Originally Posted by
DavidA
this, of course, is presuming we will be relatively healthy
1) How many wins are you hoping for/realistically expecting ? (I'll plump for 30)
Seeing as last year's team projected at 25-30 wins last season (with a full 82 games, and taking into account their strong finish), I would be disappointed with any less than 40 wins. You can argue that losing vets like Kaman, Okafor, Ariza, Jack, Landry, etc. would negatively impact our short term success this season, I would counter argue that the amount of games they missed (129 games between those 5) mean that they didn't really affect us one way or another. You can also argue that there will be a massive upgrade at the 4, 5, & 2 positions, plus improved play from Vasquez and Aminu, who got most of the minutes last year in Jack & Ariza's absence, @ the 1 & 3. I also think that 2 of our biggest weaknesses last season (3pt shooting and FTA) will increase big time with Davis, Anderson, Gordon, and Rivers' additions. IMO by mid-season Rivers will emerge as a valuable weapon, either off the bench or as the starting PG. It really depends on how the schedule plays out. They may struggle out of the gate, but I believe they will finish the season strong.
2) Where will we rank in the West? (I'll guess 12th).. feel free to expand on your predictions for the Western Conference in general, the movers and the sliders, etc..
I'd say anything between 6-10, more likely 8-10. OKC, LAL, LAC, SA are clearly the class of the West. Utah and Minnesota are young & talented, but also unproven. Dallas should be competetive, but will all of those old spare parts equal anything? If Houston gets Howard, they will be in the mix with GS, DEN & MEM as teams that really can't compete for a title but will be stuck somewhere in the middle. I'd say we are significantly better than HOU w/o Howard, Sacremento, Portland, Phoenix, so any worse than 10 would be disappointing.
3) The Hornet who will will open some eyes this season? (I'll gamble on Vasquez)
Aminu. I think he'll become a valuable wing defender and put up some great rebounding numbers from the 3 spot. I expect the lineup of Anderson, Davis, and Aminu to be one of the best rebounding frontcourts in the league, especially at the offensive end.
4) The Hornet under the most pressure to perform in 2012-13? (I hope it's Gordon)
Definitely Gordon. Max deal. Stupid comments. Fences to mend with fans. If he plays poorly, or even worse gets injured, the Hornets fans could stage some kind of coup d'etat.
5) What is the blueprint for Demps in 2013? Another solid piece added via the Lottery? A targeted FA signing? A mega-trade? A softly, softly approach?
I don't think Demps and Monty expect this group to be in the lottery. On paper their moves say otherwise, but they have no real tolerance for losing and will expect these guys to win. Mid 1st round pick, probably pick up a few assets with his cap space this season, then make a move on the RIGHT free agent (or free agents) next summer. Possibly a max deal for Ibaka? I don't know that OKC could match, It would take away from a rival, and w Ibaka & Davis at the 4/5 you could probably put Anderson at the 3 full time because it would be a season long block party in the Zat-arena.
6) Will New Orleans fall in love with this team?..
I think they will, because they will be young & exciting to watch. I think most fans have some kind of tempered expectations. That being said, if Monty was able to squeeze out the effort w/ guys like Lance Thomas, Dejuan Summers, Squeaky Johnson, Jerome Dyson, Solomon Jones, Chris Johnson, etc playing minutes, there's no reason to believe he can't compete with the infusion of talent and development of guys like GV, AFA, & Jason Smith. I also still think they will add a few pieces down the road.