RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Bobcats In Process To Change Name Back To Hornets

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:23:05 EDT

The Charlotte Bobcats have started the process to rename the team back to "Hornets," according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

There is no timetable for the switch and Adam Silver has said such a change would take at least 18 months to implement.

Charlotte's NBA team was known as the Hornets from its 1988 inception through 2002 when then owner George Shinn moved the team -- and mascot -- to New Orleans.

The New Orleans franchise changed its name to Pelicans after this season, which opened the door for Charlotte to reclaim its old name.

Magic, Pelicans Could Draft Trey Burke 1st Overall If They Win Lottery

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:48:37 EDT

Trey Burke is a projected top-5 pick and could become the first player selected depending on who wins the lottery.

According to reporting from Chad Ford, the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans could select Burke with the first overall selection.

Lillard, Davis, Beal, Waiters, Barnes On 2013 All-Rookie First Team

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:39:00 EDT

Damian Lillard headlines the 2013 NBA All-Rookie Team as a unanimous selection.

Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Dion Waiters and Harrison Barnes joined Lillard on the All-Rookie First Team.

On the All-Rookie Second Team is Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyle Singler and Tyler Zeller.

Eric Gordon Undergoes Surgery On Ankle

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:41:12 EDT

Eric Gordon has undergone successful arthroscopic surgery in his left ankle.

The procedure on Gordon was completed in order to decrease pain caused by particles of scar tissue.

Gordon will begin rehabilitation immediately.

Pelicans Hopeful Darius Miller Develops Into Perimeter Shooting Rotation Player

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:51:40 EDT

Darius Miller showed some signs of progress in his rookie season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Miller played in 11 games with the Iowa Energy of the D-League, averaging 9.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 27.2 minutes.

"It was a good chance to get some minutes, get experience against some good competition and get into game shape,’’ said Miller."I just tried to get better.’’

Miller averaged 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds while with the Pelicans and most impressively shot 39.3 percent from three.

"He's a young player and he's got some skills for sure," Monty Williams said. "Our (player development) coaches spent a lot of time with him. Darius showed signs that that he can knock down a shot and make plays off the dribble.’’

Demps Not Ruling Out Eric Gordon Trade

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:39:40 EDT

Dell Demps said on Monday that the New Orleans Pelicans plan to use their cap space this summer and are open to trade possibilities -- even those that include Eric Gordon.

"We want to maximize opportunity to use cap space," Demps said.

Gordon signed a contract extension with New Orleans last offseason, but there have been rumors about the displeasure between he and the organization.

Gordon averaged 17 points and 3.3 assists in 42 games this season.

Williams Aims To Continue Pushing Gordon

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:30:53 EDT

After getting into a heated argument with Eric Gordon last Friday, Monty Williams made it clear that he will keep pushing the New Orleans Hornets' guard to become a better player rather than easing up.

"He’s a dynamic guard, that’s why I push him,’’ said Williams, who plans to start Gordon for the second consecutive since the incident on Tuesday night when the Hornets play the Lakers at the Staples Center. "I’m not going to allow him to settle for where he is in his career right now. He’s got to get better. If he gets better, he should be an All-Star someday.’’

Gordon believes he will continue getting better with time, saying next season will be a big year for him. He also downplayed the altercation with Williams.

"It got very heated in the moment, but I’m not letting none of that get to me,’’ Gordon said. ``I’m just out here, still trying to play.’’

Sources: Hornets Could Look To Trade Gordon This Summer

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:55:24 EDT

The New Orleans Hornets were unable to pull off a trade of Eric Gordon before February's trade deadline, but that doesn't mean they are done shopping him.

The Hornets are still likely to remain open to trading him after this season ends, according to sources.

Gordon reportedly engaged in a confrontation with New Orleans coach Monty Williams during Friday night's game against the Utah Jazz.

Eric Gordon Benched In Second Half Of Loss To Jazz

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:17:31 EDT

Eric Gordon was benched following a verbal altercation with Monty Williams during the Hornets’ loss to Utah on Friday.

"Nothing wrong physically," Gordon said. "It was his decision just to take me out of the game for the rest of the game. I thought we were (in a good flow). You always make adjustments throughout the game. We're down at halftime by two points, and two or three possessions (in the third quarter), I'm out of there. I'd love to figure (it) out. You always want to do what's best for the team. Since he took me out, he took me out.

"I definitely wanted to be out there for sure."

Gordon played 13 minutes in the first half, making two of his 3 shot attempts and committing 3 turnovers.

Hornets Want Anthony Davis To Focus On Building Strength

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:18:05 EDT

The New Orleans Hornets want Anthony Davis to focus on building physical strength this summer.

Monty Williams would like Davis to have a body similar to LaMarcus Aldridge, who is listed at 6-foot-11 and 255 pounds.

Davis carries just 220 pounds on his 6-foot-11 frame.

"[Aldridge] is a great example," Davis said. "L.A. came in looking like me, Dwight [Howard] came in looking like me, Kevin Durant, and they are all doing well in the league. That's a great comparison from coach. I am just trying to get better and stronger so I can eventually be on the level that they are."

Hornets strength and conditioning coach Carlos Daniel is still trying to determine what the best weight is for Davis.

Said Daniel, "People will say, 'This kid will look good at this weight,' but I don't 100 percent buy into that because you can look at guys like Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Tyson Chandler, those guys haven't put on an extreme amount of weight over their careers."

Hornets Expected To Sign Terrel Harris For Remainder Of Season

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:03:36 EDT

The New Orleans Hornets are expected to sign Terrel Harris for the remainder of the season after his second 10-day contract expires.

Harris has played in six games for the Hornets, averaging 0.7 points.

Harris has played for two NBA teams after leaving Oklahoma State in 2009.

Anthony Davis Willing To Work With Monty Williams During Offseason

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 21:30:14 EDT

Anthony Davis is willing to clear his calendar to work with Monty Williams during the offseason.

"If that's what it takes to get better," Davis said. "Whatever he wants me to do, I'm down for it. Because I just want to get better."

Davis realizes he’s currently thriving on natural talent.

"I'm just trying to use my quickness," Davis said. "That's all there is to it. Nothing fancy. I just try to use the things that I can do to my advantage.”

Williams wants Davis to add a strength and conditioning program.

"This summer he's going to have to live in the weight room,” Williams said. “And he's going to have to shoot a lot of shots, just to get his shot right. He's got to get a better understanding of the NBA game.

"We're going to work on his game all summer. He's going to get about two weeks off and then he's going to be here. I know he's going to be stronger and he's going to have a better understanding of the game come next year."

Get Your Latest NBA News From RealGM's Basketball Wiretap

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:17:02 EDT

Get all the latest news and happenings from around the NBA with RealGM's Basketball Wiretap.