INDIANAPOLIS — The Boston Celtics were preseason cover boys for every major sports periodical. The New Orleans Hornets, by default, graced the cover of Hornets Magazine.
But in the past week, when Nuggets coach George Karl was engrossed in film study of upcoming opponents, he had a revelation.
“We were as impressed or more impressed with New Orleans than we were with Boston, to be honest with you,” Karl said before Wednesday’s game against the Celtics. “I’m not knocking Boston – Boston is impressive. But New Orleans is – whoa!”
While the Hornets simply beat the Nuggets, the Nuggets were General Shermaned by the Celtics. Still, Karl remains steadfast that New Orleans, lately a lottery regular, is now a playoff team.
November has had its share of surprises, notably the Hornets, who are 4-2 and play four of their next five against teams that missed the playoffs last season.
Point guard Chris Paul is averaging 11.5 assists per game, tops in the NBA. At times, Karl said, Paul looks like former MVP Steve Nash. Center Tyson Chandler, second in the league in rebounding last year, “takes the paint and loves it,” Karl said, “and feels great about being this new defensive and rebounding stud.” And a healthy Peja Stojakovic (how long will this last?) is shooting like he did in Sacramento.
Advancing to the playoffs has been the goal for coach Byron Scott since he rolled into to New Orleans on a virtual Mardi Gras float in 2004.
But Scott’s first season was marred with malcontents (notably Baron Davis) and a roster that included former Nugget Junior Harrington, who actually started eight games, and occasional starters Dan Dickau, Jackson Vroman and Matt Freije.
In 2005-06 and 2006-07, the Hornets played in Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina, entering the April playoff hunt both times – and both times ending up in the lottery. Last season, it’s worth noting, Hornets starters missed a combined 133 games.
Now the team is back in New Orleans, trying to win over a reluctant fan base. New Orleans sports fans claim that their city is a great “sports town,” when really it’s just a great “Saints town.” Only 9,817 came to a home victory against Portland. Many fans there are on-the-fence about the franchise, which, rightfully so, is claiming it’s a part of New Orleans culture. And some naïve fans think the Hornets turned their backs on the city by going to Oklahoma for two seasons, when the truth was the Hornets went there to stay financially viable – so they could make a triumphant return home to New Orleans this season.
But, if the Hornets keep winning, the NBA – and New Orleans – will have to start paying attention. Karl already has, and he likes what he sees.
The last of Larry? Legendary coach Larry Brown is not coaching, but arguably his best player ever said he should be.
“I think it would be great for the game,” said Nuggets guard Allen Iverson, who played for Brown in Philadelphia from 1997-2003. “For me, there are a lot of coaches in this league who are great coaches, but I’m a big Larry Brown fan. I think he’s the best in the business.”
The 67-year-old Brown is now an executive vice president for the 76ers.
“He’s the type of person – as much as players love basketball, it’s hard for him to stay out of it,” Iverson said. “He’s a teacher. I honestly think he will be back.”
It’s official. This season, the NBA announces the game officials in the morning, and some teams use this information to their advantage, Karl said, dissecting data about certain guys’ habits.
“I personally don’t want to over-statistic the game,” Karl said. “To me, it’s a feel game. Some nights you get calls, some nights you don’t get calls. Some nights, it’s a touch game. Some nights, it’s a physical game. I don’t think you can predict. …
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to burn the statistics. I’m not saying I won’t have an assistant look at the statistics.”
Footnotes. Celtics guard Rajon Rando, according to Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, is overlooked and underrated. “I don’t know why people are sleeping on him,” Anthony said of Rondo, who entered the weekend averaging 10.3 points. “He’s a big key to that team. He can just spread the court out.” … This week, Heat center Shaquille O’Neal failed to score in double figures in two straight games for the first time since 2004. … Orlando, folks, is really talented. Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis make up an overwhelming frontcourt. … Welcome back to Earth, Golden State Warriors, who are winless.
SPOTLIGHT ON …
Chris Kaman, C, Clippers
With the Dodgers’ September collapse, the Angels’ postseason collapse, USC football slipping out of the BCS and Kobe Bryant trying to move out of town, the city of Los Angeles has been a bastion of tumult. Thank goodness for the Clippers.
With their best player, Elton Brand, out until midseason with an Achilles injury, the Clippers still won their first four games thanks to their anchor, 7-foot banger Kaman. Entering this season, his career-best averages came in 2005-06, when he averaged 11.9 points per game and 9.6 rebounds. Entering the weekend, he was averaging 16.8 points and 16.5 rebounds (best in the league).
