NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Starting Lineup
PG- Russell Westbrook (6ft 3in, 190 lbs, 20 years old, 2nd year in league)
Strengths: Pushing the Tempo, Attacking the Rim, Size, Defensive Potential, FT Shooting
SG- Kobe Bryant (6ft 6in, 220 lbs, 31 years old, 14th year in league)
Strengths: Scoring, Outside Shooting, Decision Making, Man Defense,
SF – Vladimir Radmanovic (6ft 10in, 234 lbs, 28 years old, 9th year in league)
Strengths: Size for Small Forward Spot, 3Pt Shooting (38% Career),
PF – Glen Davis (6ft 9in, 289 lbs, 23 years old, 3rd year in league)
Strengths: Tenacity, Mid-Range Jump Shot, Good Teammate, Hard Worker, Championship Experience
C – Joakim Noah (6ft 11in, 232 lbs, 24 years old, 3rd year in league)
Strengths: Rebounder (>7 RPG last year), Tenacity, Blocks (>1 Per Game), Garbage Scorer
Bench
SG/SF – Larry Hughes (6ft 5 in, 184 lbs, 29 years old, 12th year in league)
Role: 6th man, scorer off bench. Above average defender
PF – Amir Johnson (6ft 9in, 210 lbs, 22 years old, 5th year in league)
Role: Energy big man off bench.
PG – Daniel Gibson (6ft 2 in, 190 lbs, 23 years old, 4th year in league)
rOLE: Backup PG, Shooter off bench.
SF/PF – Devean George (6ft 8in, 235 lbs, 32 years old, 11th year in league)
Role: Veteran Experience off Bench, Steady Hand, Leadership,
C – Ryan Hollins (7ft 0in, 225 lbs, 24 years old, 4th year in league)
Role: Backup Center, Size of Bench, Project Big Man
SF – Chris Douglas-Roberts (6ft 7in, 200 lbs, 22 years old, 2nd year in league)
Role: Developmental Wing Player, Upside = Future 6th/7th Man)
PG – Jeff Teague (6ft 2in, 180 lbs, 20 years old, Rookie)
Role: Developmental Guard. Lightning Quick, Long Term Upside
Draft Strategy –
I initially started with the 26th pick. My first move was to package that pick, my 2nd Round Pick (5), my 4th round pick (5), and my 5th Round Pick (26), for the #3 pick in the draft, as well as a 4th rounder. I wasn’t quite sure who I wanted to draft in the 3 spot, but I ended up with the 4 time Champ, the Black Mamba Kobe Bryant. Due to the fact that I traded 3 picks, I knew I needed to surround Kobe with talent first off, and then figure out the rest as I went along. With that being the case I targeted the best available for my next 3 picks (Westbrook, Noah, Davis) the fact that all were young was concerning, but in the name of talent, I picked who I thought was the “best available”.
Best Move –
Russell Westbrook Selection. Kid is an absolute stud. He may take 2-3 years, and may not be the best fit next to Kobe, but he can definitely play, and think he will turn into a multi-time All-Star in 3-4 years.
Worst Move-
Amir Johnson Selection. While he has potential, to quote Dennis Green “They are Who We Thought They Were” and I’m afraid that may be the case with Mr. Johnson. He has always appeared to have talent, who knows if it ever translates.
Most Intrigue-
Jeff Teague + Ryan Hollins. Both are upside guys. 2 things you cant teach are size and quickness. Hollins has the former, and Teague the latter. I think both can develop into effective players.
Forecast-
Playoffs are a probability thanks to Kobe alone. Long term potential is predicated on development of Westbrook, Noah, Davis. Goal is to win in 2-3 years as those 3 come into their prime, and Kobe is at the end of his window. I think I can be competitive for 5-7 seed this year. Competitive for title depending on development of players in 2-3 year window. And then once Kobe fades, turn the keys to Mr. Westbrook.