New Orleans Hornets 2009-2010 Facts:
- Western Conference 11th Place
- South West Division: 5th Place
- Record: 37 Wins 45 Loses
- Playoffs: Did Not Make Playoffs
Key Moves
Incoming
- F Trevor Ariza
- F Quincy Pondexter
- G Marco Belinelli
Outgoing
- G Darren Collison
- F James Poser
- G Morris Peterson
- F Julian Wright
The New Orleans Hornets are in a tough situation because they are trying to contend and rebuild at the same time. Chris Paul is a top 3 point guard in the NBA, but he can't win every game by himself. The starting five is solid group, but they aren't deep lacking a bench. Trading away Collision shows Chris Paul you care about him, however it takes away a solid back up. New addition Trevor Ariza will definitely be an upgrade at the small forward position, while new comer Marco Belinelli will bring shooting off the bench. Marcus Thornton will look to have a big year and try to over take Peja Stojakovic for the starting shooting guard spot. Stojakovic is a great player, but is a liability on defense and doesn’t strike fear from behind arc any more. Emeka Okafor is a solid big man who is getting paid a superstars salary, which means he’ll be hard to trade. Okafor doesn’t fit the offensive style of the Hornets, but brings rebounding and block shots to the team. David West has been a board-line all-star for the last couple of year and has helped the team in Chris Paul’s absence. The big question the Hornets need to answer is West the answer at PF, since his contract runs up at the end of the season.
A happy Chris Paul will go a long way for the Hornets this season. Paul is one of the top point guards and competitors in the NBA and wants to be playing in the playoffs. Paul will see major minutes at the point guard because Collision is now a Pacer. I don’t see Chris Paul complaining or asking for a trade before the season, but if they aren’t contending over the summer he could be moved. Peja Stojakovic will likely start at the shooting guard spot because he’s a veteran and coaches don’t want there bodies getting stiff on the sideline. Peja can still shoot the ball, but he isn’t that threat that is was a couple of years ago. If Stojakovic’s back is feeling better and he’s shooting the ball the Hornets are a dangerous team. Marcus Thornton will be coming off the bench and he’s instant offense. Thornton could challenge for the sixth man role, unless he gets the nod an starts. Marco Belinelli will definitely see time on the court because he’s a three point threat.
Emeka Okafor will be starting at center and that’s a problem for the Hornets. Okafor is not a fast break player and can’t play the pick and roll with Chris Paul. Unless they plan on feeding it down low to Okafor the only time he’ll score is off put backs. David West is an all-star player, but I don’t see him ending the season a Hornet. Trevor Ariza is a good addition on defense and offense. Ariza can knock down threes, run the fast break, and guard the opponents best player. As long as Ariza isn’t shot happy like in Houston where he had to be, he’ll fit in fine with the Hornets. Quincy Pondexter is a do it all type player who will see some minutes in the rotation.
- Predicted Starting Line-Up:
- Center: Emeka Okafor
- Power Forward: David West
- Small Forward: Trevor Ariza
- Shooting Guard: Peja Stojakovic
- Point Guard: Chris Paul
- Sixth Man: Marcus Thornton
Bench: Marco Belinelli, Joe Alexander, Willie Green, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Jannero Pargo, Jason Smith, Aaron Gray, Mustafa Shakur, D.J. Strawberry, Darryl Watkins.
- All-Star Player: Chris Paul
- Best Veteran Player: David West
- Best Asset: Marcus Thornton
- Best New Addition: Trevor Ariza
- Key Player: Emeka Okafor
- Western Conference:
- Southwest Division: 5th Place
Chris Paul and the Hornets will likely be watching the playoffs from home again this season. By the trade deadline I see the Hornets making a big trade using David West’s contract. The Hornets are praying they can some how get rid of Okafor’s contract, but that will not be happening anytime soon.
