Is it premature to say New Orleans will be a top 4 seed in the West?

I don't think many saw this coming but I'm thinking they're for real. On paper, they're better than the Hornets team that nearly won the West in 2008. People just forgot how amazing Paul was when he was healthy. Well, he's healthy now and they're hanging tough with the Heat. They may lose, but wow, what do you all think? Time to rearrange your Western Conference predictions?

 

Yes, it's too early

 

What was your prediction before the season? And does a 5-0 start including a win against a hot Miami team change that for you?

 

I don't know that I had a prediction for them? As for the win, I think they are good, but I don't think they have the bench to get that high

 

I thought they would be a playoffs team - but I did not see them starting that hot. Maybe they will be better than I anticipated. Fun to watch.

 

I remember putting them somewhere in the bottom 4 of the playoff teams in the West in crandc's prediction game. A healthy CP3 is a top 4 player in the league.

So much for a good pick, though.

 

That draft pick looks miiiiiiighty good right now.....

 

Chris Paul is just proving that he is the best PG in the league. That's it.

They'll definitely come back down to earth.

 

Well, yea. I'd didn't say they'd go 82-0, but "coming down to earth" could mean a 4 seed.

 

I just don't see how they are better than us on paper, but we all know paper doesn't equal results...

Paul > Miller
Bellineli < Roy
Okeafor < Camby
Ariza < Batum
West = Aldridge
NO Bench < POR Bench
Monty = Nate

 

Dude, they're 5 games into the season. I still say they will be lucky to make it to the playoffs.

 

That wold be my thoughts as well. Not a lot of depth to the team- which is needed for 82 games. That said, it's a hard thing to see them as a top 4 team.

 

Ariza and Batum are almost identical in stats, but Ariza averages right now 2 steals a game.

David West is better and more versatile than Aldridge. Coming off the dribble, with a post up game and outside range. Plus a solid defense down low and on the perimeter and you're gonna say LaMarcus does all that? LMA can beat you down low, and can defend most big men, but overall; West is better so your equal is negative.

 

Ariza plays 7 more minutes a game and yet still averages less rebounds and pts than Batum while shooting 38%. Batum is better, no question.

 

If Paul stays fully healthy then yes, it looks probable that this Hornets team will make the playoffs, but given his recent history I wouldn't bank on it. As for HCA and a top 4 seed? Pffft, who the hell knows (and yes it's way premature).

 

Yes, New Orleans will make the playoffs because the basketball gods have ordained that Portland never gets a break.

 

Bayless isn't looking very good either 2 pts, 2 rbds, and 2 asst per game and that's playing for a coach that wanted him.

 

There's no guarantee we'll make the playoffs either. How is this New Orleans team worse than the Hornets team that almost got the #1 seed in 2008? This the first time Paul has been healthy AND had a healthy supporting cast since then.

Bellinelli > Morris Peterson
Trevor Ariza > old Peja
Okafor > Chandler

I'm telling you... pay attention

 

New Orleans only gets 37 ppg in the paint. They have no chance of being a Top 4 seed.