The contrast between Paul and Smith I believe is giving us Hornet fans a glimpse of what kind of team the Hornet Organization is trying to build. They want to beat San Antonio, Dallas and Memphis at their own game. The draft will be used to either bring in potential defensive skilled players on the front line and wing, or if the Hornets feel like they'll have a pretty stingy defense next year by adding a couple of 6'10" 22 year olds, unexciting but well-coached and able to finish around the basket, they may have to draft someone like Dee Brown to replace Speedy Claxton whom I fear will depart for more minutes and money. The Spurs were very good when both Duncan and Robinson arrived at the same time, and Dallas has been very good for a long time, and Memphis is on the rise; but the thread which connects these teams is the ability to win with defense. Something Dallas couldn't do until 2005. Paul is a tenacious defender with one goal, to win. Smith is not there, yet. Draft carefully NO, build a feared defense and the points will follow.
The Hornets have a lot of options to fill their needs this summer. - Cap Space - Expiring Contracts - Two 1st Round Picks In New Jersey, Byron Scott used an athletic lineup to win games. I'm sure he would like to add an athletic shotblocker who can finish around the rim. Kenyon Martin played like an All Star in Byron Scott's system, and last summer the Hornets were in the Stromile Swift sweepstakes. This draft class is loaded with athletic shotblocking forwards and I think the Hornets should go after Tyrus Thomas, Cedric Simmons, or Shelden Williams. They might be able to package their two first round picks or JR Smith plus one 1st round pick to move up and take Tyrus Thomas. He'd be a great draw since he played college ball at LSU, and has the defensive minded Scott is looking for. I think the Hornets also might want to address the size need as well. PJ Brown will be in his final year of his contract and the Hornets don't have any young guys to develop to play Center. Patrick O'Bryant, Saer Sene, Paul Davis or Aaron Gray are the top players at the Center position. Another option could be signing Joel Pryzbilla or Nazr Mohammed. Or they could take a gamble on Nene Hilario.
I agree we need size and athleticism. But the player(s) needs fierceness. The Hornets need to be a team no one wants to play. We have to get at least one guy who fits the bill.
