Team Needs: A perimeter threat and depth in the frontcourt.
Outlook: Despite the trauma of Hurricane Katrina, which led the Hornets to remain homeless for the 2005-2006 season, New Orleans damn near made the playoffs in the uber-competitive Western Conference.
They did so because of the excellent play of Rookie of the Year Chris Paul and the career-year of David West. While an injury to Paul didn?t help the Hornets down the stretch, a lack of another scorer and depth were the main reasons why New Orleans wasn?t able to hold on and make an improbable playoff run.
Adding a three-point shooter and depth all around should help the Chris Paul and Co. sustain playoff-level competitiveness next season. The Hornets would be wise to draft a guard in the draft and use their money to sign a free agent forward/center this summer. Reason being that the draft is full of talented guards, but lacks the size and strength they need on the inside.
Most Suitable Prospects:
Rodney Carney ? Carney has all of things that New Orleans needs in a guard. He can knock down an outside shot, he can play defense on the perimeter, and he?s one of the most athletic guards in the draft. Adding Carney could give New Orleans an exciting backcourt duo for many years to come.
Randy Foye ? Foye talked about how much he enjoyed visiting New Orleans, but as RealGM?s J.T. Magee pointed out in his Mock Draft V3.0, he say that about every team he works out for. Foye would bring the offensive game that the Hornets desperately need, but he?s not the complete player that some of the other guards are and he might be off the board by the time New Orleans selection comes up.
J.J. Redick ? If the Hornets are looking for an outside shooter Redick is their guy. However, they need more than just a shooter. The Hornets do have the option of picking up Redick, who just might be the best shooter available in the draft, and then focusing on drafting a defensive stopper with their 15th overall pick, but other options might be more efficient.
Best Case Scenario: New Orleans picks Carney and he delivers during his rookie season, vaulting the Hornets to the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: New Orleans drafts Carney and he fails to make his mark on the league. They would force the Hornets to rely on their No. 15 pick, which will have to be calculated precisely based upon who they take with this (the twelfth) pick.
Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com
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30 Days, 30 Teams on the Blazers
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Hawks
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Wolves
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Celtics
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Rockets
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Warriors
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Sonics
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Magic
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Hornets
30 Days, 30 Teams on the 76ers
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Jazz
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Hornets
30 Days, 30 Teams on the Pacers