2008 New Orleans Hornets Season Preview & NBA Predictions
Written October 8, 2008 by Luke Knight
The New Orleans Hornets turned some heads last season and were accused of sneaking up on everybody. The Hornets weren’t surprised, knowing that if they were healthy they would bust through the door. With Chris Paul and David West forming one of the most dynamic one-two punches in the league, the Hornets will only be satisfied with an NBA Championship. Keep reading to find out if we think this is the year that New Orleans rises to the elite level and gets a title. Head over to BetUS to bet on the Hornets at +600 to win the Western Conference.
Chris Paul is arguably the best point guard in the game. Lets not forget that had Paul stolen the MVP Award from Kobe Bryant, no one could have really argued. Paul became the first player to average at least 21 points, 11 assists, and 2.7 steals and the first to lead the league in assists and thefts while averaging more than 20 points. Paul is 23 years old and is coming off an Olympic summer playing with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, and Deron Williams. There could be some concern that after a deep playoff run and the Olympics this summer that Paul could be rundown, but at 23 years old he should have the stamina to withstand that level of play. And the kid has goals. He wants to be the first player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 10 assists and 3 steals. Mike James will give the Hornets depth at guard.
Morris Peterson knocked down nearly 40% of his 3-pointers, despite having the worst individual seasons of his career. Peterson only played about half the game last season, but Jannero Pargo is gone and Rasual Butler is the slated backup here. James Posey could get some time here as could Julian Wright, but both men are expected to see time in the 3 and 4 spots. Posey will strengthen both wing spots in this offense. Julian Wright will be expected to be more of a regular contributor in his second season as he came along quite well in his rookie year.
Peja Stojakovic is a force when he is healthy. He has a sweet shot and set a career high in 3-point accuracy at 44.1%. He played 77 games last season, playing only 13 the season before. The Hornets are hoping he stays healthy again. Stojakovic struggled against the Spurs in the postseason, and actually averaged only 16.4 points per game, which was his lowest output since 1999-2000. Stojakovic also led the NBA in free throw percentage at 92.9%. Posey gives the Hornets depth here with his ability to play and guard multiple positions. Posey will see time at shooting guard, small forward, and power forward. Julian Wright will also see time here most likely. Rasual Butler could find himself in the rotation again this year, or on the trading blocks.
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David West can be considered among the best power forwards in the NBA. West earned his first All-star game appearance last season. He also increased his scoring and rebounding numbers for the 5th straight season. West averaged 20.6 points and 8.9 rebounds last season, and if he can make it a double-double he will move into the elite class of power forwards. West has shown that he has the skills and work ethic necessary to reach that elite class. Posey and Wright will probably both get some minutes here. Also, Melvin Ely and Hilton Armstrong could pick up some minutes when West needs a breather.
Tyson Chandler has elevated himself to being an all-star caliber center with the Hornets. Chandler was the number 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft, but had not really lived up to his potential. Chris Paul and Coach Byron Scott obviously brought out the best in him. Chandler averaged double figures in points for the first time in his career and led the NBA in offensive boards for the 2nd straight season. Chandler’s 192 dunks ranked 3rd in the NBA. Oh yeah, and Chandler averaged a double-double with 11.8 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game. Ely and Armstrong both could get time here when Chandler needs a breather and they will need to bring the same energy and passion to the floor as he does. Armstrong really needs to emerge as the player the Hornets hoped he could be when they took him 12th out of UConn in 2006.
Final Analysis
James Posey knows how to win. He has played for two of the last 3 NBA championship teams. He has a good 3-pointer, but his strength is defending multiple positions. Chris Paul spent all summer playing with the top guys in the country and is coming off an almost-MVP season. Not to mention the Hornets had the Spurs against the wall twice but failed to take care of them, and instead of moving on the Western Conference finals they just went home. While there is a lot of talk that the Hornets won’t sneak up on anyone this year, I don’t think they have to. They have the talent to play with the elite teams in the Western Conference. We have them winning the Southwest Division this year, finishing ahead of the Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks, and Grizzlies. A lot of the pundits are taking the Lakers to challenge the Celtics for the second straight year in the NBA Championship series, but the Lakers will have to get by the Hornets first. The Hornets could find themselves in the NBA Championship game, and I expect them to be in the Western Conference Championship. New Orleans is +1000 odds to win the NBA Championship this season.
Get more of Luke Knights NBA predictions:
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