The Media:
Today's Media is all about controversy & sensationalism, this is WHAT SELLS. The Times Picayune is the Media.
--Do I think The TP has an agenda RE The Hornets?? NO.
--This week there was a Controversy with the Hornets & The TP reported IT. That is their job!
The State of The Hornets:
It starts @ The Top.
Can Mr. Shinn "right" the ship??
Is Alan Bristow the best person for the GM Job??
---Chad Ford(ESPN Insider 10-7-2004) says: The NBA has it's eyes on Shinn b/c Shinn ran the team into the ground in Charlotte because Shin has the "REPUTATION" as being another Donald Sterling(owner of the LA Paper Clips/Clippers). This is what Chad Ford said. YIKES!!!
BD & Mags are upset because The Hornets did not any sign any Big Time FAs this summer.
---in my opinion: this is "code talk" for WE do not think Bristow & Shinn can bring Big Time Free Agents to The Hornets. HISTORY supports this. The Hornets have NEVER signed a Big Time Free Agent to come to the Hornets from another team. NEVER.
1) Why is this such a Big Issue?? Now, that Jamal Mashburn is DONE, signing a Big Time Free Agent seems imperative.
2) However, because of Mash's unique injury situation, The Hornets "hands were tied" this summer. IF Mash could have played, a Big Time FA would not have "Fit" into the Hornets Salary Cap....so, really....there was NOTHING The Hornets could do this summer to try to sign a Big Time FA. Unless, they were willing to Pay the LUX TAX. Only 7 of the 29 NBA teams reached that level last year.
---I studied this summer's FA's closely. The Big Timers were: Kobe(The Hornets already traded him), Steve Nash, K Martin, Q Richardson, R Wallace, & M. Ginobili...had the Hornets had the $$$$, could they have signed any of these guys?? I highly doubt it. Q Richardson, maybe. I do like him. Q works very very hard!
Can The Hornets make the Playoffs this year??
-Yes. WE all know The West is loaded. The Spurs, T-Woves, Mavs, & Rockets are my top 4 in the West. I think the SAC Kings will fall this year..they are to thin @ PF & Center. The Grizz, Nuggs, Lakers, Blazers, Jazz, Sun, Kings, & Hornets will battle for the last 4 Playoff Spots.
-J Mags needs to score 16-18ppg. BD HAS to stay healthy. IF so, B-Scott can lead this team to the Playoffs.
How to improve The Hornets...NOW.
-I would try to trade BJ Brown. I love PJ, however he currently does still have some trade value.
-Trade PJ Brown to the Lakers for Caron Butler, D George, & B Cook(works @ RealGM.com). The Lakers need help @ the PF & Center spots & they are overstocked @ the Small Forward.
-Why would I do this?? Stromile Swift is a Free Agent next summer. 2005-06 starting 5: J Mags, Swift, Butler, JR Smith, & Baron. Bench: West, Andersen, Wesley, Lynch. Do y'all like that starting 5?? I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
US Fans:
I am a transplant to NOLA. I think New Orleans is a GREAT GREAT Sports Town. I think the New Orleans Sports Fans are AWESOME!!!!! Some people may believe that New Orleans is not an NBA Town, I think IT IS. However, WE NEED A WINNER!!!!
SIMPLE...WIN & THE FANS WILL COME.
--this will be my 3rd season as a Season Ticket Holder.
GO BUY TIXS
BatDude