<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Philadelphia 76ers traded center Steven Hunter to the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday for two second-round draft picks. It's the Hornets' second trade in a 24-hour span in an attempt to reinforce their front line following the dismissal of forward Chris Andersen last week for violating the NBA's drug policy. "We were real small," coach Byron Scott said at the team's shootaround. "We've gotten bigger in a matter of minutes." Hunter, a 7-footer, is averaging 4.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 35 games with the 76ers this season. A first-round pick by Orlando in 2001, he played three seasons with the Magic and one with Phoenix before signing with Philadelphia as a free agent before this season. "We're excited. We bring in another athlete, a 7-foot athlete, 24 years old who runs and jumps and does a lot of the things that we want here," Scott said. "I think he'll fit in extremely well." The Hornets are giving up their 2006 and 2007 second-round picks and will also receive cash considerations from Philadelphia. On Tuesday, the Hornets acquired Aaron Williams from Toronto for their other 2006 second-round pick and a 2009 second rounder. Williams is expected to be in uniform for New Orleans' game against Chicago on Wednesday night. The Hornets have two first-round picks in this year's draft, including one they received from Milwaukee when they swapped Jamaal Magloire for Desmond Mason in the preseason. "We were able to get a young center that we feel is going to get much better and better, that's shown improvement," Scott said. "He had his best year in Phoenix playing the type of basketball that we play. And then we got a veteran in Aaron Williams. We've still got our first-round picks."</div> Source With the additions of Aaron Williams and Steven Hunter, the Hornets are making the right moves to get into the playoffs. Hunter should thrive playing alongside Chris Paul and Speedy Claxton, like he did in Phoenix with Steve Nash. Aaron Williams brings playoff experience to the young team and another banger to back up PJ Brown. Byron Scott is familiar with Aaron Williams, and some of his most productive years came under Scott in New Jersey.
Getting Hunter is a great move. He will provide the athleticism and shot-blocking ability that was expected of The Birdman. I don't see the rationale behind the deal for Philly. If Sammy goes down again they're in a world of hurt.
great trade by the hornets IMO. you get a decent big man that can score for the price of only 2 2nd round draft picks. hunter will most likely be better than any of those players drafted. IMO.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting phiLA:</div><div class="quote_post">great trade by the hornets IMO. you get a decent big man that can score for the price of only 2 2nd round draft picks. hunter will most likely be better than any of those players drafted. IMO.</div> As a Philly fan, do you know what the rationale behind the trade was? Hunter seemed to fit in well.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jerry West:</div><div class="quote_post">As a Philly fan, do you know what the rationale behind the trade was? Hunter seemed to fit in well.</div> Apparently King has given up on this season, and is looking at rebuilding the organization that is the only explanation I see that seems logical. Hunter had a big contract, and was not really going to crack the starting lineup any time soon with Samuel Dalembert holding down the center spot so they traded him. I think it?s a horrible trade for the 76ers, but a great one for the Hornets. They needed a couple big men to replace Chris Anderson and they went out and got two good ones.
