| A Great Point Guard Not Named Baron Authored by Rashod Buter/SW36 - June 30, 2005 - 2:40 pm
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This was the exact quote from Commissioner David Stern on Draft night, June 28th.
Everyone in the Hornets organization would like to forget about the horrendous 2004-2005 season, and hopefully Chris Paul, the dazzling player from Wake Forest, will make them forget and move on. On draft night, the Hornets were desperately looking for a player to help them rebound and make them a contender like they once were in the eastern conference.
After trading Baron Davis to Golden State for unproven point guard and an age old center, New Orleans knew they had to get a point guard to run their team. With what was a odd draft lottery in which many surprises were granted, New Orleans moved back a spot from where they originally supposed to be, and getting the 4th pick in the draft. They knew they had to draft a point guard to replace fan favorite Baron, but the question was which one? Deron Williams was also a great prospect for them. Ultimately, they knew who to pick when their turn came, and it was Chris Paul from Wake Forest. Paul, a six foot point guard will help New Orleans for what looks like many years. Paul, an early entry out of college has great court vision, and has blazing speed. They only concern with Paul is his size. Now, Paul is listed at 6’0 on many NBA sites, but he size has bounced around, going as low as 5’9. But, as he showed in college, size does not matter. Chris earned himself First Team All-ACC and ACC All-Defensive Team honors, while averaging 15.3 points per game, and 6.6 dimes for the Demon Deacons. And although Chris Paul only played two years of college ball, he is definitely NBA ready.
New Orleans also had a second round pick (#33) will which they selected Forward Brandon Bass, a hometown kid. Bass, like Paul, was also an early entry player, playing only two seasons at Louisiana State. While at LSU, he made a name for himself, averaging 17.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, earning him SEC Player of the Year. Bass’ defense will be felt next season, as he was the third leading shot-blocker of all time and LSU.
The Hornets definitely look like they are on the right track. These picks might not get them into the playoffs this year, or the next, but once they build around Paul and potentially Bass, they will be deadly. Hornets’ fans have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season. |
