No doubt. The Hornets had an amazing season. But as I put away some of the Hornets stuff laying around the house, I flip through the ticket book that the team sent us for the playoffs. You see, when ticktock and I re-upped our season tickets for next year, we guaranteed ourselves our seats for the entire Playoff run, no matter how long that might have been. And so yes, we are proud holders of Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals tickets that are as valuable as “Hornets: Western Conference Finals” t-shirts, part of the annual tragedy of pre-emptive merchandising, destined to lay in the gutters of eBay could-have-been memorabilia.
But at the same time, I feel strangely hopeful. Despite the sour taste that the end of this season left in my mouth, I don’t feel as if my hopes and dreams have been crushed in the sense of, “wow, this was our last shot–we’ll never get back here.” Quite the opposite. I can only imagine the feeling I have now is a lot like what Lakers fans felt the last year Kobe and Shaq got bumped from the Playoffs before tearing through the league for 3 straight rings.
This team is good. And I only expect them to get better in the offseason. Our core is under contract (CP, DX, TC, Mo, and Peja). We have guys that came to the team late with tons of talent, and with a full offseason and training camp behind them, look to contribute in big ways (Bird, Mike James, and maybe Bonzi). Not to the two young bucks that are looking for breakout seasons (Hilton and Ju-Ju). Obviously we need to decide out of these 10 if still want Bonzi and Bird back, whose contracts have expired. Bowen and Ely are similarly past contract, and questions remain about what role they would play next season, if any.
Of course this leaves questions about two players. The big name unmentioned is JP. He has a player option. Will he opt out? Will he stay? And if he opts out will he look to come back? What about Rasual “mmm-bob” Butler? He’s locked down for 2 more years at an average of $3.8 million per. Will he regain his shooting touch? Will he get out of Byron’s doghouse? Will they look to shop him? As a bonus, the salaries of Arvydas Macijauskas, Bernard Robinson, and Mile Ilic finally fall off the salary cap (freeing up almost $4.5 million).
One thing we do know, is that Byron is coming back, and that is huge. He is obviously one of the best coaches in the league. But who will the Hornets take with the 27th pick in the draft? Will he make the team? Will he make an impact? Will they have any interest in bringing back either Marcus Vinicius (a.k.a Marquinhos) or Adam Haluska? Obviously AH never got a shot here, but is exactly what this team needs: a 2-guard dead-on shooter. What about free agency at-large? Who’s available? Who can we afford? Who do we want?
I’m not sure what the answers to these questions are. But I know one thing. I’m hopeful. Even without any big moves, I love our core. They’re not just great players, but they’re great men. They’re great friends. They’re a great team. They’re only going to get better and so are the guys around them. Everyone can clearly see the goal now. It’s not just about scrabbling out way to the top 8 in the West, it’s championship or bust. And without resorting to the unabashed bluster and hype for which this blog is best known, I think I can simply say that I honestly, truly, in the deepest recesses of my heart or soul or whatever organ or ephemeral entrail encompasses that part of us that can hope, dream, pray, or imagine: I believe.
I know someday I’ll see that golden trophy in our guys’ hands. I really do. It’s like deja vu, but it hasn’t happened yet. So maybe I should say, I remember. The Hornets. Winning. A. Championship.
I’m just nervous about Chris Paul and the 2008 olympics. If he goes it might wear him out too much for the upcoming season. I’m not wanting him to avoid the challenge. He might walk away with the gold which is great. A lot of players in the past who went through the olympics more than likely missed couple of games. Peaczzia l>
mW, do season ticket owners get discounts on playoff tickets, dibs or something? Being a impoverished college student, those types of luxuries (plus the idea that my school is close to Houston or San Anton… yeeech) were never made avail, and I was just curious.
For me, my ideal trade situation would be a few random pieces for Mike Miller. Shinn doesn’t seem to be willing to spend the big bucks, and if the Grizzlies are still interested in under-the-table trade conspiracies, I’m sure they’d happily oblige with Money Mike (~9 mil sal) for a Po’Boy sammich. Or if the Knicks are still absolutely ignorant on signing players, maybe we can get David Lee to backup D.West (very different game, but possibly the best player on that team).
For free agency, maybe sign Danny Fortson. Not because he’s good, per se, but he’s one of those players who invoke the almighty ‘Dammit, I gotta play him?!?’ mentality from opponents. Or pry Marko Jaric from Minnesota, just solely because he’s dating Adrianna Lima. Y’know, win-win if she supports him/it.
@ Didier: yeah, man. I’m a little wary of CP’s Olympic play too. The good news is, the really don’t play that many games over the course of the tournament. Plus, many of the league’s most prominent players should have the same problem.
@ Mark, thankfully, yes, season ticket holders do get discounts on playoff tickets. They do still cost more than regular season tickets, though. For some reason, the team shipped us two sets of tickets (for the same seats, so only one worked), and, interestingly, one had the full price on it and one had the discount price. Let’s just say I appreciated the difference.
Mike Miller would definitely be an interesting piece. But realistically, you’d have to give them Peja to make that work financially and practically. He’s 6’8″ and is a tall F-G swingman. Only he’s a little too bulky to be a natural 2. I’m not sure he fits. Plus, I like the freakish advantage Peja has as a 6″10″ SF. Jaric, however, would be an interesting fit. He’s more of a natural 2. Another Serbian with Greek nationality. Do he and Peja know each other? His price is more manageable, although he’s a starter. So we’d probably have to give up Mo-Pete and some role players. Although I like Mo, I’d definitely consider that. As for Fortson, he’s not even playing now is he?
A lot of people keep talking about Josh Childress, but he’s really more of an SF than a PF, and we need the latter. Plus, he’s a restricted free agent, and I don’t think the Hawks will let him go. So I’d focus elsewhere. Remember what happened when we went after Mo when he was a restricted FA? Yeah. We came up with nothing. (Getting him two years later.) The thing is, I don’t see a lot of impact players at the PF position in free agency. Which is why I’d keep that draft pick at #27 and try to get one there. Meanwhile, bring back Adam Haluska, who you drafted precisely for that SG spot. Or use Mike James or Rasual Butler as a back-up 2. Because unless you move them, you might as well use them.
mW, I understand that Predrag was EXTREMELY effective in our regular season endeavors, but I’ve never been a fan of set shooters, no matter how good they are (just ask my friends how I feel about Sasha Vujajajajaja… yeech). Peja has some other offensive skills, but personally, if a player has the option to at least create a shot off the dribble, I’m that much more of a fan. Mike Miller is underrated and underhyped (sound like a particular team last season?), and I have much respect for that awful haircut.
As for Danny Fortson, I think he’s unemployed, but I was just making a point of signing a rough-and-tough player that people hate guarding/playing against. I mean, seriously, Danny Fortson? I have to be kidding somewhere, right?