The New Orleans Hornets were bogged down by injuries last season, the worst of which included forward Peja Stojakovic who had just been signed to a large, multi-year contract. The nine-year veteran played in just 13 games, averaging 17.8 ppg. Also, star point guard Chris Paul missed 18 games, David West missed 30 games, Bobby Jackson missed 26 games and Marc Jackson missed 26 games. On paper, the Hornets look very good with an arsenol of young talent that includes Hilton Armstrong, Cedric Simmons and rookie Julian Wright.
One of the brighter spots last year was center Tyson Chandler, who had a career season averaging 9.5 ppg, 12.4 rbpg and 1.8 bspg. Despite the missed games, Paul also continues to get better and averaged 17.3 ppg, 4.4 rbpg and 8.9 apg last season. The Hornets try to improve upon its 39-43 record and make a push into the playoffs.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Tyson Chandler 8.8 ppg, 11.6 rbpg, 2.0 bspg (back up: Hilton Armstrong)
- Power Forward: David West 18.3 ppg, 7.8 rbpg (back up: Cedric Simmons)
- Small Forward: Rasual Butler 9.4 ppg (back up: Julian Wright)
- Point Guard: Chris Paul 18.0 ppg, 4.0 rbpg, 9.3 apg (back up: Bobby Jackson)
- Shooting Guard: Morris Peterson 11.2 ppg, 3.9 rbpg (back up: Peja Stojakovic)
Key Losses
Rumors suggest that Jannero Pargo and Bobby Jackson could both be gone. It looks like Pargo might be going back over seas.
Key Additions
The Hornets have tried to trade for or sign Morris Peterson numerous times over the years. They were finally successful and he should be a good fit. They've badly needed a two guard with the size to guard other of the league's top two guards and Peterson comes relatively cheap. Their choice to draft Julian Wright over, say, Al Thornton is questionable. Wright has great talent, but tended to fade late in games and doesn't have much of a jump shot. Many believe he's a tad overrated. However, selecting Adam Halauska in the second round could prove fruitful.
Team Rumors
No rumors to note.
Prediction
With the exception of Peja Stojakovic, the Hornets will stay relatively healthy. Chris Paul is the key to this team and if he and West can play more games, this team is very close to making the playoffs. Expect them to improve to 41-41 and slide into the eighth seed of the playoffs. Of course, if Peja Stojakovic actually has a healthy and productive season, the Hornets could do better. However, that probably won't happen, in which case they'll face off against the Dallas Mavericks, but will lose in four games.
Fantasy Spin
Pray for a healthy season for Chris Paul. If that's the case, he should excel as one of the league's top point guards. Conversely, don't expect a healthy season from Peja Stojakovic. He got his last big pay upgrade and now it looks like injuries and age are catching up to him.
Tyson Chandler had a great season last year. He's not a bad pick up between picks 40-60.
Presuming he stays healthy, David West is also a good pick up between picks 60 or later, with solid numbers in points, rebounds and percentages.
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