for patience?
McNamara: Zachary Randolph.
Schwann: Besides that?
McNamara: Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....
Schwann: Michael?
(Brief moment of static)
McNamara: Sorry. The wifi here sucks.
Schwann: Where are you doing this out of? It sounds like you're in a broom closet.
*Rummaging of tool shed items*
McNamara: It's actually my backyard tool shed. Hit the monthly internet caps lock an hour or so ago. As you were saying? Some of that got spotty.
Schwann: We will just move on to the next topic... Pels made a small move with the Phoenix Suns acquiring a late first round pick for cash considerations. Then they shipped that pick along with expensive bench piece, Timofey Mozgov to the Orlando Magic for expensive guard, OJ Mayo. What do you think of Mr. Mayo?
McNamara: I'm a ketchup kind of guy personally. Mayo is disgusting to me in all formats. In fact, I'm eating a Ketchup and Bananas sandwich right now every time you ask a question.
Schwann: Gross.
McNamara: You're gross, man. You have any idea how hot it can be in here? It's the only place where I can record this podcast... Oh... you mean the player, OJ Mayo?
Schwann: Yes... who else would I be talking to you about?
McNamara: My mailmans first name is OJ... Anyways, kind of an afterthought on the Heat who had a terrible contract. Was the prize in the Goran Dragic deal for the Magic and put up pretty decent #s last year for a team full of nobodies. Pelicans knew they weren't going to bring back Randy Foye again especially for that cheap deal so they filled a need bringing in a serviceable guard on an expiring deal that can play and score next to Lillard. He's not a long term piece for the Pels but for this year, he fits.
Schwann: Since they couldn't remove any of that 25 mil owed to Mayo/Moz, fill a position of need at the 2 and move on. So that being said, the Pels entered RFA with only 2 mil left on the books. Knowing they'd be operating in the red, bringing back Tobias Harris was a must for this team no matter the cost, right?
McNamara: I'm sure certain media hacks and trolling fans had other ideas on what would be best for this team but Tobias does all the little things you can ask for a versatile wing. He was always going to get a rich deal during RFA but the Pels and GM Nick Malone definitely lucked out. I have well placed sources on a few teams in SLOE that Tobias had the max from more than a few teams before he intentionally chose the Grizz offer so he could go back to New Orleans. He's really grown a bond with Greg Monroe and Dame since coming over from Minnesota, last year.
Schwann: UFA was very ho-hum. More so than usual due to the Pels cap space situation already being into the tax. Signed a few backups to vet min contracts to play backup minutes and even made a small move to bring in backup point guard, Jeff Teague from the Wizards.
McNamara: Love the Teague move. Guys always had the talent to be a prime backup in this league. On a cheap deal. Will allow Lillard to get some rest.
Schwann: So what do you think of this new look Pelicans team in the Western Conference?
McNamara: Unless some unforeseen injuries happen, I think this team has what it takes to make it to the playoffs. I'll be modest though and just be excited if they can have a season with a record over .500 considering how long it's been since they last made the playoffs.
Schwann: There you have it folks. The latest podcast from the BSS family. Follow us on Twitter...
McNamara: Except you Fletch and IAmQuailMan. I hate you both. Hacks.
Schwann: Subscribe on ITunes.
McNamara: People actually listen to this crap?
Schwann: Have a great day and don't forget to submit any questions you have below. We will answer any questions you have about the team.
*Music interlude fades and closes out show*
