Dell Demps Doing Work

Call me crazy, but I think the Hornets just got better. 

The trades to add Ariza and Belinelli to their team are good, solid moves that provide them with youth, shooting, and flexibility.  Sure, Darren Collison was a very good player to have behind Chris Paul, but moving him affirms the new management’s faith in their star and quiets the whispers that might have lingered involving CP3.  Also, loosing the un-realized potential of Julian Wright will bring “what if’s” and “might’a been’s”, but Ariza has already reached that level and should be ready to contribute in a big way for the NOOCH in the upcoming season.

The only problem I see with the deals is that it presents Monty Williams with a bit of a conundrum as he will be faced with a fit of a log jam at the 2 and 3 spots.  I guess log jam isn’t quite the right word, but he will face challenges deciding whom to play where and when.  For instance Ariza is probably good enough to start on this team, but does he do so at the 2 or the 3.  If at the 3 then what about Peja?  If at the 2, then Monty and Dell just set up a four man platoon at that position: Ariza, Thornton, Belinelli, and Pondexter — though I guess he could play his college position.

I guess a Spurs blogger shouldn’t criticize a team for having too many shoot guards at this point, but it will be interesting to see how thy resolve this issue moving forward.

As I mentioned in the lead, I think the Hornets just got better.  This is relevant to you Spurs fans because it could affect the playoff race in ’10-’11.  Last year the 8 Western Conference playoff teams won between 57 and 50 games top to bottom.  The Hornets won 37 and finished 11th with a sometimes injured Chris Paul and head coach drama early in the season.  Could the new coach and new players along with a possibly re-dedicated and healthy Chris Paul improve that total enough to get into the ‘offs?  Your guess is as good as mine, but I’m not quite ready to right them off for the #8 spot.