Media Day
What's old is new again.-- Charlotte Observer beat writer, Nick Melon, quietly sitting down with his fingers quietly tapping down on his Apple laptop. The Hornets had their best season ever last year end in Toronto. A franchise best 58 wins. A 7 game series with the Toronto Raptors in the first round of last years playoffs and it ate away at the veterans of this crew just let it simmer. They knew they would have to play better in the following season ahead as it would be all hands on deck. GM Nick Malone shook all the hands of the press that showed up to this team function. David Robinson, Steve Smith, and David Wesley knew what it took to get through the grind of an 82 game regular season. Coming in with a full training camp, Steve Smith was calm and cracking jokes while bonding with the newest Hornet, Popeye Jones. Coming over from the Sacramento Kings, Popeye was relied on as an anchor defensively in the front court playing alongside the likes of Marcus Camby and Tracey McGrady. Popeye looked forward to the new challenge and making his presence known.
-- The Hornets have also allowed Ron Artest to fully mature. Entering his third full season, Artest name was the talk of the league as one of the top defenders for his position already and drawing rave reviews from many team officials not just within Charlotte but league wide. His talent is limitless and can guard almost any position on the court. Artest will be looked on as one of the team leaders this coming season ahead and look to take advantage of the many opportunities in the upcoming season ahead. During this past draft, the Hornets traded up to select the pride of Bosnia, Vladimir Radmanovic. With the ever evolving facets of the game changing in 2001, the shooting touch of this 20 year old marksman given his size will be a crucial element for the success of the Hornets coming off the bench. They also selected late in the first round point guard, Carlos Arroyo out of Puerto Rico. With an international flare, Arroyo is known for his secure ball handling skills and will look to expand his game in his first full season with the club.
-- Charlotte filled out the remainder of the roster buy signing veterans to smaller one year deals that will give opportunities to veterans that may have been passed over by several other clubs that chose not to renew deals. Brent Barry, Tyrone Hill, and Tharon Mayes being some of those crafty veterans that will look to play some crucial minutes when the starters need a rest. While some tough decisions had to be made in terms of sending Rasheed Wallace off to Cleveland, GM Nick Malone feels this team has as much depth and talent that could even be as successful if not more than last years club. Although the opportunity to improve the club will always look for potential deals that can mold the clubs identity and help to give the team a better chance to succeed in the short and long term.
