by 808Hornetsfan

Warriors rookie F Marco Belinelli was almost unstoppable, scoring 37 points while leading his team to a 110-102 victory over the Hornets in today’s exhibition game. Belinelli also grabbed five rebounds and dished out two assists, completing a perfect debut for the young rookie from Italy. G Kelenna Azubuike scored 29 points and six rebounds for the Warriors, while fellow G Pierre Pierce had 21 points.

The young Hornets squad struggled to contain the Warrior’s fast-paced offense, and were unable to match them offensively as well. G Anthony Roberson led the Hornets with 22 points, while C Hilton Armstrong scored 17 points and grabbed five boards. The Hornets were without Cedric Simmons, who was unable to play with an ankle injury. There is no word yet on when the second-year forward will be able suit up.

The Hornets went into halftime with a 55-54 lead, but the Warriors fought back in the third quarter and tied the game 82-82 heading into the final quarter. Golden State dominated the final 12 minutes and outscored New Orleans by eight points. The Warrior’s three-point shooting made a big difference down the line, the team shot 11-for-20 from the perimeter.

First-round pick Julian Wright had a disappointing night, only chipping in 10 points for New Orleans. Second-round pick Adam Haluska was able to score six points in 14 minutes of playing time. Both rookies will have to step it up in Monday’s game vs. Minnesota.

Aside from the scoring, the Hornets were also out-rebounded 41-26 in the game. On top of that, the Hornets were only able to grab six offensive rebounds compared to the Warrior’s 18. If these youngsters want to earn a roster spot, they have to be more fundamentally sound in the next four games.

By 808HornetsFan

A lot of fans are still not sold on the Hornets 13th overall selection Julian Wright(including noballer07), but Wright is ready to prove he was worth the pick as he joins 12 others on the Hornets Summer League roster. Second-round pick Adam Haluska will also be watched closely by fans and coaches alike. However, the main concern for the team will be developing these young prodigies into exceptional performers both on and off the court.

Last summer, many saw rookie Hilton Armstrong dominate the competition in each of the Hornet’s contests, but he was unable to do so in the regular season and could not earn enough minutes to produce. Armstrong will return along with the other first-round pick from the 2006 NBA Draft, Cedric Simmons. Both Armstrong and Simmons will be playing at their best in order to climb the depth chart and receive more playing time on the floor.

The Hornets named assistant Kenny Gattison the squad’s head coach for the tournament, if anyone know what it’s like to compete for a roster spot on a team, it’s definitely Gattison. Drafted in the third round by the Phoenix Suns in 1986, Gattison had to battle for playing time with his respective team. After just two seasons in Phoenix, Gattison was released and was unable to find work elsewhere. He later signed with the Charlotte Hornets and played six seasons for the team, there is no doubt that those were the best years of his short NBA career.

With coach Gattison’s leadership, some of these youngsters can really improve their game, but very rarely does a player achieve success by outperforming his teammates in Summer League games. Let’s just hope that whoever does dominate for team can play just as well against much tougher NBA veterans.

Others on the Summer League roster includes F Jerald Fields, G Justin Gray, G Chris Hill, C Yemi Nicholson, F Milt Palacio, F Anthony Richardson, G Anthony Robertson, F Marcus Vinicius and G Ezra Williams. Gray is a personal favorite of mine, and a favorite of Chris Paul as well.

CP3 started alongside Gray for two seasons at Wake Forest, and they both endured much success during that span. Although Gray is considered a PG, he was able to play a fair amount of minutes at SG while at Wake Forest. If Gray can develop into a solid combo guard that can play a decent amount of minutes, we could see the Hornets sign him to a small contract and allow him to compete for a roster spot during training camp.

The numbers don’t lie… Gray averaged 18.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 4.3 apg during his senior season in college, and like I said before, he knows how to handle things at both PG and SG. Whether or not he’s been able to stay in shape and continue to develop is the question.

If you have NBA TV, or a high-speed computer to watch the live webcasts available on NBA.com, I suggest you tune in to the Hornets five games this July… Why? Well, if you’re anything like me you’ll want to enjoy any basketball you can find during the summer, because we all know it’s going to be a while before the ‘07-08 season tips off.

Full Roster

Pos.     Name                 HT     WT         EXP

G        Justin Gray         6-3    194lbs     N/A
G        Adam Haluska     6-5    210lbs      R
G        Chris Hill            6-3    190lbs     N/A
G        Anthony Roberson 6-2  180lbs       2
G        Ezra Williams      6-4    190lbs     N/A
F         Jerald Wallace     6-7    260lbs     N/A
F         Milt Palacio         6-4    210lbs       7
F         Anthony Richardson 6-9 210lbs    N/A
F         Cedric Simmons  6-10  235lbs       1
F         Marcus Vinicius   6-8    225lbs       1
F         Julian Wright      6-8    225lbs       R
F/C     Hilton Armstrong 6-11  235lbs       1
C         Yemi Nicholson   6-11  258lbs      N/A

Hornets Summer League Schedule 

Sat. 7/7    GS    4:00pm ET
Mon. 7/9   MIN   8:30pm ET
Thu. 7/12  MIL   8:30pm ET
Fri. 7/13    PHX  4:00pm ET
Sun. 7/15  HOU  8:30pm ET

* All games will be available on NBA.com as part of their exclusive webcast coverage.

On June 28, the Hornets were bold and selected 6-9 forward Julian Wright out of Kansas with the 13th pick, and selected 6-5 Iowa guard Adam Haluska with number 43 in the second round. On Wright, coach Byron Scott commented that he is “a poor man’s Magic Johnson.” Here is my analysis of the Hornets’ two selections in the draft.

Round 1 Pick 13: F Julian Wright 6-9 211
Possible Positions: SF, PF
Grade: C+
Analysis

To be honest, I was quite disappointed when the Hornets passed up on Nick Young for this guy. They went into the draft needing a shooting guard and Nick was the purest one in the draft. This guy would have fixed all of our perimeter scoring woes. But, since Julian Wright fell to us, Scott and Bower were compelled to take him. Sure, Wright was one of the best athletes in the draft, but he won’t put up the points we need on the perimeter next season and his development will probably take a year or so to give him a complete game. Don’t look for this guy to play the 2 for us anytime soon, but for now he’ll probably take on the high-flyer/perimeter defender role that Desmond Mason has had for the past two seasons. Now, the question remains: will he end up being a full-time small forward or will his poor jumper keep him relegated to the four position?

Round 2 Pick 43: SG Adam Haluska 6-5 210
Possible Positions: SG
Grade: D
Analysis

I was extremely disappointed with this pick considering they had the chance to trade up to take Vandy guard/forward Derrick Byars, a guy that absolutely should have gone in the first round, but they decided not to. Instead, they were left few options after Byars was selected at 42, and I guess Haluska seemed like the best choice to help create depth at the 2. This guy was predicted by many to go undrafted. He’s a good shooter and works hard off the ball, but does nothing else and is too slow to guard opposing players in the NBA. I truly hope this guy doesn’t fall into Scott’s doghouse, but it might happen; we’ve seen it before in Arvydas Macijauskas and his refusal to spend more time improving his defense. They could have taken Reyshawn Terry and molded him into a solid forward/guard mix, but they’re stuck with Haluska as their primary backup unless they pick up a formidable shooting guard in free agency.

Vanderbilt G Derrick Byars had fallen all the way down to the second round of tonight’s draft, but the Hornets decided not to trade up, and instead selected Iowa G Adam Haluska with the 43rd pick overall after Byars had been taken just one pick earlier. Haluska averaged 20.5 ppg last season at Iowa, and shot 40% from the field. In three years at Iowa, Haluska has started 98 games and averaged a total of 16.1 ppg.

‘04-05 Season: 33 games, 33 starts, 14.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, .47% FG, .389% 3PT
‘05-06 Season: 34 games, 34 starts, 13.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, .41% FG, .346% 3PT
‘06-07 Season: 31 games, 31 starts, 20.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.6 apg, .40% FG, .363% 3PT

Many thought that the Hornets would take either Nick or Thaddeus Young at #13, but GM Jeff Bower made a great decision by taking Kansas F Julian Wright with the team’s first round selection. Wright is highly regarded as a player that can do it all at his position, and head coach Byron Scott will look forward to developing Wright into an exceptional NBA starter.

‘05-06 Season: 33 games, 15 starts, 8.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 bpg, .56 FG%
‘06-07 Season: 38 games, 37 starts, 12.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 bpg, .54 FG%

1. POR- C Greg Oden- Should be a given; the Blazers don’t have a major need in the post but he obviously has the potential to be better than all of their current players down low. If Kevin Prichard passes up on this pick and go for Kevin Durant, they would be making a huge mistake.

2. SEA- F Kevin Durant- Seattle could really use Greg Oden but I don’t think that the Blazers will drop the ball and take Durant. For Seattle, KD can provide insurance in case Rashard Lewis departs and would essentially be the future at the small forward position for them. He doesn’t fill a need, but he will obviously be the BPA here and they could invest on a big man or a guard in the second round.

3. ATL- PF/C Al Horford- Word on the street is that Acie Law has gotten a promise from Atlanta at 11, so it looks like they won’t bother to take Mike Conley here. The Hawks could certainly use an NBA-ready big man like Al Horford (to stay away from their potential-based draft practices for once) who might as well be their starting center in a lineup next to Shelden Williams next season.

4. MEM- PG Mike Conley- Memphis might be the place where this guy ends up. Although the Grizzlies drafted Kyle Lowry last season to be their point guard, he wasn’t able to play for most of the season due to injury, hindering his maturation process as an NBA player. If they don’t feel confident they can secure Maurice Williams in free agency, they should go with this pick.

5. BOS- F Yi Jianlian- Lets face it- after their late-season failures, Boston needs to win now. But don’t expect that fact to influence Danny Ainge’s decision on draft day. Indications are showing that he likes Yi and Doc Rivers likes Jeff Green, both of whom will probably be available here. If Ainge wins, they go with Yi and the Celtics go by the wayside for another season. If Rivers gets what he wants, they take Green and anticipate making the playoffs next year. Let’s see how this unfolds.

6. MIL- F Jeff Green- Milwaukee can use a Jeff Green-type player to fill out the wing position for them, as Ruben Patterson is inadequate and Bobby Simmons has been a disappointment for them so far. Green’s under-control style will fit right in with their offense next season.

7. MIN- G/F Corey Brewer- The T’Wolves desperately need a solid wing player in their offense and right now they cannot afford to look for potential. Brewer will give them a defensive presence in the backcourt and at the 3 and should develop into a solid offensive player later on.

8. CHA- PF Joakim Noah- Why not? Charlotte could use an athletic big man to help jumpstart their young lineup, and can really do well off the bench as an energizing force. They could go with Brandan Wright here, but his stock is dropping and Charlotte needs somebody that can make an impact now more than later.

9. CHI- C Spencer Hawes- Chicago is looking for a big man to fill P.J. Brown’s shoes and to recreate depth in the post. Hawes is probably the most skilled center offensively next to Greg Oden; he has soft hands, excellent passing skills, and a jumper out to 18 feet. Hawes will give them that low post scorer that can only compliment Ben Wallace and still allow Tyrus Thomas to grow at the 4.

10. SAC- PF Brandan Wright- Wright’s stock has been falling steadily, so don’t be surprised if he ends up in the early teens. If Sacramento has this opportunity, they should take it to fill out the power forward position for the future.

11. ATL- PG Acie Law- If rumors aren’t unfounded, Acie Law will be going to the ATL at 11. Picking two relatively NBA-ready prospects is a must for the Hawks, and it looks like they’ll do it this year. Law will finally give them a solid floor general, one that can also score off the dribble and has made big shots in the past. This 6-3 prospect out of Texas A&M may end up being individually successful earlier than the rest of the point guards in this draft class and might actually be the key to finally tying together all of the Hawks’ young pieces.

12. PHI- F Al Thornton- The Sixers probably need a power forward more than anything right now, but they might be running out of luck here at 12. Thornton is a true 3 with great offensive skills, and has even shown that he can bang at the power forward position at FSU. His inside-outside abilities could be a plus for Philly, a team that will surely be desperate for scoring next season.

13. NO- SG Nick Young- New Orleans has no choice here- they need a 2 guard badly. Devin Brown is their current starter there with little to no depth on the bench behind him. Hopefully he doesn’t turn into another J.R. Smith in terms of work ethic and defense, as both of these aspects are questionable in his game.

14. LAC- PG Javaris Crittenton- The Clippers desperately need a point guard since their current future at the position may never recover from his injuries, and Sam Cassell will be 38 this November. Elgin Baylor may have learned from his mistakes and would probably cringe away from taking another young point guard like Crittenton (who is one year out of high school), but at 14 and with his potential, they almost have no choice. They may as well work on this guy’s skills while Cassell ages and while they pray for Livingston to return at full health. Let’s just hope Elgin keeps his mouth shut about who he is going to take this year.

15. DET- G Rodney Stuckey- Detroit could really use a solid player in the backcourt after Carlos Delfino failed to fulfill this need and was traded to the Raptors. Stuckey is a versatile combo guard that was known for his scoring prowess at E. Washington. His defense may not be fully up to the Pistons’ standards, but there is room to improve within this guy and he has really proven that he belongs in the first round.

16. WAS- SF Julian Wright- This guy shouldn’t fall this far, but with the way things are going he might as well do so. The Wizards desperately need a shooting guard to help out Gilbert Arenas and they could go for somebody like Derrick Byars, but when you have a spectacular athlete like Julian Wright fall to your lap, you have to pick him up.

17. NJ- PF Josh McRoberts- New Jersey could be getting a steal with McRoberts here at 17, whose athleticism and finishing skills is needed in the Nets’ post game. His back to the basket offense needs help, but his potential is great and his energetic nature would fit right in with the rest of New Jersey’s talent.

18. GS- PF Jason Smith- Smith’s solid perimeter game for a 4 would surely thrive in Don Nelson’s offense, and the Warriors have really needed a good big man for a while. He may not be your conventional post player, but why shouldn’t they fill that position and get another good perimeter player at the same time?

19. LAL- SF Thaddeus Young- The Lakers would probably do better by drafting a point guard or big man here, but they could use a solid forward with potential like Thaddeus Young, especially if he falls this far. Anything that can please Kobe, they must do, but at 19 there’s not a lot they can pull together.

20. MIA- SG Daequan Cook- Miami ended the season ranked 27th in the league in three point shooting percentage and could really use some extra shooting, especially if Jason Kapono bolts for a long term deal somewhere else. Cook can give them the deep shooting they need at the 2-guard position, all he needs to do is improve his ballhandling and defense.

21. PHI- SG Morris Almond- After trading Allen Iverson, Philadelphia needs more offense. Almond is one of the best offensive two guards in the draft and may end up being a huge steal.

22. CHA- SG Rudy Fernandez- Charlotte could fill their need at shooting guard by taking Fernandez here and hoping for some solid development.

23. NY- SF Wilson Chandler- There have been quite a few rumors about this pick, including one that the Knicks may actually be picking for someone else. Wilson Chandler won’t even be working out for them, but there have been hints that he will be going here.

24. PHX- SG Marco Belinelli- Belinelli’s jumpshot and offensive skills make for a perfect fit for the Suns’ offense. In their system, Belinelli might even be able to play right away and have the ability to put up big numbers for Phoenix.

25. UTA- SG Arron Afflalo- The Jazz really need a solid two guard in their system in order to be more competitive in the playoffs next season. Ronnie Brewer might end up being good offensively, but they can stand to add more depth there anyway. Afflalo plays solid defense, has a nice jumpshot, and is definitely one of the most NBA-ready 2 guards in this draft. He is a Jerry Sloan-type player and could give them what Jazz fans saw in Raja Bell a few years back.

26. HOU- PF Tiago Splitter- Since trading veteran Juwan Howard to the Timberwolves, the Rockets have created a huge hole at the power forward position. Down here at 26 they may have a hard time filling this need as Splitter is no guarantee to be here. If he is, expect them to snatch him up and hope he can play as soon as next season.

27. DET- G/F Derrick Byars- Detroit could just use this pick on a big man with potential, but they could also continue to build up their backcourt depth and take a guard/wing combo player like Derrick Byars. The guy has good size, plays defense, and his scoring is underrated. Byars is extremely polished and should have little to no trouble learning the Pistons’ system on both sides of the ball.

28. SAN- C Kyrylo Fesenko- Fesenko has been a quick riser this offseason, going from a potentially undrafted prospect to a first-round possibility. Look for the Spurs to continue their practices of drafting international players here, all the while filling their need at center for the future.

29. PHX- PG Gabe Pruitt- The Suns need a point guard to spell Steve Nash and Pruitt can run the floor with the best of them, making this a solid fit.

30. PHI- PG Ramon Sessions- Philly could use another point on their roster and Sessions has shown that he is one of the purest in the draft. He would have ample time to learn from Andre Miller before being worked more into the offense.

By noballer07 & 808Hornetsfan

The Hornets literally hit the jackpot in the ‘05 Draft when PG Chris Paul was passed up by three teams before landing in the Hornets nest. It was an obvious choice for GM Allen Bristow then, and Paul has been worth the pick thus far in his career. The problem the Hornets now face is finding the next rookie who can work side-by-side with Paul in leading the team to the postseason. Of course, that will be difficult to accomplish seeing is how the Hornets are not picking fourth overall, but 13th overall. There are plenty of options, but it is still uncertain on what the team will do with their first round selection, so we’re going to do our best in determining what will happen on Thursday night.

We do know that there are at least five players on the Hornets draft board that will likely be selected at #13, but it’s always hard to predict which one of those players is the favorite among the best. These are the five that will be looked at constantly throughout the next 24 hours or so:

SG Nick Young, USC

SF Julian Wright, Kansas

PG Acie Law, Texas A&M

SF Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech

G/F Derrick Byars, Vanderbilt

It’s safe to say the Hornets will be looking for a guard/wing in the first round. All five of these players would make a big contribution next season, but the hardest question is which one fits the best? We’ve answered that, along with who the team should take with both of their picks…

First Round (13th overall)

noballer07:

SG Nick Young- If this guy is there, take him. There have been reports that Byron Scott was not entirely pleased with Young’s defense at the workout on the 25th, but at this point the team has no choice. The best 2-guard on the board in Corey Brewer will probably be long gone, and so will Julian Wright, a wing player who could develop into an all-around talent. Nick Young is probably the best player they’ll be able to get in this draft in order to fill the shooting guard position for the team. Let’s just hope that he isn’t the next J.R. Smith.

Alternative:
G/F Derrick Byars- If in any event Nick Young isn’t available or Scott ends up not wanting to develop another shooting guard prospect, they can trade down and take Derrick Byars, who is probably the second most NBA-ready 2-guard in this draft. Scott has also commented that he would like a player that can play shooting guard and small forward and Byars has the versatility and NBA-body to do both.

808Hornetsfan:

SF Thaddeus Young- His numbers may not be that impressive, but he has the versatility to be a starting SF in the NBA. He has a nice shooting touch, he can rebound, he can defend in the paint against opposing forwards, and he’s one of, if not the most athletic player in the draft. Coach Scott will not pass him up if he’s there at #13, Young’s workouts made sure of that. The only question that Thaddeus must answer in the future is can he be more of a threat offensively if he does start?

Alternative:
G Nick Young- Either way, the Hornets will draft a Young with the 13th pick, unless somehow both of these guys are taken before the Hornets are up. Young can step in immediately for the team and score some points, but his defense will have to improve if he’s going to play the 2. With Peja Stojakovic returning this season, Coach Scott will want a more balanced attack on both sides, but the team will struggle if both Young and Peja are beat defensively every night.

Second Round (43rd overall)

noballer07:

PG Taurean Green- Who knows if Scott was impressed by this guy, but he may as well be available at 43. We need a 3rd option at the point guard right now seeing that Bobby Jackson is almost a guarantee to miss 20 or more games a season at this stage of his career and Chris Paul needs the load taken off of him in order to tone down on some of his own injuries. Green needs work running an offense but being the third point guard on a team with a very young talent leading the show at the 1 takes all of the pressure off.

Alternatives:
SF Reyshawn Terry- The 6-7 forward has experience, plays good defense, and has an NBA-ready frame. Although being a 4-year player, he still has a good bit of potential in him.

SF Dominic McGuire- This guy is not a bad player; he’s quite an athlete and plays solid defense. Could be a nice replacement for Desmond Mason.

PF Glen Davis- A no-brainer for a lot of people since he plays just up the river from New Orleans. He wouldn’t fill a need, but if he falls to our hands it would be quite interesting to see how he would fit in.

808Hornetsfan:

F Demetris Nichols- One of the most improved players the last two seasons, Nichols has stepped up his game and can really create a spark off the bench for the Hornets. His FG% have increased in each of his four seasons at Syracuse, and he averaged 18 and 5 a game this past season. He has great post moves in the paint, and his defense is among the best at his position. With a few seasons of experience, Nichols could a perfect weapon off the bench, and can certainly fill in for someone when the injury bug comes around.

Alternative:
F Glen Davis- Not many forwards that are Big Baby’s size can average 17, 10 and 2 a game. Not to mention, Davis has been known to hit some three-pointers. It is a development project to take him, but like noballer said, he’s a hometown boy who fit in perfectly. And who knows, maybe he becomes the steal of the draft and is a future starter in New Orleans?

There is no telling of what can happen on draft night, but we hope we’re pretty close in predicting what’s going to unfold. After a month of workouts and scouting, we hope Coach Scott and the gang can make the right decisions with their two picks, the city of New Orleans will be watching very move they make.

Hornets Workout Seven
by noballer07

PF Jason Smith 7-0 240
Attributes- Smith is a perimeter-oriented seven footer with a smooth jumpshot out to 18 feet and solid ballhanding for his size. His post moves aren’t varied or refined, and his strength needs to improve in order to be successful down low in the NBA.
Hornets?- I’m almost certain they aren’t looking to draft this guy as he wouldn’t fit into this system and doesn’t fill a need. The team already has 2 solid power forwards in David West and Cedric Simmons.

PF Carl Landry 6-8 245
Attributes- A nice prospect at the four, Landry was a solid low post scorer and rebounder at Purdue. However, he is undersized for a power forward and probably won’t be effective defensively.
Hornets?- It’s a possibility that they’d take him at #43; he should be available around that pick and it would be nice to give some competition to Brandon Bass.

G Nate Funk 6-3 195
Attributes- Nate Funk is a tweener with good ability to score off the dribble and a solid jumpshot. May not be drafted. His court vision is not the best and he does better at the 2.
Hornets?- I doubt it; he won’t be drafted but probably will be picked up by a team for the summer league.

F Levon Kendall 6-10 230
Attributes- Not much is known about this guy, but apparently he has the ability to both put the ball on the floor and post up down low. Hasn’t done much at Pittsburgh in his college career.
Hornets?- Low probability; he may be taken a look at for the summer league.

G/F Derrick Byars 6-7 225
Attributes- Very solid prospect; NBA-ready and plays defense. Has a variety of moves offensively and has displayed a consistent jumper. Upside might be limited.
Hornets?- If the team decides to trade down, it’s a possibility. I know Byron Scott likes players who play defense and this guy will be able to step in early on and help out the team.

PF Chris Richard 6-9 255
Attributes- Low post scorer and hustle man for Florida. Never got the opportunity to do much (mostly a bench player) and played under the shadows of Horford and Noah down low. Very grounded.
Hornets?- I like this guy; he’s tough and has a wide body. He probably won’t get drafted but we might see him get picked up by the team in free agency.

G Loren Stokes 6-3 180
Attributes- Hofstra guard that averaged 20 ppg this past season. Rebounding is solid for his size. Very likely to go undrafted as his point guard skills are unrefined. Has played a lot of small forward.
Hornets?- We need a third option at point guard and I’m not impressed with who they’re bringing in, but who knows, they may swing him an offer in free agency to play in the summer league.

By 808Hornetsfan

HornetsNews.com takes a look at the three free agents who may be leaving the Big Easy in early July. Which will the Hornets retain, and which will the Hornets let walk this summer? We finish up our week-long preview with veteran G/F Desmond Mason.

2007 Season: 75 games, 75 starts, 13.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.5 apg

Mason arrived in a time of transition for the Hornets. Hurricane Katrina had just swept through the city of New Orleans, and the team was still getting used to their temporary home, Oklahoma City. Desmond was a key player in the Hornets big turnaround in 2005, and he continued to lead the team with his strong play. Mason is considered to be one of the top defenders at his position, and his production on the court shows why.

On a injury-plagued Hornets roster, Mason was the only player in the starting lineup that was able to play in every game. That streak ended towards the end of the season when Mason was elbowed in the face by Sonics F Chris Wilcox during a game against Seattle. The injury required season-ending surgery on his nose, and the Hornets failed to reach the playoffs without him. In a way, much of the success of the past two seasons was thanks to D-Mase, who played in 145 games while starting in 130.

The seven-year veteran will turn 30 in October, but he has yet to show signs of his age. In fact, Mason’s high-flying dunking abilities are still as good as they were when he was the Slam Dunk Champion back in 2001. With that in mind, management must take some time to evaluate Mason’s last two seasons, and decide if he can play a big role in getting the Hornets into the playoffs next year.

With the Hornets expected to sign only a few players in free agency, it doesn’t look to well for the fans who want Mason back with the team next season. A player like Desmond will be sought after by a handful of teams, and his market value will have GM’s willing to pay a hefty salary to get him.

With Mason gone, a big hole opens up at SF, and the only way to fix that is by drafting a swingman with the 13th overall selection. Whether or not a rookie can fill in that hole, well, that remains to be seen. All we can hope for is a consistent player that can anchor our perimeter defense as well as hit shots from anywhere on the floor, two things Mason did for us for two seasons.

So at this point, it looks like the Hornets will part ways with Desmond this July. Who knows what the future holds without #24 on our squad, but we must move on. Perhaps Mason finds the perfect team that can get him what every basketball player dreams of getting, a championship ring. I wish him good luck on the rest of his NBA career, his time here as a Hornet will not be forgotten.

Desmond Mason: FA

This concludes our preview of the upcoming free agency period, the Hornets will have some tough decisions to make on who to keep for next season. One key contributer, Jannero Pargo, already opted out of his two-year deal last week, so we may see a lot of changes ahead. Tomorrow we’ll give you the entire list of Hornets free agents, and explain who will stay and who will go. Only six more days until the 2007 NBA Draft!

By 808Hornetsfan

HornetsNews.com continues it’s look at the three important free agents that could be leaving the Big Easy in early July. Which guys will the Hornets retain, and which will the Hornets let walk this summer? We continue our preview with veteran F/C Marc Jackson.

2007 Season: 56 games, 25 starts, 7.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg

Despite the Hornets using two first round picks in the 2006 draft on a forward and center, Jackson continued to play hard and surpassed rookies Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons on the depth chart. Coach Scott was impressed by Jackson’s aggressive play under the rim, and decided it was best for him to play behind Tyson Chandler at center. 17 of Jackson’s 25 starts were at PF, but he was only able to average around 9 and 3 a game. In seven starts at center, Jackson played much better as he averaged 12 and 6 a night.

His long-range shooting abilities are also a plus, making his value much higher. Although he won’t demand a high salary, Jackson would like to have a little extra bank in his pocket if he’s going to be coming off the bench for another two or three seasons. In fact, at age 32 Marc has never started more than 35 games in one season, and that was in his rookie season with the Warriors. He may not get a starting job elsewhere, but he could get a better opportunity to play with a different team. And with the Hornets waiting to get a return on their two draft choices, Jackson’s playing time would probably decrease to give the younger guys a chance to shine.

It’s going to come down to whether or not the team wants to wait another season to see if they made the right choices in drafting Armstrong and Simmons. Jackson is the only thing standing in their way in terms of playing time. If you look at it in a different way, you’ll see that Jackson’s play was inconsistent. His best games of the year were played in the month of April, when he averaged 13.1 ppg and 7.5 rpg.

The forward and center positions are not something the Hornets have to worry about, so it looks like Jackson will move on this offseason. It will be interesting to see where he lands, and if he’ll be in a better situation. His longest tenure with a team has only been two seasons, so he may never get a long term deal at this point in his career.

Sorry to see you go Marc, but we need to move on. It’s time to see what our younger players can do, and if the risk pays off. I think I speak for a lot of Hornets fans when I say that Marc Jackson will not be wearing a Hornet’s uniform next season.

Marc Jackson: FA