Preseason Preview

They are staying in the playoff picture but are in no position to pick up a quality free agent before the trade deadline. Chris Paul and David West are producing as usual, but Emeka Okafor isn’t much of an improvement over Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic continues to decline.

They are a two-man team and until that changes the best they can hope for is an early exit from the playoffs.

Ready to Breakout vs. Reality: Emeka Okafor’s numbers are pretty much down across the board. If the big man can’t improve under Chris Paul it’s about time to call him a lost cause.

Over the Hill vs. Reality: Morris Peterson started the first seven games but knee problems forced him out of the lineup. He has barely seen the court since and has had back problems as well.

Worst Moment: On November 13, the Hornets lost to the Blazers and lost Chris Paul to an ankle injury. The loss dropped them to 3-7 and without their superstar, the future looked bleak. They managed to go 4-3 with him out of the lineup but it was definitely a scary moment for Hornets fans.

Best Moment: They reeled off six straight wins at the end of December and into January including road wins at Utah and Oklahoma City.

Best Case Scenario: They make the playoffs as the fifth seed and give New Orleans some excitement in the first round.

Worst Case Scenario: They trade David West and Chris Paul becomes even more frustrated with this franchise wasting his immense talent.

Trade Target: There are rumors that they might be willing to trade David West. Chris Paul would be furious if they made this move.

NBA Midseason Reports