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Tonight is opening tip off of the 2009-2010 NBA season for most teams, the Hornets included, so let's try to get some sort of idea about what we can do to improve from last years disappointing seven seed. More specifically, who can improve.
*Hilton Armstrong is entering his fourth year in the league. The former lottery pick has performed so poorly in his three prior seasons that the Hornets did not even pick up the fourth year on his rookie contract.
Last year he averaged just under five points and three rebounds in 13 minutes per game. Unfortunately his defense was sub par and he managed to foul 2.6 times per outing.
His preseason numbers were more encouraging: 10 points, 7 rebounds, a block, and only 3.7 fouls in 27 minutes per game. If he can do that all year the Hornets will be an improved team.
Julian Wright has been a fan favorite in New Orleans for some time now. We have been patiently waiting for him to utilize his freakish athletic ability.
He practiced his shooting all summer and has been handed the starting small forward spot. Byron Scott is under direct orders from George Shinn to develop young talent so Julian should get a longer leash than otherwise.
If you are able to look past his limited offensive capabilities, you will find a very talented defender. He's long and quick and can guard just about anyone.
Assuming he doesn't hurt them too much offensively, Julian Wright could play a big role in an otherwise undersized Hornets squad.
Ike Diogu is pretty much a sure-fire pick to have a career year. He averages a point every two minutes and a rebound every four. That's 24 points and 12 rebounds per 48 minutes with solid defense.
Why he hasn't landed a regular job around the NBA is anybody's guess, but this seems like a good opportunity for him to hang on to one. As of now he is the backup PF. He should be the No. 1 scoring big man off the bench.
Don't expect too much this year, but if there is a big jump in performance you can bet that these three guys will have something to do with it.
*I realize that Hilton Armstrong struggles hard, so if he becomes average that's a big jump.
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