Hornets take down Grizzlies, 95-80, in final preseason tune-up - 12/21/11
by GeauxHornets on Dec 21, 2011 9:36 PM CST
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In the first Hornets game in the New Orleans Arena in nearly 8 months, the team faced off the against Southwest division rival Memphis Grizzlies. Who they played wasn't really that important; as a fan, you just want to see quality minutes from the important players, and maybe a few pleasant surprises along the way. That being said, here are my 5 keys to take away from tonight's final Hornets preseason game.
- Surprise! Eric Gordon can really shoot the ball, and he can play some solid defense too. The Commissioner contributed 17 points on 12 shots to go along with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. He was consistently causing trouble on the defensive end as well, making his match-ups work for everything.
- Jason Smith looks improved on both ends of the floor. He's always been a hustler, but his hustle turned into points and blocks tonight instead of turnovers and fouls. If he can stay disciplined and pick his spots, he could earn himself some valuable minutes off the Hornets' bench.
- Quincy Pondexter is looking more active and aggressive than last season. I don't want to read too much into one game, but Q-Pon looked like a different player out there. He doesn't look lost on offense, and he was all over both the offensive and defensive glass. He finished with 14 points on just 7 shots, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. I don't expect quite that kind of regular offensive production from Quincy, but if he can make similar contributions on the glass, he can be an asset off the bench for New Orleans.
- Chris Kaman is looking like the Hornets' go-to scorer in the post. With Okafor sitting this one out, Kaman more than picked up the slack inside, scoring 18 points in 22 minutes of action on only 10 shots. The biggest reason for his scoring production was due to his ability to get to the free throw line with regularity, converting 8 of 13 attempts. Kaman will continue to see big minutes, whether in the starting lineup or off the bench, and it would be a nice boost for the Hornets if he can continue to get to the charity stripe so frequently.
- Team concept - good D leads to easy O. After the game's first 6 minutes, the Hornets were tenacious on defense, giving Memphis trouble all night. Frequently, that defense turned into fast break opportunities. Jarrett Jack wasn't the same scorer we saw in the Hornets' first preseason game, but he was a good facilitator in transition, assisting on multiple fast-break buckets.
- Coach Williams knows who his backup point guard is going to be for the Hornets' season opener in Phoenix on the 26th. He wouldn't "give it away", as he put it, but I think it's reasonable to assume that Carldell "Squeaky" Johnson is the guy. He turns 29 next month, so he's not exactly glowing with upside, but he's done a good enough job in this brief preseason to earn a chance to prove his worth when the games begin to count. Either way, however, expect the Hornets to diligently pursue trade options for a more reputable backup PG. On most NBA teams, Squeaky is a 3rd string PG at best, not a backup.
- As to be expected regardless of the actual results, Monty expressed his desire to see vast improvement from the team defensively. He said that he "saw an improvement from the first night, but certainly not where we want to be as a team."
- When asked what he would most strongly emphasize before the team's first regular season game, Coach Williams immediately replied "offensive rebounding." Apart from Pondexter's impressive 6 offensive boards, the Hornets struggled in this regard, and Monty obviously thinks his team can do much better in that aspect of the game.
- When asked how important the returning players would be to the chemistry of the team, he immediately brought up Jason Smith, and how he seemingly "came into camp with an attitude", as he is "still proving himself in the NBA."
- Monty made a point to bring up Gordon's physicality on defense, as he's obviously a huge fan of his overall game. He noted that he expects Gordon to basically do his own thing on offense, and will obviously be relying on EG to put up lots of points.
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Quincy had 6 offensive rebounds too!
If he can make the glass an improved part of his game (on either end), it would be a pretty great step forward.
Love to see the Smith and Kaman notes as well. I think Kaman will definitely have some solid trade value by the All Star break
Q Pon
Now I do not like the Vasquez trade so much. Lets trade Ariza for something, trade him to Boston. There sixth man Green is out now. This will allow aminu and Qpon a chance to develop.
Nothing Wrong With That!
Remember I bursted onto the scene with Jamal Mashburn as my icon. I, particularly, love my new Carl Landry one, but I wouldn’t recognize you without the Paul icon!
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Dec 21, 2011 11:41 PM CST up reply actions
Q Pon is a gem....
With a little more polish to his game, Q Pon is on his way to being better than Ariza as early as by the end of the reg season. Q Pon seems to be a better finisher who just needed more time on the floor and since Ariza didn’t play tonight, he had his chance to show what he’s capable of. I haven’t seen Squeeky play yet but from what I’m hearing about him on both ends, and also since he’s from New Orleans, why not?
Looking for development from Qpon
Though I don’t know whether he’ll be better than Ariza by this season.
I think he could make a bigger contribution this season than last, and hopefully be a solid reliable benchplayer, part time starter material by his 3rd year.
Regular Season Thoughts
Good to end the preseason on a positive note, for whatever that is worth.
I see the Hornets as winning between 25 and 35 games this season (prorated to 82 games, so 20 to 28 wins in 66 game season).
Keys to winning 28 games in 66 game season:
No major injuries to Gordon or Kaman.
Hornets continue defensive hustle established last season.
Solid development from Amuni and Qpon.
Jack and Landry have solid seasons.
Gordon/Kaman play for new contracts.
Keys to winning 20 games in 66 game season:
Injuries to Gordon/Kaman.
Inability to put points on the board.
Lack of quality/depth at PG/PF exposed.
Meshing new players takes longer than expected.
Best case scenario, we’ll be an outside shot for the last playoff seed, though that seems a bit unlikely.
Feel free to post your comments!
You're a bit more optimistic on the win total than I am
But I agree in general.
Development for Gordon/Aminu/Pondexter will be my three biggest things this season I want to see happen
Agreed
I’m pretty sure they can’t win a championship this year so I’m finding it hard to care about playoffs.
In addition to the above mentioned player development, I’m also watching for Williams’ development as a coach and Dempsey’ as a GM.
by unnamed on Dec 21, 2011 11:04 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Really?
Y’all think we only win a third of our games? I disagree. I think this team looks good. Monty is a good coach and that counts for a lot. Gordon/Kaman are potential all-stars. Oak and Ariza are quality. J-Smith looking like a great bench player, and Landry is a quality starter, albeit a bit small. And Belly, a great 3-pt shooter. Crazier shit has happened than Hornets actually being a good team.
Credit Monty.
I Think
The team will take on the identity of its coach. In other words, they’ll play hard, they’ll be scrappy and it’s a team we can really be proud of. But it’s not overly talented enough to win a ton of close games and I worry how our offense will be in those situations. You’re right that crazier things have happened though and you’re definitely right that we should credit Monty.
The Hornets could make the playoffs and I wouldn’t be surprised. To Rohan’s point, they could finish at the bottom of the West and not make the playoffs and I wouldn’t be surprised. Just one of those years. But at least they’ll have players worth cheering for.
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Dec 22, 2011 12:00 AM CST up reply actions
Like
MZURK said, teams rebuilding like this look much better before the games are played. Especially with the off-season we’ve had, it’s easy to forget that the Hornets have lost two of the players who got the most wins for them last season. The team didn’t replace those wins and with a player like Paul, probably it wasn’t really possible anyway. This is not to slight the guys playing now, but losing Paul (and West) cost the team in the win column.
That said, optimism is what everybody needs right now (reality takes care of itself) so yeah, Williams will most definitely have this group ready to exceed expectations.
by unnamed on Dec 22, 2011 7:43 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Gut feeling
Tells me that we could somehow be as high as the 4th seed in the playoffs. Judging by how well the team has already started to mesh together under Coach Williams compared to most other teams struggling to shake off the rust, I think we could be looking at much more than a 28 win season. We have talent at every starting spot, and a pretty nice looking rotation.
Of course, I’d much rather tanking the season and getting a top-3 lotto pick, but my gut tells me that isn’t going to happen because Monty wants to win. Also, I have a very difficult time believing several Eastern Conference teams will even win a game this season.
I probably sound crazy, but this preseason has kind of been TOO impressive. Somebody pinch me for saying all of this.
"I've been big ever since I was little." - William "The Refrigerator" Perry
Follow me on the twitter machine @whYLZL
*pinch*
In my experience, rebuilding projects like ours always look best before the games start to be actually played. In most likelihood, the good vibes will quickly fade as reality takes its toll.
Anything is possible, but we’re one of the worst teams in the conference at PG and PF. Further, while I’m looking for nice development from Qpon and Aminu, on paper, Ariza/Qpon/Aminu is a bit iffy at SF as well.
It’s unclear who is our backup PG (Dyson? Cardwell? Gordon??), and I don’t know whether Hornets fans are psychologically ready for 30+ minutes of Jarrett Jack night in and night out.
We’ve got one of the best SGs and a solid rotation at Center, which will help, and a solid defenisve coach and a few other solid players, but it most likely won’t be nearly enough.
Agreed
What you saw last night was a solid defensive team preying off of an offense that’s been practicing together for maybe two weeks, and therefore isn’t quite polished at this point. When teams start to gel offensively, the Hornets won’t be able to force as many turnovers and transition points. They’ll be a solid defensive team all year, but points won’t come nearly as easily as they did last night.
by GeauxHornets on Dec 22, 2011 8:02 AM CST up reply actions
Just A Night Off
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Dec 21, 2011 11:43 PM CST up reply actions
It sounded like it was just rest
or that’s at least how Monty made it sound in the post-game press conference. Maybe a couple minor injuries that they could have played through, but it wasn’t worth trying? I think it was just to just give them the night off, though.
by GeauxHornets on Dec 21, 2011 11:43 PM CST up reply actions
Pre-game radio show
Reported Okafor had a thigh bruise. Nothing that would keep him out of a regular season game, but just playing it safe.
Per J. Michael Falgoust of USA Today:
Quincy Pondexter might have played through what may (or may not) be a serious knee injury for the Hornets; an MRI is scheduled for Thursday. Falgoust said that “he played through it but I was with a front office staff who went in trainers room to check on him.” We’ll undoubtedly hear more about this tomorrow, but no reason to worry too much just yet.
Starting PG for Game 1 vs PHX
One big point I think everyone is missing here is who our STARTING PG will be for the Pheonix opener on Monday. Jack is missing it due to a 1 game suspension, and I know its just one game but out lack of depth at the point is a big concern for me. I hope we can trade for Grevis Vasquez or someone else a little more polished than “Squeaky”. But i do think we are both good and deep at every other position. Looking forward to a whole season of the Commissioner and the Caveman in teal and gold. Geaux Hornets!
I actually think it will be Squeaky starting
Only because he’s actually worked with the rest of the team in camp. It may not be in the team’s best interest to bring in a guy to start who hasn’t played any minutes with the team. Obviously, we’ll need another guy to pick up some heavy minutes behind him, but I’ll bet Squeaky gets the start.
by GeauxHornets on Dec 22, 2011 7:56 AM CST up reply actions
Optimistic
I can actually see the shortened season helping this team. Being young and virtually unknown to most opposing teams, we may be able to surprise some people and still be very fresh towards the end of the short season. Because of the lockout, no team had the chance to mesh with players, so that will not affect us in any other way. Our athelticism and defense will keep us close in a lot of games. Unfortunately I think where we faulter this year is finding people to close out the game offensively. Only having one big scorer will prove difficult in the final minutes of the game. Either way it should be fun.
Even more Optimistic....
We have more than “one big scorer”…. We actually have 3 big scorers (Gordon, Kaman, & 3 possibilities in Okafor, Jack and Ariza) Its crazy how the trade actually improved our chances to win games immediately. To me a closer is someone who creates his own shot and knock down freethrows. More than anything our success really depends on Kaman staying healthy AND Jack’s ability to get to the basket. What makes CP3 so great is his ability to split a double team and find the open man. If Jack adds that to his game & Kaman stays healthy, we are a #4 or #5 seed in the playoffs. Can’t rely on Minn being a bad team because they actually have a pretty decent team on paper. Of course their draft pick will come in handy but based on the talent coming out, we’re looking good anyway. I’m just one of those guys who don’t put too much stock in a young guy who hasn’t played a NBA game until he plays an NBA game. The NBDL is full of guys who had great talent/potential in college.
I wouldn't read this much
from 1 preseason game. Never thought we’d be cellar dwellers thanks to Monty and some good talent, but 4 or 5 seed? I know the West is actually sort of a free for all after OKC but just can’t fathom losing the best PG in the game would result in such a turnaround.
Not ready to call that yet...
I mean, the class of the west is still OKC, Dallas, Lakers, followed by Memphis, Spurs, Clippers. Then I would put us on the fringe with Denver, Portland, Kings, Warriors. A playoff spot is most certainly in our reach. I would never suggest tanking, but missing the playoffs might actually work in our favor. However, it would be good experience and confidence for our young guys.
not really
Gordon is a good scorer and Kaman and Landry can be a beasts down low. But beyond that?
Ariza is a horribly inefficient scorer. If he starts for us, it’s a sure bet we’ll be in the bottom half in FG%. A starting SF who shoots 39% for the season? Two seasons in a row?? And his backups (Aminu/QP) also shot 39%/40%.
Okafor and Jack can have their moments, but they’re not more than 13 or 14ppg guys on most nights.
Only two players on the roster who can create their own shot, and those are Gordon and Jack. Neither has been super efficient (44/45% career shooters).
Most players need setups, like Okafor, Kayman. To some extent Landry. In his mind, Ariza is a shot creator… but they tend to miss.
I'm guessing some Hornets fans might soon get a rude awakening
Like a bucket of cold water in the face ^^
Watching Qpon
and if he is ok, should make us wish we dealt Ariza along with CP3 and gotten Mo Will in return.
Mo Williams
Sucks and is getting paid a lot of money.
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Dec 22, 2011 11:17 AM CST up reply actions
I hope for making the playoffs
I know some are hoping that both the Hornets Number 1 and Minny’s number 1 are lottery picks…Not me. I want Minny’s pick to be a lottery pick, but I want to make the playoffs. There are plenty of teams that have lottery picks each year who never seem to get any better (Wizards, T-Wolves, Knicks, Sacramento, others come to mind). I want to build a winner with a winning tradition. The way to do that is to win.
"I have had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it." Groucho Marx
It's Important To Note
That nobody here is really cheering for the team to fail. In the moment, we all want the Hornets to succeed. Just because some people think that the team doesn’t have the talent to compete over the course of a full season doesn’t mean we want them to lose. It’s just a difference of opinion. The team’s grit and competitiveness will keep them in games and that’s enough to make it interesting. They can be good this year. Either way, it’s always Go Hornets!
"You play to win the game."
FANTASY BASKETBALL
Anyone interested in having an At the Hive fantasy league on Yahoo Sports?
I’d be happy to host if there’s any interest.
I do fantasy leagues just to keep up with players/news etc. but it is more fun to play with people you know, even if you only know them on the internet. Let me know if interested and I’ll set one up, with draft on Saturday or something like that.
I'd Gladly
Join up if we got enough people here at ATH to do it.
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Dec 22, 2011 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
Id be willing to try
Ive never done fantasy anything, but what the hell
the last time i played
i think it was either a hornets report or a hornets 247 fantasy league, and i won that bitch so im ready to beat all of ya’lls asses!
"I'm in"
Only ever done football (soccer) fantasy leagues in the UK so will be rubbish but hey, sure it’ll still be fun!
Here's the link
http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/register/tos?league_id=130836&password=gohornets
That’s the link for joining the league.
MrWayneKeller, RedHopeful, Rohan, GeauxHornets, HornetsHype, etc. hope to see you all in the league.
A New Trade Partner?
Brook Lopez is out for a good chunk of the season due to a broken bone in his foot. Perhaps they’d be interested in Kaman for say a pick and ??? Have to keep Deron happy while ensuring Lopez gets healthy for trade purposes.
What Do They Have
That the Hornets would be interested in?
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Dec 22, 2011 1:31 PM CST up reply actions
Their draft pick..
if they still own it (unlikely). Although they’d include that in a Howard deal anyway.
by Rohan on Dec 22, 2011 2:18 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I don't think they have to keep Deron happy
It comes down to this – the Nets land Howard, Deron stays. if they don’t, Deron leaves. I think he knows the team as currently constructed, with or without Lopez, can’t realistically contend. They certainly won’t trade draft picks until they’re certain they can land Howard.
by GeauxHornets on Dec 22, 2011 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
Well they landed Okur
Still say they had to do it to appease Deron. You don’t him going through a terrible season. Moreover, D12 might look at a 10 team win and say…PASS.
Last I Read
I think he was supposed to be introduced tomorrow. So he’ll probably be a couple weeks away from getting into the rotation.
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Dec 22, 2011 2:16 PM CST up reply actions
should have a post up on him in a bit here..
but he looks like a smart signing
by Rohan on Dec 22, 2011 2:33 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
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