Amigos' NBA Previews: New Orleans Hornets

Recent Past They drafted Chris Paul, and he made them pretty good. They almost made it to the Conference Finals that one time, but in the end the Spurs won out, despite CP3's eminent awesomeness. And then they were embarrassed by the Nuggets in last season's playoffs. And there we go.

Offseason Emeka for Chandler, and they picked up Ike Diogu. I have no idea how this will work out. Okafor seems to be an overall more solid player, not to mention much more reliable, than Chandler. But the Paul-Chandler thing worked pretty damn well at times. Ike can definitely help if given a chance, but we'll see how that works out.

Probable lineup Chris Paul, Mo Pete, Peja, David West, and Emeka to start. Darren Collison, Devin Brown, James Posey, Ike Diogu, Darius Songalia, and Hilton Armstrong as key subs.

General Overview Yea, it's still pretty much all about Paul.

There are decent pieces. Peja can contribute on some level, David West is a very solid NBA player, and Emeka's a pretty nice center. There's some respectable guys coming off the bench. But is there a real legitimate guard threat outside of Paul? No. There is not. And that is very troubling. They've been hurt badly by bad contracts to Peja and Mo Pete, even Emeka is likely overpaid (as Chandler was). Posey didn't work out like they planned. And with a franchise as (relatively) broke as New Orleans? Well, they're sort of fucked. Sorry. They're fucked.

And if it doesn't work out this season, the Chris Paul trade talks may intensify. Until then, look for this team to do pretty much the same thing again. Ride Paul to a pretty decent win total, and then watch them flounder in the playoffs if nobody else steps up. I'm not overly optimistic, sadly.

If they were a hip hop act Boogie Down Productions, except in this scenario Miss Melody has to contribute a verse to every track. Yea. (if I had photoshop, I'd put Chris Paul's face in KRS' place. but oh well)

Guessing how they'll do Their playoff place may actually be somewhat in danger, but I figure they'll make it as a somewhat low seed, and Paul's awesomeness won't be enough. Sadfaces all around.