Making Over the Makeover--- The NEW Hornets

     I'd like to apologize for such a drought in posts, but it's as if I was never here to start.  This site has become so old and out--of--date that it still has a Bobcats logo on the header.  I will have to do something about that shortly.   

    But in the meantime, the new Charlotte Hornets, complete with new uniforms AND a new roster, have blown into the top echelons of the NBA with a series of surprising win streaks that have catapulted the team into an almost certain playoff berth.   In fact, recently, they vaulted all the way from out of contention, then barely in eighth place in the Eastern Division, to now--- they are currently in a tie for fourth place, and only a half game out of third place.  The top four teams will draw a home field advantage, and it's looking more promising for the Hornets.

    Point guard Kemba Walker has been a major contributor to this year's Hornets, but many others have combined to make it a real team effort.   Several great trades brought us players like center Al Jefferson (last year), and then Nick Batum and Jeremy Lin (this year).   We also picked up key players like big men Cody Zeller, Tyler Hansbrough, and Frank Kaminsky.   Former UNC player Marvin Williams has come on strong as of lately, and role players like Jeremy Lamb and new acquisition Courtney Lee have helped as well.

   The Hornets' shooting has improved, but the biggest change seems to be in their defense and in their ability to come up with big plays and grab wins in the fourth quarter.   In years past, the team has fallen short many nights when their opponent would put up a big run late in the game.  Now it seems that the Hornets are doing that.  In a game this past week, they came back from a 23--point deficit to the powerhouse San Antonio Spurs and beat them on the Spurs home court, breaking a long losing streak in their matchup.

   I hope to continue to post and keep us in the loop with the Hornets' run to the playoffs.  We have finally got a reason to truly pull for our home NBA team.   Owner Michael Jordan and coach Steve Clifford must have passed on some of their winning tradition onto the Hornets squad.  Looking forward to our team's post season action.