Prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, most pundits expected the New Orleans Hornets to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers for Western Conference supremacy. After all, they were one win away from having the best record in the West when the dust settled on a hotly-contested regular season. They eventually lost a seven-game series to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals, but they added James Posey over the summer and looked ready to take the West by storm in 2009-2010.
Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.
Injuries played a major role in the Hornets' premature demise in 2008-09. Tyson Chandler played in just 45 games, Morris Peterson managed just 43, and Peja Stojakovic just 61. With so many of their primary rotation players out of action, the Hornets managed just 49 wins before being destroyed by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.
The good news for the Hornets is that they're primary players are all under long-term contract, so if they can just get everyone healthy over the summer and add another key role player or two they should be able to get back into championship contention next season.
Immediate Needs In The Draft
While the Hornets' most pressing need might be in the front court, where suitable backups for Tyson Chandler and Davis West would be nice, it's far more likely that they land a guard with the 21st overall pick. There are very few impact big men in this draft class, and they'll all be gone by the time the Hornets get their crack at the board. That said, there are a plethora of solid backcourt options who will still be there for the taking.
LSU's Marcus Thornton recently had a solid workout for the Hornets, and while a couple of teams who pick after the Hornets have Thornton very high on their draft boards, it's very likely the Hornets would take him at 21. He's as good behind the three-point arch as anyone in the class, and though he's a little undersized for an NBA two at 6'4", he's a player who can create instant offense as a key member of someone's second unit.
The Hornets could also look to take advantage of what is a very deep point guard draft in their ongoing search for a quality backup to Chris Paul. Antonio Daniels was acquired for that purpose, but never quite delivered the goods, averaging roughly four points and two assists per game on the season. VCU senior Eric Maynor and Wake Forest sophomore Jeff Teague are both likely to be available, and Teague is already well acquainted with Paul.
Ultimately, the Hornets are looking for depth in the draft, and they'll get a serviceable player with that 21st pick. They don't hold a second round pick this year.
Immediate Needs In Free Agency
Sean Marks, Melvin Ely, and Ryan Bowen are all free agents this summer, and there's a reasonable chance they could be brought back if the price is, well, cheap. None of them had huge impacts on the team last season, but they do provide size and experience that were valuable in spot minutes.
Unfortunately, the Hornets don't have any cap space to speak of, so they're going to be relying heavily on improvement from within their existing roster to take them to new heights next season. They did attempt to trade Tyson Chandler this season to give them some breathing room for free agency, but the trade was rescinded and it left the Hornets just as cash poor as they were to begin with.
The good news is the team is in pretty good shape on paper - they just need to get everyone healthy and together for a solid postseason run. As it stands they have a nice mix of All-Stars and solid role players, so there's every reason to believe the Hornets can be right back at the top of the West next season even though they don't have the ability to add a significant player through free agency. Health will be the key for the Hornets in 2009-2010.
