<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Hornets will have the fourth overall selection in a draft that analysts and experts feel has a measurable drop in talent after the first four picks. Last season's 18-64 record dictates that Bristow, overseeing his second draft for New Orleans since taking over from mentor Bob Bass last summer, make a flawless selection. There appears to be depth in role players, and that would indicate that the Hornets' second-round pick, at No. 33, might have a better chance than in years past at making a rebuilt roster. Pressure? Bring it on, says Bristow. "It's very important for this franchise to get back in the right direction," Bristow said in his office late last week, the grease board on the wall devoid of names of eligible players, a possible indication that his choices have narrowed. "The only way we're going to do that is not to make mistakes in the draft when you have this type of an opportunity. If you find a reason why teams are always at the bottom, it's mainly because they don't draft well." And drafting poorly, as many NBA teams discover, can be the beginning of a domino effect. "You've got to draft well to trade well," Bristow said. "You've got to have value in your franchise in order to be competitive year in and year out. Whether that draft pick stays with you, that's irrelevant. But that draft pick has to have value. "Among other things, you certainly have to have a good coaching staff, a good general manager to make trades, but it's important that you make good selections with your picks." </div> Source
Well considering the complete overhaul of there roster they had last season. The title of this thread should be "Hornets see draft as long road to future". This draft will be just the start of things if they hope to compete in the western conference. I think what they are hoping for right now is for Chris Paul to slip by the Blazers considering the Blazers did draft Telfair last year. Having two point guards taken in the first round two years in a row might be a bad move for them. If they get Chris Paul they will have a lethal back court for the future. With JR Smith and Chris Paul. Those two together could both be future all stars. Then the Hornets need to improve there bench a little they have PJ Brown who although ancient can still put up good numbers for a team loking to make a playoff run. possibly trade him to get some players to build a bench with. Then you have a pretty good three man core with Jamal, Chris, and JR Smith. Not to mnetion there second rounder considering it is really high they could use to draft either a swing man or power forward to further help improve the team. I do not expect this team to compete for a playoff birth next season, but in a few years if they manage the cap right, and get good youngsters they will have a solid playoff team.
