Southwest Preview Series: New Orleans Hornets

We roll on with our Southwest division preview series as we take a look down in the bayou. The New Orleans Hornets have one of the most exciting young players in the game in Chris Paul and made some this offseason to improve their chances of making a deep playoff run. We bring in Michael Wawrzycki of HornetsHype.com to fill us in on the happenings in NOLA.

MavsBall: Tell us about the offseason activity that the Hornets were involved in. Any big splashes in free agency, the trade market and/or the draft?

MICHAEL: Although it all came late, there wad plenty of offseason activity by the Hornets this year. Obviously, swapping [Emeka] Okafor for [Tyson] Chandler was the big move, but talent wise that was mostly a wash. Picking up [Ike] Diogu on the cheap could be a great move. As was trading [Antonio] Daniels for [Darius] Songalia and [Bobby] Brown. Not sure how they pulled that off. They also let [Rasual] Butler go, but honestly, everyone knew he and [Morris] Peterson were redundant.

Also, drafting [Darren] Collision and [Marcus] Thornton were brilliant. Collision has continued to impress; and though there are questions about Thornton’s D, the man can flat out score. All that said, chemistry, which has been so good in the past is a question mark, but all reports out of camp are things are gelling well. So out bench looks to be substantially improved.

MavsBall: What role do you expect the new additions to play with team? Are we looking at role players or major contributors?

MICHAEL: All of the newcomers will come off the bench. But I expect them each to play major roles I’m the Hornets success this year. Ultimately, I think Emeka’s offensive contributions will open up a lot of looks for everyone else, so though close to similar talent, should be an overall upgrade.

MavsBall: The Chris Paul to Tyson Chandler alley-oop tandem is no more. But it looks like the Hornets got the better end of the deal swapping Chandler for Emeka Okafor. Do you agree? Are the Hornets a better team with Okafor or is it a wash?

MICHAEL: It’s hard to say without having seen CP and Okafor in action. Chandler was a top-flight defender, and a constant threat on the alley oop, which was not just flashy, but forced his defender to stay on him, keeping the lanes clear for other guys. Okafor is certainly thought to be a better offensive player, who can make his own shot. And in that, he may fit better in Byron’s system. Not sure how he’ll anchor the D, yet, though, and so far through pre-season, that looks to be a major concern: D at the 5, and team defense.

There’s also the money. We took on more money down the road, but it saves millions, when you figure that every dollar saved is two dollars saved considering luxury tax implications. Further, if we can get under the luxury tax through one more trade (which is now possible), we will get a piece of the NBA revenue sharing.

Overall, I say the Okafor swap makes the Hornets better. But it’s a close call. Hopefully, once Emeka is healthy, he and CP will be dominant.

MavsBall: What kind of a season do you think this team is capable of? Do we have a playoff team on our hands? What are realistic expectations for this year’s squad?

MICHAEL: I really believe a healthy team can make a run for the rings. You watch. Oh. And take CP3 in your fantasy league!

We have one more team to preview and that is the San Antonio Spurs…expect it soon.

Until next time…

Peace. Be good.

Tags: Chris Paul, Dallas Mavericks, Darren Collison, Emeka Okafor, Ike Diogu, New Orleans Hornets, Tyson Chandler