definitely keep this one going[21-14] NO Hornets - signed A. Goldwire and file corruption!
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by joeygraham on Thu Nov 22, 2007 5:32 pm
December 8 - December 31
Record: 20-9
December 8 – Charlotte 78 @ New Orleans 87
Bobcats Box Score | Hornets Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Tyson Chandler
Energizer Energy Performer: Tyson Chandler
New Orleans put on a clinic defensively, holding Charlotte to 38% shooting and forcing 24 turnovers. Without Raymond Felton, the young Bobcats had to turn to Derek Anderson to cover the point and he had 17 points but 9 turnovers. Emeka Okafor had 17 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks. For the home team, Peja Stojakovic continued his run of solid games with 29 points and 8 rebounds. In the last four games, he has averaged 26.5 points and has been the team’s highest scorer. Chris Paul, while playing 41 minutes, had a quiet 10 points, 7 assists and 6 steals.
December 10 – Detroit 95 @ New Orleans 100
Pistons Box Score | Hornets Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Chris Paul
Energizer Energy Performer: Chris Paul
Chris Paul put on a dominant performance leading the Hornets to a 100-95 victory. Paul had 20 points, 11 assists and 5 steals and Tyson Chandler and David West combined for 26 points and 28 rebounds. Chauncey Billups had a great game, quietly amassing 31 points, 9 assists and 5 steals and along with Rip Hamilton, who had 22 points and 6 rebounds, had Detroit in the lead for most of the game in spite of a game-ending injury to Rasheed Wallace 2 minutes into the game. Antonio McDyess played admirably in his place, recording 6 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. Jason Maxiell, backing up McDyess, had 8 points and 10 rebounds.
December 12 - Milwaukee 68 @ New Orleans 83
Bucks Box Score | Hornets Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Bobby Jackson
Energizer Energy Performer: Bobby Jackson
Milwaukee was held to 7 points in the second quarter and never got going. Bobby Jackson ran on the fast break getting to the line or scoring easy buckets en route to a game-high 21 points. Andrew Bogut had a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. He also had 4 blocks. Rookie Yi Kianlian had 7 points and 6 assists in 16 minutes. Michael Redd was held to 5 points and just 8 shots.
December 15 – Golden State 102 @ New Orleans 83
Warriors Box Score | Hornets Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Monta Ellis
Energizer Energy Performer: Peja Stojakovic
Peja Stojakovic had his best game of the year but couldn’t stick around to see how it ended and unfortunately it didn’t end great for his team. Stojakovic left the game late in the fourth quarter while leading a run closing the Warriors’ lead to two possessions after a collision on a drive shook him up. No one else was able to step up as the burden fell to Morris Peterson who went 3-for-13 from three-point range. Sadly, as Jannero Pargo returned from the injured reserve, Stojakovic headed to it.
Five Warriors reached double-digits and Andris Biedrins had 18 rebounds in the 19-point victory. Rookies Marco Belinelli had 10 points and Brandon Wright had 6 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Kelanna Azubuike had 9 points in 9 minutes.
December 18 - Phoenix 93 @ New Orleans 77
Suns Box Score | Hornets Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Amare Stoudemire
Energizer Energy Performer: Tyson Chandler
It may be a long 10 weeks for the Hornets as they dropped their first game without Peja Stojakovic, albeit to the Phoenix Suns. Steve Nash managed to stay in this contest, unlike last time where he was limited to under 30 minutes; he had 13 points and 14 assists. Raja Bell was out still but Leandro Barbosa and Grant Hill combined for 33 points to overcome his absence. Amare Stoudemire had a great game with 17 points and 25 rebounds. Phoenix may not be known for great defense but they held the Hornets to just 36.5% shooting. Chris Paul was limited to 10 points but also recorded 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Tyson Chandler tried to help with 10 offensive rebounds but they could not overcome the Suns’ offensive prowess.
December 20 – Utah 80 @ New Orleans 101
Jazz Box Score | Hornets Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Jannero Pargo
Energizer Energy Performer: Jannero Pargo
Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams turned did not go as planned as Paul played sparse minutes in the second half and Williams was rivalled by Jannero Pargo in his first game truly injury-free. Williams had 20 points, 5 assists and 4 steals in his team’s loss, far eclipsing anything else his team mates offered, outside of Gordan Giricek’s 20 points. For the home team, six players reached double-figures in scoring and all twelve players recorded points.
December 22 – New Orleans 92 @ Dallas 109
Hornets Box Score | Mavericks Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Devin Harris
Energizer Energy Performer: David West
Devin Harris one of the best games of his life, leading Dallas to a 109-92 victory. In a clash of the two best teams in the league, both of them competing in the same conference, this game was billed as a showdown but did not live up to its billing. Without Peja Stojakovic (out with an injury), Rasual Butler was counted on much more to defend and produce. While he had 14 points and shutdown Josh Howard (10 points), it was his floor general who failed to hold his own. Harris torched Chris Paul to the tune of 30 points and 7 assists on 50% shooting. Paul only had 10 points, 4 assists and 6 turnovers. The game was close until the fourth quarter where a convincing 10-2 run pulled the Mavericks well into the lead. Stephane Lasme joined the team for his first game but did not play.
December 26 – New Orleans 103 @ Memphis 95
Hornets Box Score | Grizzlies Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: David West
Energizer Energy Performer: Melvin Ely
David West put on another impressive display en route to leading his team to victory in Memphis. A third quarter spurt led by West and wingmen Morris Peterson and Rasual Butler helped the Hornets overcome a stingy opponent. Aside from a stellar offensive performance (53% shooting from the field), Tyson Chandler held superstar Pau Gasol to just 8 points. Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro tried to keep the game close after Mike Conley, Jr. suffered a game-ending injury early in the second. He finished with 21 points, 4 assists and 2 steals. The two-headed monster of Darko Milicic and Hakim Warrick did not fare well against David West: they combined for just 10 points and 14 rebounds. Melvin Ely played a number of minutes off the bench while the game was competitive and tallied 10 points, 6 rebounds (5 offensive), 3 assists and 2 steals for his best performances this year.
December 28 – New Orleans 91 @ Denver 95
Hornets Box Score | Nuggets Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Allen Iverson
Energizer Energy Performer: Morris Peterson
The game was a close one through-and-through. Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony’s combined 44 points were matched by David West and Morris Peterson’s 47. The difference came by the hands of Nene Hilario who had 13 points and 12 rebounds, unexpectedly high totals from the forward. Chris Paul struggled running the offense despite hitting 7-of-11 shots and having 6 assists; he had 9 turnovers. Morris Peterson got hot in the fourth quarter matching every basket Denver made but he alone could not overcome the Nuggets.
December 30 – New Orleans 97 @ Denver 88
Hornets Box Score | Kings Box Score
Nike Player of the Game: Chris Paul
Energizer Energy Performer: Tyson Chandler
(simulated)
Period News
11/22/07 Golden State trades Stephane Lasme F to New Orleans for Larry Turner FC
11/29/07 LA Lakers trades Sasha Vujacic G to New York for Renaldo Balkman SF
Key Injuries
Atlanta – Josh Smith GF
Charlotte – Raymond Felton G
Dallas – Erick Dampier C
Denver – Kenyon Martin FC
Memphis – Mike Conley PG
Miami – Dwayne Wade G, Ricky Davis GF
New Orleans – Peja Stojakovic GF
Orlando – Jameer Nelson PG
Phoenix – Raja Bell GF
Toronto – Anthony Parker GF
- joeygraham
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by joeygraham on Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:38 pm
Small But not Forgotten
Their schools may be small but their game certainly is not.
Odds are you haven’t heard of Davis Marshall. He’s just a 5’9, 176-pound sophomore point guard from the Mid-American East Conference. He plays for Bowling Green. If you’re just an average college hoops fan, you likely don’t know about them. If you’re really keen, you might have seen how Marshall is leading the team to an unparalleled level of success in the conference. If you don’t follow the college game, you’ll first get a whiff of him in June as he’s an expected first-round selection. And he’s not the only talent coming from the smaller conferences.
The West Coast has two entrants in the 2008 NBA Draft: Samario Clancy from Pepperdine and Devin Cheaney from St. Mary’s (CA). Clancy, 22, is finishing his final year and the starting shooting guard for the Waves. He’s been a key component to their success though not the go-to guy when a shot needs to be taken. Defensively, however, he’s a phenom. He has good anticipation and quick hands and feet, which is great for getting out on the break where he excels. Cheaney, 21, may be coming out a little early and certainly could use an additional year at the college level, but he’s a legitimate 7-foot center. He’s among the top offensive-rebounders in college and has a couple of low-post moves to get to the basket. While standing 7’0, he needs to muscle up, weighing in at 240 pounds. He gets his rebounds by hustling, not by out-muscling. Success moving up the big leagues will rely heavily on an improved shooting touch and bulking up. Both are anticipated to be late first-rounders to early second-round picks.
The Summit Conference offers the 6’1 point guard Sam Harrick, a senior from Western Illinois. He’s gaining notoriety for his pin-point passing and court awareness. Unfortunately, his low shooting percentages have allowed teams to leave him hanging around the three point line and while he is more of a slasher than a jump-shooter, he does not possess the fleetest of feet. He’s an anticipated late-second round pick.
Point guards seem to be the most frequent entrant from the smaller schools. While 6’1 sophomore Adam Heger of Pacific and 6’4 senior Rashawn Brailsford of Iona are long shots to be picked on draft night, both are entering and could find themselves in a training camp. Heger is a shooter with a decent three-point touch and has a good ball control though his speed is his downfall. Brailsford, on the other hand, is the defender with quick feet and quicker hands but cannot sink a shot, not even from the charity stripe. Armon Chambers, a 6’4 sophomore from Hofstra, however, is geared to have his name called late in the second round. His value has been slipping though as his poor inside scoring and free throw shooting are being exploited. He’s a threat from deep and will hang around the perimeter for two reasons: one, he can’t get inside and, two, he can’t run with the other point guards. If he stuck around for two more years he would easily be a first round selection; his ego, however, has vaulted him into this year’s draft and into the late second round. Someone might take a flyer on him for his potential, size and shot and it has a fair chance of being a success story.
From Fresno State, 6’11 small forward sophomore Lydell Walker will likely get picked up in the mid-second round. He’s a guard trapped in a big man’s body and when he figures out how to use that better he will be a force to be reckoned with. For now, he’s a large part of his school’s success, though he’s capable of much more. He’s an outstanding shooter with legitimate NBA range but he’s atrocious from the line and never attempts to outrace an opponent as he can only beat out slew-footed centers. He’s a knack for passing and seeing the court and can get rebounds by out-leaping though not by out-positioning. He’s another case of a player who could stand to stay in school, learn a few things and get a guaranteed four year contract in two years time but is foolishly leaving prematurely.
SF sophomore Kyle Schrage (Marist) and senior C Lorenzen Croker (Appalaichan State) both are unexpected to make a splash on draft day. Schrage can dunk and block but is limited to that. Croker is a big man who can D up his man but offers little on the offensive end at the professional level save a couple dunks and close, unguarded jumpers.
The big ticket item for the smaller schools is Davis Marshall. He’s a tremendous athlete and he certainly has to be, given his small stature. He can shoot and is a competent three-point shooter but prefers to slash and draw the foul where he’s money from the line. He can also get up and down the court speedily and has run Bowling Green past some much better opponents. He’s a clutch player and is a student of the game, a rare quality in early entrants. He’s often the first man to the gym and last to leave, leaving him in great shape. He currently is averaging over 34 minutes a game and post-game hardly looks like he’s broken a sweat. His biggest weakness is his lack of a first step and his ability to get beaten off the draw by other point guards. Unable to use his size to play his man, he often needs help to man the point. In spite of this, he has the tools to be a successful NBA point guard and at 21 has the time to evolve.
Their schools may be small but their game certainly is not.
Odds are you haven’t heard of Davis Marshall. He’s just a 5’9, 176-pound sophomore point guard from the Mid-American East Conference. He plays for Bowling Green. If you’re just an average college hoops fan, you likely don’t know about them. If you’re really keen, you might have seen how Marshall is leading the team to an unparalleled level of success in the conference. If you don’t follow the college game, you’ll first get a whiff of him in June as he’s an expected first-round selection. And he’s not the only talent coming from the smaller conferences.
The West Coast has two entrants in the 2008 NBA Draft: Samario Clancy from Pepperdine and Devin Cheaney from St. Mary’s (CA). Clancy, 22, is finishing his final year and the starting shooting guard for the Waves. He’s been a key component to their success though not the go-to guy when a shot needs to be taken. Defensively, however, he’s a phenom. He has good anticipation and quick hands and feet, which is great for getting out on the break where he excels. Cheaney, 21, may be coming out a little early and certainly could use an additional year at the college level, but he’s a legitimate 7-foot center. He’s among the top offensive-rebounders in college and has a couple of low-post moves to get to the basket. While standing 7’0, he needs to muscle up, weighing in at 240 pounds. He gets his rebounds by hustling, not by out-muscling. Success moving up the big leagues will rely heavily on an improved shooting touch and bulking up. Both are anticipated to be late first-rounders to early second-round picks.
The Summit Conference offers the 6’1 point guard Sam Harrick, a senior from Western Illinois. He’s gaining notoriety for his pin-point passing and court awareness. Unfortunately, his low shooting percentages have allowed teams to leave him hanging around the three point line and while he is more of a slasher than a jump-shooter, he does not possess the fleetest of feet. He’s an anticipated late-second round pick.
Point guards seem to be the most frequent entrant from the smaller schools. While 6’1 sophomore Adam Heger of Pacific and 6’4 senior Rashawn Brailsford of Iona are long shots to be picked on draft night, both are entering and could find themselves in a training camp. Heger is a shooter with a decent three-point touch and has a good ball control though his speed is his downfall. Brailsford, on the other hand, is the defender with quick feet and quicker hands but cannot sink a shot, not even from the charity stripe. Armon Chambers, a 6’4 sophomore from Hofstra, however, is geared to have his name called late in the second round. His value has been slipping though as his poor inside scoring and free throw shooting are being exploited. He’s a threat from deep and will hang around the perimeter for two reasons: one, he can’t get inside and, two, he can’t run with the other point guards. If he stuck around for two more years he would easily be a first round selection; his ego, however, has vaulted him into this year’s draft and into the late second round. Someone might take a flyer on him for his potential, size and shot and it has a fair chance of being a success story.
From Fresno State, 6’11 small forward sophomore Lydell Walker will likely get picked up in the mid-second round. He’s a guard trapped in a big man’s body and when he figures out how to use that better he will be a force to be reckoned with. For now, he’s a large part of his school’s success, though he’s capable of much more. He’s an outstanding shooter with legitimate NBA range but he’s atrocious from the line and never attempts to outrace an opponent as he can only beat out slew-footed centers. He’s a knack for passing and seeing the court and can get rebounds by out-leaping though not by out-positioning. He’s another case of a player who could stand to stay in school, learn a few things and get a guaranteed four year contract in two years time but is foolishly leaving prematurely.
SF sophomore Kyle Schrage (Marist) and senior C Lorenzen Croker (Appalaichan State) both are unexpected to make a splash on draft day. Schrage can dunk and block but is limited to that. Croker is a big man who can D up his man but offers little on the offensive end at the professional level save a couple dunks and close, unguarded jumpers.
The big ticket item for the smaller schools is Davis Marshall. He’s a tremendous athlete and he certainly has to be, given his small stature. He can shoot and is a competent three-point shooter but prefers to slash and draw the foul where he’s money from the line. He can also get up and down the court speedily and has run Bowling Green past some much better opponents. He’s a clutch player and is a student of the game, a rare quality in early entrants. He’s often the first man to the gym and last to leave, leaving him in great shape. He currently is averaging over 34 minutes a game and post-game hardly looks like he’s broken a sweat. His biggest weakness is his lack of a first step and his ability to get beaten off the draw by other point guards. Unable to use his size to play his man, he often needs help to man the point. In spite of this, he has the tools to be a successful NBA point guard and at 21 has the time to evolve.
- joeygraham
- Posts: 429
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2005 9:08 am
by joeygraham on Fri Nov 23, 2007 3:22 pm
The Buzz: 2007 Report Cards
Tyson Chandler
B+: He leads the team in rebounds (12.3), double-doubles (13) and blocks (2.07) and is averaging 0.93 steals and 9.7 points. He brings the hustle night in an night out.
David West
C+: With the way the season started, who could tell that West would be so integral to the team, as it went 2-4 with him out. He’s averaged just 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds but since returning to full health has averaged 17.6 points on 50% shooting, 8.65 rebounds and 2.78 assists. On the season, he has 0.65 blocks and 1 steal per game.
Peja Stojakovic
C: Stojakovic has been wildly inconsistent, much to the chagrin of coach Byron Scott and on top of that, he’s out for 9 weeks. He’s averaged 17 points on 45% shooting, though is hitting a paltry 27.5% of three-pointers. While averaging 4.14 rebounds, he is counted on for his shooting prowess. He began in the first four with 21.25 points per game (57.6% shooting), then suffered a shooting spell, averaging 9.62 points over the next 8 (30.6% shooting). Following that, he returned to form, going off for an average of 21.2 points per game (49.0% shooting) iover the next 10 games before suffering the injury.
Morris Peterson
B+: With the exception of four Peterson has reached double figures in every game, leading him to have the team’s scoring king with 17.1 points on 44.7% shooting. His acquisition may be one the biggest off-season coups as he has been a model of consistency. He has pitched in with 2.7 rebounds, 1.31 steals and 1.4 assists but has had some trouble keeping control of the ball, turning it over 1.79 times per game. His 86% free throw rate and clutch shooting have made him a go-to guy down the stretch.
Chris Paul
B: While posting a league-leading 9.4 assists and 4.07 steals per game, along with 14.2 points on 59.5% shooting. His turnovers, 5.4 per game, have been a new problem for third-year floor general. That being said, he’s still a force to be reckoned with and has recently stepped up his slashing game, instead of hanging around the perimeter, where he’s averaging 0.4 per game out of the 6.3 field goals he’s making per game. He only gets the B grade for his turnovers: outside of that fundamental problem (assists-turnover ratio is 1.75), he’s been an exemplary point guard.
Bobby Jackson
B: While his minutes have been inconsistent with all the injuries, when provided with the chance, Jackson has shown he’s still potent. He has averaged 8 points per game, 2.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game and has posted 9 games with 12 or more points. On the fast break, he’s great at either getting to the basket or drawing the foul.
Jannero Pargo
C: He missed a number of games but posted 14 points and 7 steals against Utah to show that he still is a reliable reserve. Averaging 4.3 points on 49.1% shooting and 1.6 assists, Pargo can still make an impact.
Julian Wright
C+: Perhaps he’s been thrust into a role beyond his capabilities at the moment but Wright has only had a couple of stand-out games. He has had 14 starts due to injuries and is averaging 3.6 points on 34.4% shooting, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assist in 14.7 minutes. He has shown flashes on defense but is averaging just 0.37 blocks and 0.22 steals. He has promise but it not his time at time moment, this is clear.
Melvin Ely
B-: With 3.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.67 steals in 14.5 minutes, Melvin Ely has established himself as the first big off the bench. His percentages, 47.3% from the field and 73% from the line, have been reliable if not spectacular, but with an average of only 3.1 shots per game, it is not the end of the world.
Rasual Butler
B+: He’s been the most consistent bench player for the Hornets this season and with the injury to Stojakovic, his role is likely to expand further. He’s not quite the shooter that Stojakovic but plays solid, rugged defense and can score in bursts, often subbing in during shooting funks by Peterson or Stojakovic. He has averaged 8.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 23.6 minutes of play. While his field goal accuracy could stand improvement, currently sitting at 40.1%, he has been effective from downtown, averaging 0.8 treys a game on 39.7% shooting. He has had 11 double-digit scoring efforts and when given more than 25 minutes of play, he has responded with an average of 12 points.
Hilton Armstrong
C-: He averaged 4 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block in 21 minutes over the first two games before being injured. Upon coming back, he has not been nearly that productive. He is currently averaging 2.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.23 blocks per game.
Adam Haluska
C+: He only comes in when the game is decided but has shown his potential to be the next Matt Carroll. In 7.1 minutes he has averaged 3.4 points on 48.6% shooting from the field, including 50% from downtown.
Adam Haluska
C+: He only comes in when the game is decided but has shown his potential to be the next Matt Carroll. In 7.1 minutes he has averaged 3.4 points on 48.6% shooting from the field, including 50% from downtown.
Ryan Bowen
B: He comes in for 9.7 minutes, only puts up 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds but comes in and provides instant energy.
Marcus Vinicius
F: Management has tried to move the guy, so there isn’t much positive to say about him. With the acquisition of Lasme, Vinicius’ role is almost non-existent.
Stephane Lasme
N/A: Acquired 12/22/07 for free agent signee Larry Turner, he has yet to play a game in a Hornets’ uniform.
The deal
B: Larry Turner had averaged just 1.25 rebounds during his tenure in New Orleans. Lasme came in with two starts and a few points notched in his time in Golden State. While he plays similarly to Julian Wright, he is a superior blocker.
- joeygraham
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by Xiphias on Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:29 pm
Lamrock93 wrote:A potentially brilliant dynasty with a lot of effort put in. The lack of pictures or any sort of visual splendor puts it all to naught though, which is quite sad.
Yea I 100% agree with Lamrock93, you can interest dynasty readers by putting more visual info
but all the stuff you did so far is good , nice recaps -
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by joeygraham on Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:32 pm
all to naught though, which is quite sad.
Wow, really? Good to know that if I ever intend to write a book that I need to include pictures else it will be "all to [sic] naught".
I've explained above that my video card is not good. Picture taking is out of the question because it looks like a depressing LSD trip (black and rainbow simultaneously).
Given that, I'm going to try to build up the upcoming rookie class so people can be interested enough in following/asking about certain players. If you have other suggestions that are not visually-focused I am willing to entertain ideas.
Otherwise, thanks for following. I'm very appreciative.
- joeygraham
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- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2005 9:08 am
by Lamrock on Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:45 pm
joeygraham wrote:all to naught though, which is quite sad.
Wow, really? Good to know that if I ever intend to write a book that I need to include pictures else it will be "all to [sic] naught".
This isn't a book. Hopefully if you write a book, it isn't all recaps of NBA Live games.
But like Chaser7 said, at least have some pictures or logos. Even my dynasty, which is shit, has more support simply because pictures off the internet look better than a bunch of blue font and an ugly banner.
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Lamrock - Posts: 10936
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by Clutch on Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:05 pm
awesome write up on the coming rookie class and the report card; that Samario Clancy cat could be a great fit for your team if he is in fact a 'defensive phenom'
well done and look forward to more
well done and look forward to more
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Clutch - ^ Life... currently :\
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by joeygraham on Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:22 am
File is corrupted. This spells the end for New Orleans. The Hornets were 21-14, losing a lot at the end with Stojakovic on the bench.
- joeygraham
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