Rebuiding a Franchise: The New Orleans Hornets in 2006

The Hornets, like many of the residents of New Orleans in 2005 and 2006, were without a home last season with the exception of the partial season they played in Oklahoma City. Nonetheless, the Hornets were incredibly competitive and rookie Chris Paul proved to be the future of the franchise by winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Owner George Shinn has opened his purse strings, by signing forward Peja Stojakovic and extending Coach Byron Scott’s contract another three years. As well, general manager Jeff Bower made some good moves in the 2006 NBA draft by taking forwards Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons. Combined with players like Paul, Desmond Mason, and Bobby Jackson, the Hornets look to compete in the Western Conference in 2006.

Back court
Chris Paul was outstanding last season, proving an able passer, strong defender, and play maker in his own right. However, Paul will be able to make more plays with the addition of prolific scorer Peja Stojakovic. Stojakovic stands about 6'11 but it seems likely he will play small forward, considering his relative softness in the paint and the Hornets’ plethora of young talent on the interior. Paul will be able to drive to the middle and pass out to Stojakovic, drive to the middle and pass off to shooting guard Desmond Mason, or get help from soft defense in the middle due to coverage on the perimeter. In any of those scenarios, the Hornets will come out with the advantage in nearly every game in the 2006 NBA season.