So we’ve all heard it said (or, um, said it ourselves) that the Hornets’ main weakness in their quest to be a championship team is a lack of depth behind future-All Star-hopeful Tyson Chandler. We can all stop fearing the lack of depth right now, because this is going to be Hilton Armstrong’s year.
Yep, Hornets Hype supports Hilton Armstrong. And we don’t wanna hear you badmouth our man.
Previously, on Hilton Watch…
Last season Hilton Armstrong played in 65 regular season games, averaging 11.3 minutes per game and scoring 2.7 points while grabbing 2.5 rebounds, in his second year. After a strong preseason, a lot of people were hoping it would be his breakout year. Alas, it was not to be. Citing frustration with Hilton’s lack of confidence, Byron Scott started benching him in favor of Melvin Ely or even Ryan Bowen, two players with maybe less of the raw package but more of the drive to play the way Coach Scott expected his backup bigs to play.
You want confidence? We’ll give you confidence.
Confidence is a wacky thing. You want your backup center to have it. But how’s he supposed to get it, if he gets benched for making mistakes? How’s he supposed to get it, if everyone’s hating on him? We came up with some ideas…
- Gain some muscle. Check! Hilton’s looking very good in camp, and visibly a little stronger than last year.
- Get some badass tats. Nothing says, “Don’t mess with me” like a huge nasty tattoo of something really, really badass. Or, if badass isn’t his style, he should talk to D. West about his collection of self-affirming ink slogans (No, really. Every tattoo D. West has screams pride and confidence) and emulate that look.
- Talk more trash. Helps you get in the mood for nasty shot-blocking exploits.
- Remember that you are 6-11. Just freakin’ elbow that guy outta your way. You’re bigger. Believe us. But,
- Get smart about picking your battles. Hilton needs to make those fouls count. Racking up weak touch fouls doesn’t help the team. If you’re gonna get whistled, you better have knocked the guy on his ass.
- Do not pass when you are under the basket. Go up. Straight up. Do not pass go, do not collect $100. If there is someone in the way, see #4.
- Remember you are younger than any of the dudes competing for your minutes. Hilton’s already got an edge over Ely or Marks. The team wants him to succeed.
- Come to Hornets Hype. Because we are ALWAYS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING GOOD. SO THERE.
Hilton Watch?
Why Hilton Armstrong? Because the Times Picayune upped their coverage, and we can’t harass them anymore this season, and we need something to do. Because big men sometimes take awhile to develop. Ask Chicago how they feel about trading T.C. Because there is great shot-blocking potential here. Because if the Hornets are semi-favorites now, imagine how strong they’d be with a 1-2 combo at center.
So if Hilton gets benched or has an invisible game, and you want to bitch about him, go do it somewhere else! Because we officially support Hilton Armstrong! And we are going to do it, like, to a rabid degree. You have been warned.
Geaux Hilton!
We KNOW he can! We KNOW he can! We KNOW he can!
GEAUX HILTON!
HiltonWatch sounds like some sort of a tornado of sorts. Hope he succeeds, since I’ve been waiting since his draft. Mistakes are inevitably made for progress, so I hope he’s developed some confidence, or better yet, some swag this year.
And a hearty laugh to that comment about the tats. As long as you don’t get tatted like T-Duncan, I think you’re good. Seriously, a “Skele-Jester”? I like Tim’s nerdy quirks, but… seriously: “I have a tattoo of Merlin (ed. note: his alter ego in Dungeon’s and Dragons). He’s like my alter-ego.”
Lol, I like how Posey looks like he’s snickering in that picture.
Mark– That’s what I’m talking about. Swag. He needs swag.
And Mel going 19-8-5 blocks can only have lit a fire under the Cadet’s ass, right? Right?
(Get it? Armstrong…Army…Cadet?)
So far, Hilton’s looked awesome in preseason. Yes, it’s only preseason, but man, he’s done all the little things right. You got blocked on try #1? Get the rebound and muscle it in for the second effort. Go strong, pick up fouls. Get loose balls. Elbow in for rebounds. Run the floor. I think year three for Hilton, like many young players, will be the year. I really do.
Well we have a deeper bench at least so that should encourage people to play harder for those back up roles, with Ely, Armstrong, Sims, and the white guy(why can’t I remember his name…..Marks right) anyway yeah we have backups three deep for both positions so there should be a better showing this season, If Sims plays backup at center and Armstrong at PF I think that would be awesome cause Armstrong is a tough guy but size wise is still abit smaller than most centers.
This is not a negative on Hilton, but you can’t teach desire. His skill set is not in question. Guys he is playing against on other teams, and competing with for minutes on his own team, are just as big as he is. Rebounding, shot-blocking, help defense, these things all have to do with wanting it more than the other guy. Show me you want it more Hilton… I’m behind you. THUNDERCATS, HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think Bowen should teach Hilton about hustle. Obviously Bowen isn’t a star name, big stat contributor, nor physical beast, but he’s been in this league for almost 10 years because he makes the most of what he has (respect!). What mW and Mikey’s suggesting is nothing but pure effort, which NO COACH can hold against you.
Even if you’re not nearly the best player on the court (and when you’re with CP, you’re more than likely not the best player, honestly), if coach sees you progressing and giving it all, he’s inclined to give you more burn and more opportunities. I hope Hilton doesn’t hold too much inhibitions and just get out there and work. He’ll really benefit with that.
Hilton is the man. I trust in you. Go for all.