Could Hornets Hot Start Be Enough to Keep Paul in Town?
Led by Chris Paul, the Hornets were able to upend the San Antonio Spurs as the Hornets remain unbeaten three games into the season. With the rumors swirling around Paul's unhappiness with New Orleans's management inability to put together a championship contender, Chris Paul had decided that he too wanted to take his talents elsewhere. A few trades went largely unnoticed by the sports media, leading to the acquisition of Trevor Ariza (overshadowed by the remainder of the four-team trade), Willie Green, Jason Smith and most recently Jerryd Bayless.
Granted, none of these moves resulted in a superstar or even a star player to play next to Paul, the results thus far have been good. Ariza has been the lockdown defender he was touted as and is slowly developing chemistry with the fast-pace of the Hornets offense. Willie Green is playing himself into more minutes and developing a role as a key guard off the bench, while Jason Smith, also traded for from the 76ers, could be an interesting forward off the bench with his ability to step out and knock down 3s.
The Hornets 3-0 start is something to be noted as they knocked off a playoff contender in the East (Milwaukee), and two of the West's upper echelon teams (Denver, San Antonio). After a one-year playoff hiatus, will a playoff appearance keep Chris Paul in town or will the Hornets need a deep run to keep the star-guard from fleeing town?
By President Corey Ruff - 10-30-10
