New Orleans Hornets: Five Predictions For The 2009-2010 Season

This is the most likely of my five predictions. This years squad is undoubtedly improved from last year.

The additions of Ike Diogu (whose per 48 numbers are off the charts) and Darius Songaila, means that Sean Marks won't be seeing the starting lineup ever again.

95 percent Probability. If Paul gets hurt they don't make the playoffs. Otherwise, no matter what, they do. My gut tells me that he stays healthy since he took the summer off from competitive basketball.

It's that time in Julian Wright's career where he needs to crap or get off the pot.

We have been rooting for him to utilize his freakish athletic ability for some time now, but with each passing season it seems less and less likely that he will live up to his potential. Until now.

He practiced his shooting all summer and has been handed the starting small forward spot (over Peja). Byron Scott is under direct orders from George Shinn to develop young talent so Julian should get a longer leash than otherwise.

75 percent Probability. It's not like he's starting from scratch. Two seasons ago his PER indicated he was capable of starting.

Unfortunately, last season it took a big dive and the team clearly suffered as a result. This year the Hornets need him more than ever before. He won't disappoint.

I know he hasn't played at all in the preseason, but this guy will be ready come regular season.

He got hurt early in his career and has maintained a strict training regiment including yoga and palates for the past two seasons.

Since he started doing this he hasn't missed a regular season game.

Emeka has been working out in the pool and staying in shape, so once the toe is healed, he should be out there without problem. You have to give someone the benefit of the doubt when it comes to their body.

66.6 percent Probability. Big men are more susceptible to injuries and he's been battling one all preseason. Nonetheless I like his chances.

This can happen, but in order for it to become reality, a few things need to happen.

If. ...

Okafor, Paul, AND West can stay healthy
Julian can step it up
The rookies mature quickly
Ike Diogu is adequate
and someone (Posey, MoP, Peja) can consistently hit threes

...then the Hornets can do it.

Probability: 30 percent.

It pains me to put this last on my list of predictions, not because he won't deserve it, but because the race for the MVP already started and he was barely even mentioned.

In a not so recent survey over at ESPN, not a single analyst picked Paul to win the award.

So why, you ask, am I predicting this at all? It's because he's going to deserve it just like two years ago. And Lebron, like Jordan, shouldn't be able to win two in a row. Plus Kobe is icing on an already tall and delicious cake. Woo else could win the award?

Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade. These are the three young superstars without an MVP.

I think it comes down to which team has the best record come voting time and unfortunately I don't think that will be New Orleans. Orlando is just too deep.

However, as I said, if things go right, then the Hornets can win the Southwest which should be good enough for Paul to win MVP. Otherwise it's Howard.

MVP: 25 percent
Second place: 50 percent
Third or lower: 25 percent