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March 26, 2008

A year ago when the wins and losses for each NBA team were tallied at the end of the regular season, the New Orleans Hornets were left with 39 victories, leaving them 3 games short of the playoffs.

This year, even if they managed to better their record with those 3 extra wins, they would still be looking in as spectators. But that was not their plan at all. As it is, New Orleans worked on win #48 last night by beating the Indiana PAcers 114-106. David West had 35, Chris Paul 31, and Danny Granger 26 points for Indiana.

We took a good look at the squad to try to figure out the reason for its succcess this season. The team is essentially the same as last season. So aside from the intangible factors the team has improved on such as, chemistry, ball movement, natural growth process, and the like, the biggest tangible difference this year is the addition of Peja Stojakovic, from Scaramento Kings fame.

What happened to that boy...? From MVP contender to regular starter. But such is the pace of things in this league, and the competition is fierce.

Last year he was only able to play 13 games for the Hornets until an injury took him out for the season. This season his numbers are down from his carreer averages in all areas. He also just a 3rd option behind Chris Paul and David West. Though sometimes it can seem more like 5th, since Chris Paul can be options 1, 2, and 3.

But make no mistake Peja is still a force in the league. His a addtition to the Hornerts' lineup is what has helped make business harder for the opposition. Who knows had he been healthy the previous season, New Orleans might be challenging for a top playoff spot then. But then expectations would have been through the roof this year.

While the name Peja may not ring the same bells it used to, and he's largely absent from most conversations involving the Hornets success, come playoff time his skills and experience will come into play considering he's the titanic battle he's encountered.

Chris Paul the runaway star of this squad, and a deserving candidate for MVP, but it's just not quite a one man show.

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