Some Perspective

The 2000-2001 Charlotte Hornets. Virtually all Hornet fans remember this team as one of the franchise's all-time best, and for good reason. The squad played outstanding defense, and was led by fan favorites Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn. Throw in the fact that that team's core was in the playoffs together for the first time, and it just sealed feelings that 2001 would be a special year. All they'd have to do was get past Milwaukee, and either one trick ponies Toronto or Philadelphia, and they'd be in the Finals. Of course, the Bucks ousted them in the Conference Semis.

There's another reason I bring up that team other than its talent, great D, and great point guard- the resemblance of the Bucks' series to the current one. Clearly the '01 Bucks were not the Spurs dynasty of this decade; still, there are some eerie similarities. Both headed by one of the most respected coaches of their time (Popovich and Karl). Both with a "Big Three," including a solid point guard (Cassell and Parker) and a slashing off guard (Allen and Ginobili). The Big Dog (Robinson) was no Big Fundamental (Duncan), but, hey, similar nickname, right? Most importantly, the '01 Hornets failed to close out the series in Game 6 of the Conference Semis. Granted, they were at home for that game and then lost on the road in Game 7.

The 2000-2001 Charlotte Hornets. Virtually all Hornet fans remember this team as one of the franchise's all-time best, and for good reason. The squad played outstanding defense, and was led by fan favorites Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn. Throw in the fact that that team's core was in the playoffs together for the first time, and it just sealed feelings that 2001 would be a special year. All they'd have to do was get past Milwaukee, and either one trick ponies Toronto or Philadelphia, and they'd be in the Finals. Of course, the Bucks ousted them in the Conference Semis.

There's another reason I bring up that team other than its talent, great D, and great point guard- the resemblance of the Bucks' series to the current one. Clearly the '01 Bucks were not the Spurs dynasty of this decade; still, there are some eerie similarities. Both headed by one of the most respected coaches of their time (Popovich and Karl). Both with a "Big Three," including a solid point guard (Cassell and Parker) and a slashing off guard (Allen and Ginobili). The Big Dog (Robinson) was no Big Fundamental (Duncan), but, hey, similar nickname, right? Most importantly, the '01 Hornets failed to close out the series in Game 6 of the Conference Semis. Granted, they were at home for that game and then lost on the road in Game 7.

But this post isn't about declaring the 2001 team some sort of harbinger of doom for this year's incarnation. A simple glance at team records will tell you that's silly. Instead, it's the perfect opportunity to post nostalgic YouTube videos remember that team for the joy it brought its fans, myself included. No better way to do that than with some old school clips (most of these are B-Diddy dominated... but he was the heart and soul of the team with Mashburn after all).

I remember proclaiming the awesomeness of that 2001 team to one and all. I remember betting various household objects that the Hornets would win the series. Just think of how great that team was... and then think of how exponentially better this year's team is. This is our time. Tomorrow will be all Hornets.