Hornets Blowing Lottery Chances

[raginsaints]

The Hornets will never have a "real" shot at a title. We are not in a major market and we don't have a fan base like OKC does. So we have to accept that the best we can expect is for a consistent playoff team and maybe we can sneak into the Finals with some upsets.

What? No. The way you build a small market team is with smart draft picks and savvy free agent signings. How do you think OKC got so good? Our fanbase was good when we were good. They'll be back.

[marine dude]

Fwiw, the team with the worst record has won the lottery only twice in the last 10 years.

[CajunFan3406]

I'm the biggest Hornets fan I know and I'm rooting for the tank. Nothing is worse in the NBA than mediocrity.

Well then we should meet, then you'll become the second biggest you know.
A fan doesn't want their team to lose every game. If they did then what's the purpose of rooting for the team in the first place? What would you be rooting for? The thought process is contrary to any known notion of what a fan (short for fanatic) is.
I'm personally hoping for the t-wolves to tank and every other <14 win team to start winning because the Hornets get their pick. It's going to upset some of "fans", but post all-star break the team is going to start winning even more. And probably even more after Gordon comes back.

[raginsaints]

If the Hornets get out of the top 5 pick range, we'll fall into another cycle of mediocrity. You can look at the big picture, you know. A really bad season when we have a shortened season, leading us to a top 3 pick and either Anthony Davis, Thomas Robinson, Harrison Barnes, etc. plus a late lottery pick (because that's where Minnesota is going to be) is the only way to build a foundation for the future. The Hornets aren't going to be a team who can pull an attractive free agent without overpaying out of the ___, i.e. Peja.

If Eric Gordon plays this season, it won't be more than like 10 games either.

[The Floridian]

Hope the bees do get better. As for me? I'm praying every day that Dwight Howard stays with Orlando.

[CajunFan3406]

raginsaints and CajunRebel, so who are you guys going to root for during the next 2.5 months? Since you guys aren't Hornets fans until the end of April. Just curious.

[seehard]

raginsaints and CajunRebel, so who are you guys going to root for during the next 2.5 months? Since you guys aren't Hornets fans until the end of April. Just curious.

Whoever plays the Timberwolves... and just because you still pull for them to win doesn't make you a "better" fan than anyone on this board... ragin and I have been to close to 20 games in the last couple years. On a college students income, that's pretty good and indicative of our allegiances. So pull your pants up and quit trying to get into a measuring contest.

[CajunFan3406]

Whoever plays the Timberwolves... and just because you still pull for them to win doesn't make you a "better" fan than anyone on this board... ragin and I have been to close to 20 games in the last couple years. On a college students income, that's pretty good and indicative of our allegiances. So pull your pants up and quit trying to get into a measuring contest.

I don't believe I was talking to you.

[CajunRebel]

raginsaints and CajunRebel, so who are you guys going to root for during the next 2.5 months? Since you guys aren't Hornets fans until the end of April. Just curious.

When did we say we aren't Hornets fans?

I'm not too sure actually. We kinda laugh about it at the CajunRebel household as we watch most of the games. In fact, I've been to two games this year and have had the same conversation with other fans at the New Orleans Arena. They are all cheering for the Hornets in public but quietly hoping for them to lose.

[Bandwagon King]

That response was so full of stupidity I don't even know where to start. I don't have the time or the patience to reply to your ignorance. Kyle has worn me out from the last few days.

So, you had to inject my name into this argument & at the same time pose as a superfan of another team. Have you ever been to a Hornets game? Do you know what it's like to pay 6 grand for season tickets? I do. Until you do get off your self-righteous high horse. I bought season tickets in 09' based upon the direct absolute personal guarantee from the upper managtement of the team that they were were going to keep their trio of Tyson Chandler, David West, & Chris Paul locked up for FIVE years. How many of those guys are still there? For that matter the management & owner isn't even there.

I still pull for the Hornets, but won't waste my money on another ticket until the team is sold to someone local who will invest long term in their success. That means them getting multiple lottery picks this off season with one of them being a top five pick. If you had any sense as a fan & wanted to see the team stay in New Orleans & do well in the future, you would also be pulling for this. Otherwise, they will continue to be the league's red headed step child until someone desperate for a team in Seattle or elsewhere buys the franchise & moves it 5000 miles away. Then you & CH can continue to act like superfans safely knowing you'll never have to pony up a penny out of your pocket to support your local superheroes.

[raginsaints]

Hearing rumors that an owner will be announced at the end of the month or early March. A lot of people are throwing around Tom Benson's name but I don't know. Gary Chouest is still in play, I'd assume.

[Cajunsmike]

Hearing rumors that an owner will be announced at the end of the month or early March. A lot of people are throwing around Tom Benson's name but I don't know. Gary Chouest is still in play, I'd assume.

Lots of folks believe the Hornets ownership announcement will come around the All Star Break which is next weekend. New lease will be announced shortly thereafter. Stern has said repeatedly that is the plan. Of course people in Seattle think he is lying and the Hornets are moving West. They will have to eat crow in a couple of weeks. As far as play on the court is concerned, as long as you are not in the playoffs you have a shot for a high pick. Therefore a few wins won't impact their chances for that much. In fact, they are playing so many guys that are likely to be back next season, seeing their progress in development is encouraging. The center they get from Mexico would be getting tons of attention were he playing in a major market.