Conference 7.286::sports_91

Bob,

The Boston Globe had some thoughts on the recent trade.  It stated that
the Hornets want O'Neal (from LSU - who doesn't?), if he comes out this
year.  They didn't want to be put in the position of having to draft the
best center available if O'Neal stays in, or is gone by their pick.
Giminski gives them time to play with.

Mike

It's going to take a lot to convince me that it was a good deal for the
Hornets.   It seems more of a face saving gesture than a commitment to
winning.  First, they let J.R. off the hook of not being able to play guys
who are maybe two to three inches taller.... Second, they get rid of Hoppen
without having to eat his contract.    Third, {and this is just a cynic's
view}, they get a more racially appealing lineup for the fans. 

If J.R. doesn't come thru, then what?    If they're playing for a lottery
pick, why not keep the Hammer anyway?   Even if O'Neal doesn't come out,
there'll be Doug Smith (Missouri) and Dikembe Mutombo (Georgetown) who can
play center.   If O'Neal comes out, then the Hornets have to hope they get
either the #1 or at worst #2 pick.... which is no longer tied to the record
of the team.   

Would the deal have been made if they hadn't lost 11 in a row?   I don't think
so.   

And what's happened to Kendall Gill?   

    All valid points, Doug, with the exception of the racial appeal angle. 
    I have no comment on *that* issue except to say that I'd be very
    disappointed if that was a front office consideration at all.
    
    I agree with you that Reid's ample posterior just got toasty hot.  If
    he doesn't come through (and there's no evidence that he will, either)
    *and* the Sixers do well with Gilliam, then the trade is a complete
    flop.   No argument from me on that.
    
    As for lottery picks and Shaquille O'Neal and all that, I think it's
    way too early to start speculating now.  I'm not sure the Hornets were
    thinking that far ahead.  Especially since, as you pointed out, the
    lottery means that no one is guaranteed a shot at O'Neal.   And Kenny
    Anderson's availability makes the draft picture even fuzzier.
    
    I think the Hornets were trying to get a legitimate center and, to be
    honest, I think they succeeded.   Centers are very rare in the NBA, as
    you well know.   There are a just a handful of superstar centers like
    Ewing, Olajuwon, and Robinson.   The next tier is guys like Parrish,
    Edwards, a younger Moses Malone, Cartwright and maybe Sikma.   After
    that comes Gminski, Divac, Duckworth, Donaldson and so on.   [Aside: No
    doubt I'm missing some names here and no doubt also that some will
    disagree with my rankings.]
    
    I think the Hornets got one of the top 10 or 12 centers in the league.  
    That was exactly what the Sixers got a few years back when they traded
    with the Nets to get Gminski to begin with.  And I still think it's
    true for the Hornets today.  No, he is not Olajuwon but Akeem is not
    available for any price.   Neither is Ewing or Mr. Robinson.  Or Rony
    Seikaly.
    
    Gminski cost them a rising star power forward.   No doubt the Hornets
    feel that they have *another* rising star power forward to replace him. 
    Reid is the key.   Reid is the key.   Reid is the key.
    
    Dave Hoppen is not the key.  I think we can all agree with that.  I
    look for him to show up on the Sixers' waiver list soon enough.
    
    Bob Hunt

    Teal and purple?!  The very same colors used by my fave strip club!
    
    MrT

We'll have to get Dan'l in here to see if thems the colors of the Paper
Doll.

Actually, the uniforms were designed by Alexander Julian, from our own
Chapel Hill, NC. He also did the uniforms for the minor league baseball
team - the Knights - that were "featured" in the SI article on the recent
success in minor leagues. They are black with teal and purple stripes.
Yes, *BLACK* for home games.

TTom

    Did somebody in here imply that it's possible to consider taking
    Kenny before Shack?  Whaddya smokin', Shack is GOD.  He'll be 19
    this March, and at this point of his career he's on the same pace
    as the likes of Bill, Wilt, Kareem, and Bill W. (courtesy a graphic
    put up on ESPN last nite).
    
    Kenny's great, yes, but he ain't no deity.
    
    MrT

    Bill W wasn't on that ESPN grahic.
    
    Shack's numbers are always SOOO good, that I wonder why teams haven't
    started just collapsing on him with the zone.  I've seen him play
    twice, and he was faced with an occasional double, but he was
    consistently able to get the ball down low.
    
    He says he'll be in college all four years, too.
    
    Dan

    Shaquille O'Neal is the real thing.  No doubt about it.
    
    But, as you well know, the NBA drafts for need sometimes over pure
    talent.   Remember Portland took Sam Bowie in 1984 one pick before
    Chicago grabbed Michael Jordan.   I guess they felt they already had
    Clyde Drexler as their Dr J wannabe so they went for size instead.
    
    If you need a point guard and you already got a stud center, do you
    pass up O'Neal and take Anderson ???    Miami has Rony Seikaly and they
    will be a lottery team.  If they have the top pick, do they take O'Neal
    over Anderson ???   That is, if they both come out early.
    
    Probably neither.  They'd probably take Larry Johnson instead.
    
    Bob Hunt

Once again Detroit comes into town and loafs. The 3rd quarter showed the
differences between the Pistons and the Hornets and finally Detroit put
some distance in the score. Evidently they did that so they could coast
in the 4th.

Hornets actually had a chance to tie the game, down 3 with about 10
seconds. Gminski had hit a big 3 pointer to pull that close - with a lot
of help from lack of effort by the Pistons - but the shot never got off.

Oh well. Thank goodness there's teams like the Sacremento, Thursday
night's opponent, to put between teams like the Pistons and the Bulls,
which come to town Saturday.

Gminski's stats were 40 minutes, 8 rebounds, 20 points. JR had 45
minutes, 14 rebounds and 16 points.

TTom

    Hornets had a total of *FIVE* players in double figures.   Amazing what
    a little passing can do.   
    
    The Pistons won because of superior matchups.   Pure and simple.  The
    Hornets had no answer for either Isiah Thomas or Dennis Rodman.   Too
    much of both.  
    
    But the point should be made that the Hornets did have decent matchups
    with Gminski on Edwards and Reid against Laimbeer.   Put Joe Dumars on
    the bench in the 2nd half with a ankle sprain and you've got a
    three-point Hornets loss instead of a 20-point laugher.    That's what
    the trade meant last night.   Not good enough, obviously, but these
    were the defending champs after all.
    
    Kendall Gill had his best game ever.  Strange move by Littles to put
    him on the pine for the last five minutes of the game.   True, the
    Hornets were making their final run without him but he had had a great
    night so far and might have been able to get them even closer.
    
    On another note, did Dick Harter and Kelly Tripucka swap spit in the
    showers when Harter was the Hornets' coach or what ???  The TNT
    telecast was blacked out in Charlotte but I was able to use the dish
    and find the satellite feed back to Detroit.   Harter does the color
    commentary for the Pistons and he was gushing all over Tripucka and
    slamming Littles for not playing him more.   Said the Hornets were "a
    far superior team with TK on the floor."   I'm not kidding.
    
    The Pistons' play-by-play guy was agreeing with Harter the whole time
    saying just how much they had all enjoyed dinner at Kelly's the night
    before and going on and on about his little kid and his wife expecting
    their second in a few weeks and so on.   Then, they'd come back to the
    game and trash Johnny Newman some more hoping that "TK" would come back
    in.
    
    Actually, these two guys were really funny.  It seemed like every
    player on the Pistons has a special nickname and they used them
    constantly.  James Edwards is "Buddha", Dennis Rodman is "Worm", John
    Salley is "Spider", I forget the others.   But they actually called
    most of the plays like this ...
    
    	"Isiah brings it up.  Over to Worm.  Worm looks for Spider.  Spider
        cuts down the lane and Worm hits him.   In and out.   But Buddha
        grabs the rebound and lays it back in."
    
        And then Harter would say ...
    
        "Great play by Worm and Spider.  Wonder when TK will be in again."
    
    I was rolling.   A fun game despite the loss.  Hornets fans saw a good
    one.
    
    Bob Hunt

>    
>    Ex.  Boring name:
>         John O'Neal - great form, cain jump, good D, a leader.
>    
>         Flashy name:
>         Shaquille O'Neal - destined to be greater than Michael Jordan,
>                            the best ever, a once in a lifetime player.
>    
>    Know what I mean?

Shaquille?  I mean, first off, how do you pronounce it?  Sha-kwill, right 8^)
I mean Shack-eee...sounds like that lady who used to be in that 227 TV series.
Jac-kay...

Shack-kay?  Sounds like a girl's name....8^)

Or better yet, how 'bout Sheckie.  You know, like the comic Sheckie Green
or whatever his name was...Yeah, I like that...


	Marv Albert:  Here's Sheckie O'Neal dribbling to center court.
		      Wait!  He's stopping...quick, get a mike on him.

	O'Neal:       You know, a funny thing happened to me on the way	
		      to the game tonight....

Yeah, that's the ticket....
'Saw

What I can't believe is that anyone would hire Dick Harter to announce
their basketball games. Besides not exhibiting the slightest indication
that actually knows pro basketball, he's at best dull. You don't suppose
he was lobbying Detroit to take Kelly back, now do you?

My questions about current coach Littles are his use of Curry and Keys.
The single most predominant rumor about the Hornets is trading Curry.
It's been around longer than Dell has. The current one is that he has
already been traded to someone and this will be finalized and announced
any day now. 

What Littles or the Hornets have in mind for Keys, one can only guess. I
grant you that he ain't the greatest player in the league but he
consistently makes a good effort, plays good D and has decent scoring
ability. 

TTom

    Shaquille is pronounce sha-KEEL
    
    John

Didn't Harter follow Daly or vice versa at Penn?

As to *MR* O'Neal, he can pronounce it any way he pleases should he
decide to play in Charlotte.

TTom

Sha-KEEL huh...

Okay.  That's cool.  I think I'll name my first born Velveteen 8^)

'Saw

    Speaking of announcers Bob, who does color for the Hornets on the
    radio?  He had some of his own, being an obvious Hornet homer.
    
    "That's 6 on the Spider, Long Tall Salley goes down the alley, he's
    gone...."
    
    "Aguirre has to learn that the only thing legal in this league he
    can hold is the ball.  Doesn't look like that want to learn to hold
    onto this lead..."
    
    Some others I don't remember.
    
    Didn't know the game was on TNT, I listed to the last 16 minutes or
    so on TNT.  Anyone know how bad Dumars' sprain is?
    

For TV, Steve Martin is the announceer and some dispossessed Yankee named 
Villiancourt (or close to that) does color. They also do the radio when
the game is not on TV.

If the game is on TV, on Radio, the color guy is Gil McGregor who is,
charitably speaking, improving. I don't know who the announcer is.

TTom

    Joe Dumars has a sprained toe, not an ankle like I earlier stated. 
    Don't know how serious.
    
    Also, I'm not that familiar with the Hornets' announcers.   I just got
    some nice chuckles last night listening to Harter and the other guy.  I
    couldn't believe how much in love with "TK" they both were.
    
    Bob Hunt

    >On another note, did Dick Harter and Kelly Tripucka swap spit in the
    >showers when Harter was the Hornets' coach or what ???
    
    THree or four summers ago, I went to a semi-pro doubleheader of a
    league that played on the Jersey shore.  Lots of ex-college players,
    just grads, and pros coming off an injury or looking to impress scouts. 
    Both Mike O'Koren and Kelly Tripucka were playing for an NBA contract
    and were the starting forwards on the same team.  It wasn't hard to see
    that O'Koren was a superior player to Tripucka, at nearly every phase
    of the game.  Currently O'Koren is in his 3rd year as Nets broadcaster. 
    It's simply stunning that Tripucka is still "earning" an NBA paycheck.
    
    BTW Bob, why do they black out a sold out basketball game?  Is Harter
    the Hornet's announcer?  Wierd to go from the floor to the booth.  
    
    Dan

 Dan didn't Tripuka go to ND???

 mike

    Kelly Tripucka did go to Notre Dame to play basketball.
    
    Tracy and Todd were the two oldest Tripucka brothers and they played at
    Lafayette.  One of them has a twin sister, Heather, who was a great
    athlete and was born too young to have really taken part in girls
    athletics.  Then comes Mark, who was a reserve quarterback for us at
    UMass.  Then comes Kelly, who was the only Tripucka to follow in his
    dad's footsteps and attend Notre Dame.  Roughly the same age as Kelly
    is Timothy Kimball "TK" "Fats" Tripucka, who played basketball at
    Fordham.  The youngest brother is Chris, who was a reserve defensive
    back at BC during the Flutie years.
    
    Their father, Frank, played quarterback at Notre Dame right around the
    time of Johnny Lujack and Angelo Bertelli.  He finished his pro
    football career with the Denver Broncos and is considered to be
    Denver's first star player.  The Tripucka family lives in Northern New
    Jersey where they own and operate a beer distributorship.
    
    John

    
 >   Tracy and Todd were the two oldest Tripucka brothers and they played at
 >   Lafayette.  One of them has a twin sister, Heather, who was a great
 >   athlete and was born too young to have really taken part in girls
                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 >      athletics.
    
    
    Hmmm, an interesting concept.  What happened?  Was she born at the age of
    -3 or something?   8^)
    
    Bruce
    
    

    I should have said born too early.  She was a teenager before the big
    explosion in athletics for girls and thus didn't get a chance to
    participate in sports as much as her brothers did.
    
    John

    John, How in the HE-double-toothpicks do you KNOW all that stuff?

    My guess is John works covertly for some government intelligence agency
    and has a master file on anyone and everyone.  The guy amazes me.
    
    					Steve

    How I know this stuff:
    
    1.  Mark was a senior when I was a freshman but he was hurt and
    couldn't play.  He was awarded an extra year of eligibility and played
    when he was a sophomore.  I heard all about the Tripucka family (Mark
    was, to be charitable, loud) and knew all about Kelly before he was
    even out of high school.
    
    2.  I read a lot.  I read the Globe Sports Page every day, have started
    reading the National daily, read USA Today and the Herald regularly and
    have subscribed to the Sporting News and Sports Illustrated for over 20
    years.
    
    3.  I buy a lot of books.  Most of the NFL stuff I put in doesn't come
    from memory but rather, from having bought the NFL Media Guide and
    Record Book for the last 6-7 years.  I have a very extensive library at
    home.
    
    4.  I was always a good student.  I taught myself how to read before I
    went to school, was using the adult section of the public library by
    the time I was 9 and always did well in taking tests but especially in
    writing papers because I could read, read fast, retain a lot of what I
    read, knew how to use the library, could think fast.  I'm convinced
    that a lot of what passes for success in school isn't intelligence but
    in knowing how to study and how to learn.  IQ tests and standardized
    tests (and to a certain extent, education in general) are all biased
    towards people like me.
    
    5.  Perhaps most important, is memory.  When something is important to
    you, you tend to remember it.  Because sports is important to me, I
    read it, retain it and can recall it when needed.  If there was another
    area where I was as interested, chances are I could do the same thing.
    
    There are no secret files in my home but it's kind of nice to consider.
    
    John

    J.R. was on the radio this morning.  Some goof called in and asked if
    he or Gminski would be covering Jordan this Saturday.  J.R. laughed and
    said, "Well, if it's me checking him, Jordan will get to the 20,000
    point mark a lot sooner than he expects.  It's Rex's job."
    
    	--dan'l

    And there you have it, boys and girls.   The recipe for Instant Ninja.
    
    The similarities between John's experiences and mine are eerie.  But, I
    think he collects much more "raw" data than I do.  For example, I don't
    collect media guides and all that.
    
    But I've been poring over statistics and reading sports magazines and
    history books and watching and listening and absorbing all the same
    while.  Used to spend hours going over the Sporting News and Sports
    Illustrated.   Lists are my speciality.  I used to win bets with
    friends by recalling yearly lists like all the Super Bowl winners, the
    final scores, and the game MVP winners.  Then do the Kentucky Derby,
    Preakness, and Belmont, and then the World Series, then the NBA, then
    the Final Four and so on ...
    
    Always used to piss off my high school baseball coach who would like to
    rant and rave about some famous old ballplayer.   He'd say pep talk
    things like ...
    
    	"Back when Ted Williams hit .403 for the 1947 Red Sox ..."
    
    and all the other guys would all look at me and I'd say ...
    
    "Uh, sorry, coach, that was .406 and it was 1941, the same year
    DiMaggio hit in 56 straight and Mickey Owens dropped the ball in the
    Series and ..."
    
    	"Shut up, Hunt, gimme 10 laps."
    
    "But, coach, it really was 1941 !!!"
    
    I have always paid homage to the master, Mr Hendry, but I like to come
    up with the "clutch hit" in this conference every once in a while, too.  
    John and I met in Massachusetts last fall for an evening of pizza and
    sports talk.  I'm sure we could have talked for hours and not repeated
    any particular item.
    
    Bob Hunt

    Speaking of J.R. Reid on the radio, I heard his Charlotte debut the
    other morning.   The radio guy asked him how he was doing with his
    degree and J.R. said he was only 6 credit hours short of a bachelors in
    communications.
    
    Then he said with a chuckle that he was going to try to talk his UNC
    profs into giving him some extra credit for the radio spots he's doing
    now.   I laughed, too.  He's got a good sense of humor and he comes
    across pretty well.  Not a lot of "uh"s and "ya know"s and all that. 
    He's a little hard to understand sometimes when he gets talking real
    fast but, in general, he's interesting.  I hope he does well.
    
    The radio station has an open line feature for fans to call in.  I'd
    *love* to call him up and tease him about the "screen-and-roll" move. 
    Speaking of which, I watched James "Buddha" Edwards level Muggsy
    Bogues with a bone-rattling pick the other night freeing Isiah Thomas
    for a gimme jumper.
    
    I could have sworn I saw Bogues look over to J.R. and point it out to
    him as if to say "See, that's how you do it."
    
    Bob Hunt

    One of the dirtiest looks I ever got from Coach Mac came in 1977.  He
    always used to try to convince the players that we were a "second half
    team", ie, we played better in the second half and we'd always be
    better than the opposition because we worked harder and so on.
    
    I looked at our cumulative scores by quarter one day.  I found that we
    scored far more points in the first half but in the second half, that
    we were close to being outscored in the second half but usually had
    such a big lead from the first half that it didn't really matter what
    the foes did in the second half.  Anyway, I told Coach Mac that and the
    look he gave me would have melted ice on the North Pole.  At that
    point, I decided I better not tell the players.
    
    I think one of the things leading to the break down in education
    nowadays is the fact that kids watch too much TV and play too much
    Nintendo.  We watched a lot of TV growing up but my parents were always
    reading, so I kind of emulated them.  I walk into homes now where there
    are no books and it makes me want to cry, because the kids aren't
    learning the way I once did.  The key to all of education is being able
    to read.  If you can do that, then writing, spelling and everything
    else falls right into place.  It doesn't matter what you read, either. 
    I'm convinced that a lot of kids are turned off to reading because of
    what they're required to read.  If they are allowed to read the types
    of books they're interested in, then the love of reading will follow
    and then everything else will fall into place.
    
    Finally, I'm also convinced every kid can be taught, it's just a matter
    of the approach.  I had trouble figuring out percentages in math until
    my dad taught me that it was the same thing as the batting averages I'd
    been spending so much time calculating.  Once I got that connection,
    then it was a breeze.
    
    John

    
>    I think one of the things leading to the break down in education
>    nowadays is the fact that kids watch too much TV and play too much
>    Nintendo.  We watched a lot of TV growing up but my parents were always
>    reading, so I kind of emulated them.  I walk into homes now where there
>    are no books and it makes me want to cry, because the kids aren't
>    learning the way I once did.  The key to all of education is being able
>    to read.  If you can do that, then writing, spelling and everything
>    else falls right into place.  It doesn't matter what you read, either. 
>    I'm convinced that a lot of kids are turned off to reading because of
>    what they're required to read.  If they are allowed to read the types
>    of books they're interested in, then the love of reading will follow
>   and then everything else will fall into place.

John, I agree to a certain extent.  Television can be a marvelous
learning tool.  Quite often I check out The Learning Channel, and
CCIT (Community College Instructional Television). 

For children there is Sesame Street, Mr Rogers etc.

I feel it's up to the parents to see that tv watching is both entertaining
and education -- with a good mix of each.

Nintendo is excellent for developing coordination, but again, parental
supervision is the key.  Quite often something like this can be a
reward for doing homeowork etc.

Interest in reading also stems from the 'rents...  I agree.
    

>    Finally, I'm also convinced every kid can be taught, it's just a matter
>    of the approach.  I had trouble figuring out percentages in math until
>    my dad taught me that it was the same thing as the batting averages I'd
>    been spending so much time calculating.  Once I got that connection,
>    then it was a breeze.

It's unfortunate that teachers make so little money.  People like you
John, are hitting the nail on the head.  Education's responsibility is
to reach the people...then, if you've reached them, you can motivate them,
and once motivation is there it all falls into place.


Are children are the key to the future....

'saw
    
    John

    >I'm convinced that a lot of kids are turned off to reading because of
    >what they're required to read.
    
    When I was in school, I have to admit I wasn't much for doing what the
    teacher "required".  And almost every time, in retrospect, books that
    were required were very rewarding and enjoyable, from The Hobbit to A
    Separate Peace (Piece?) to Les Miserable.
    
    Dan

    Is Kendall Gill starting yet?  I noticed he's been coming on the last
    couple weeks.
    
    Mike

    I don't think he's starting yet although he may have had a spot start
    or two.  His game gets better every day.
    
    The Hornets absolutely stomped on the Sacramento Kings last night. 
    Final score was 101-59.  That's right, 59 points for the Kings.   It's
    the second lowest team score in NBA history.
    
    Tougher tests are on the way, though.   Bulls come in over the weekend
    and then the Hornets go on a five day, four game West Coast swing. 
    Ouch.
    
    Bob Hunt

    You guys are pretty funny blasting kids for spending so much time playing
    Nintendo, not doing any serious work, and gaining no benefit.  Sounds a
    lot like NOTES to me.
    
    Now, back to the Hornets.
    
    Hornets beat Sacramento last night by 42 points, 101-59.
    
    Seven Charlotte team records were set last night:
    
    	- Largets margin of victory (42)
    	- Fewest field goals, opponent (22)
    	- Lowest field goal percentage, opponent (.297)
    	- Lowest point total, opponent (59)
    	- Fewest points quarter, opponent ( 12, in first and fourth)
    	- Fewest points half, opponent (27, first)
    	- Fewest assists, opponent (14)
    
    When the crowd sensed the blowout was clinched, they started chanting
    "Scheffler, Scheffler, Scheffler" for Steve Scheffler, the big
    elbow-thrower Charlotte drafted in the second round.  When he finally
    got up and ripped off his sweats, the crowd went nuts.  He came in and
    got his first basket and a rebound.  For this he was named player of
    the game.  Folks, you haven't had fun at a basketball game until you've
    been to see one at the Charlotte Colesium.
    
    	--dan'l

Yeah, Good fun last night with the big blowout. Symptomatic of the game
was one play wherein Johnny Newman had nothing going, no one to pass to,
no play, 24 second clock running out and throws up the long lob: good for
3 points. And believe it when I say the Hornets were not running it up on
the hapless Kings.

Aiding in this massacree was Waymen Teasedale going down with a twisted
ankle in the second quarter. That, on top of a scorching 12 point 1st
quarter, was more than enough to do the Kings in. By the time Scheffler
came in, it was way past mop up time. And the fans went nuts!

On the qustion about Gill, he is not starting. Its Bogues and Chapman at
guards, Newman and JR at forward and Gminski in Center. The only game
Kendall started was the one that Muggsy missed earlier in the season.
Littles seems to be willing to give him some quality play but on the down
side, he did not play the last 5 minutes against the Pistons the other
night when they lost by 3. Curry was playing.

TTom

    Anybody know where replies .42 thru .45 went?????
    
    JaKe
    

>>    Anybody know where replies .42 thru .45 went?????

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    Well, Team Schizo is at it again.   The Hornets left early last week
    for a four-game West Coast swing and got blown out by the Lakers and
    then coughed up a 3rd quarter lead and lost to Denver.
    
    So then what do they do ???  They land in Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood
    and stomp the Spurs pretty handily.   Rex Chapman had 35 points and
    Gminski and Newman both had over 20.
    
    Tonight in Dallas and then back home.  It's never boring with the
    Hornets.
    
    Bob Hunt

J.R. Reid hasn't exactly been setting the league on fire since Armon Gilliam
left... He had one big game before Gminski showed up and has been back to his
old self since.   Score a dozen points, grab a couple boards.

    Hornets may have just lost any shot at making the playoffs this
    year...not that it was a good shot anyway...
    
    On the west coast road trip, they lost Rudolph Keyes and Rex Chapman. 
    Keyes, a very good defensive player, has bad hand and is out for six
    weeks.  Rex sprained an ankle and is gone for at least two weeks.  
    
    After the loss to Dallas Saturday, Gene Littles came right out and sand
    that J.R. is not doing what it takes.  The usually uncritical Littles
    said that if this weren't an expansion team, J.R. would be on the bench
    for most of the game.  As it is, however, Littles says he is "forced"
    to play Reid over 15 minutes a game.
    
    How about it, J.R.?
    
    	--dan'l

RE: JR bashing.

Did anyone see the San Antonio game? JR was a major player in that road
victory.

BTW, there ain't no "J.R. Reid", media coverage notwithstanding. The "JR"
is for "Junior" and are not his initials. I don't know him middle name but
his first name is Herman, a fact that did not go without notice to the
other ACC fans. 

TTom

Yeah, but Armon is still outscoring and outboarding him up at
Philly... Getting about the same numbers as at Charlotte.

Did you see the tapes of Philly losing at home to the Knicks. I coulda
sworn I saw Armon standing around.

In any case, if you're looking for JR to be an NBA star at this point,
you'll have to get used to your personal disappointment. 

TTom

    I find Littles comments interesting, but not terribly relevant.  So
    what that JR would be sitting the pine on a non-doormat team.  What's
    the point?  The only thing that really matters is that he's better than
    anybody else they've got.
    
    Littles seems to be trying to convince us that he's doing JR a favor by
    playing him, while at the same time admitting that there's nobody
    better.  Like I said, what's the point?
    
    
    - ACC Chris

One can only hope that Littles is talking to JR in private and not just
in the press and that he's trying, somehow, to motivate JR.

One thing he certainly isn't doing is giving JR any sort of public praise
even after good efforts such as the San Antonio game where his final
stats weren't superstar but his defensive efforts in stopping Cummings
were a huge difference in the outcome of the game.

TTom

Rex Chapman and Rudy Keys are on IR so the Hornets signed Scott Haffner,
who played guard some last year for Miami (Evansville, I think) and Jeff
Sanders at forward who was a #1 pick for Chicago, out of Ga Southern.
Haffner supposedly can shoot and Sanders talks like he can play some D.

Dell Curry is back for the game tonight against the Nets. He'll start in
place of Chapman.

While much has been speculated on JR, Gene Littles got on the local media
for rerunning Littles' comments about JR again Monday. They first
appeared in the Sunday press and then it made everyone's column
yesterday. Littles called it old news.

Tonight will be the first annual "Bobby Knight is a better coach than
Dean Smith" Hornets commemorative game. If you're at the game, come on up
to Section 233 and toast a few to Bobby. At least we'll irritate the Tar
Heels around us.

TTom

    Beg to disagree, Jeff ...
    
    Randolph Keys does indeed go by the nickname of "Rudy".  I didn't
    believe it at first, either.
    
    Bob Hunt

This year he could be called Ridy, as is riding the Pine.

TTom

    Hornets blew a gimme chance at their 13th win last night.  They had the
    Nets beat when Dell Curry was on an uncontested breakaway.  He missed
    the layup!  Then JR, trailing the play, tried to dunk in the
    rebound...and he missed the dunk!
    
    The Nets then scored to go ahead by two.  Charlotte had one last
    chance with 3 seconds left.  They inbounded to Johnny Newman who drove
    for a layup.  Folks, he was knocked down...but no whistle...no home
    call...game over.
    
    	--dan'l

I attended last night's Hornets-Nets game {I also enjoy shoving strips
of bamboo under my fingernails}.   To quote Tom Haas, "If you look up
BAD BASKETBALL in the dictionary, there's a picture of this game".

The refs were bad.  They swallowed the whistle {gutless} on the final
play.... but it never would have come to that if JR had made an easy
dunk.   Kendall Gill blew a dunk as well in the first half.

Halftime show was a guy who played an electronic organ using ping pong
balls.   I kid you not.    I guess that's better than the last time I
went when they brought out a Tina Turner impersonator.   The Hornets arena
is BEGGING for some wholesome cheerleaders in skimpy outfits doing
some bump-n-grind to "Sexual Healing"    But no... that wouldn't do in 
Jesse Helms' territory.

    Cindy and I were watching the 11 o'clock news when the lowlights from
    the Hornets vs Nets game came on.
    
    She took a look at the Nets' road yew-nees and said ...
    
    	"Did they really tie-dye those uniforms ???"
    
    I said "Yep!" and she quickly said "They're pathetic."
    
    Bob Hunt

    How did Kendall Gill do?  (i.e., pts, rebs, asts)

    12 points, 4 rebs, and 1 assist ....

Hornets host the Lakers tonight,  providing the game is not cancelled due
to inclement weather. 3 to 6 inches of snow are predicted at or about
game time.

Kendall Gill and Rex Chapman have been invited to participate in the slam
dunk contest during the All Stars. Kendall had an award winning slam the
other night in a loss to Dallas. Rex may not be able to participate
depending on the condition of his ankle.

The Hornets have signed Earl Cureton to another 10 day contract. Rumor
has it that Littles will be looking very hard at Jeff Sanders. The
Hornets have 1 net slot remaining from the Gilliam trade wherein Dave
Hoppen was shipped out. Haffner will be gone as soon as Rex returns.

In other news, I heard some of the names invited for the old timers game.
This includes David Thompson, Phil Ford and Bobby Jones.

TTom

> Inclement weather, my plate-stacker. ...

Rumor has it that OPA shut down at 10 am. Is this true? If then, thou
truly worketh for wimps, thine own self.

TTom

 TTom,
 
 Yes, OPA shut down in the mid-morning.   The "natives" immediately got
 their 4x4s all chugged up and then skeedaddled on outta there to beat the
 slush home.
 
 The winter vet Yankee transplants all stuck around til about 1:00pm when
 it was yawn ... last one out hit the lights.    We all did a few
 ceremonial donuts in between what few flakes did manage to stick for more
 than a nanosecond or two and then tooted home in our Hondas, Audis, and
 Beamers to sip a little Chablis and nosh on some Brie with our wild women.
 
 They better play that Lakers game tonight.   I got the satellite dish all
 cranked up and ready to rock and roll.
 
 Bob Hunt

    >> "...my plate-stacker."
    
    Better (tm) that gem quickly.
    
    HTH,
    Kev
    

We just alked with the Coliseum and so far, the game is a go.

TTom

The Lakers came to town and buried the Hornets, 113-93. At one point,
Magic missed a 3 pointer because he was laughing. The lead stretched to
30 at one point, so this was never close after the first couple of
minutes. 

6'9" Magic covered 5'3" Muggsy, who did not score. JR held Sam Perkins to
11 but only scored 4. Such is life in the fast lane.

TTom

    Have they cleaned up the scorch marks on the Coliseum floor yet ???  
    
    Geez, the Lakers can run and run and run all night long.   Their 11th
    and 12th men are faster than the Hornets' starters, fer cryin' out
    loud.
    
    Tripucka had a season high 23 points all of it in garbage time (which
    commenced, oh, I'd say, shortly after the national anthem was sung).  I
    don't know what it is about him but this time the Lakers' announcers
    (Chick Hearn and the other guy) were gushing all over him just like
    Harter and friend did when the Pistons were in town a few weeks ago.
    
    And Steve Scheffler saw about 15 minutes of playing time and proved
    that he has all of about 3 feet worth of shooting range.   He's the
    living example of the worthlessness of the "shooting %age" stat.   He
    holds the NCAA single season record for that stat.   Vlade Divac and
    Mychal Thompson were totally unimpressed by that feat, I can assure
    you.
    
    Oh, and Mike Dunleavy looks like Stan Laurel.
    
    Bob Hunt

    Big night for Carolina fans last night, what with three (3) UNC alum's
    doing battle on the same floor.
    
    Good show!
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    Worthy had a pretty good night, eh?  The National selected him to its
    All Star team, even though he got beat narrowly by Chris Mullen.  The
    comment they had about Worthy was "NBA forward who is most fun to
    watch.  I know that concurs with Doug Ross' opinion.
    
    Dan

>"NBA forward who is most fun to watch.  

I believe they were talking about the surveillance cameras in the Marriot...

For you Carolinians lucky enough to see last night's game, could
you elaborate a bit more on the Lakers.  In particular, I'm
really surprized by your comment, Bob, that the Lakers ran all
night long.   The games I've seen this year, Dunleavy has had
them playing a slowed down halfcourt offense.  Were they actually
fastbreaking last night?  Also, how do the rookies -- Tony Smith
and Elden Campbell -- look?

Thanks,

Laker_Ken

 They ran all night long against the Hornets.   The Hornets should have put
 stop signs and speed bumps on the court.
    
 The Lakers shot like 61% through three quarters.  Yes, they threw up some
 long-range prayers out of their half court set that hit nothing but net
 but you don't shoot 61% without a *LOT* of very high %age,
 end-of-fast-break slams and layups.
    
 Newman would put up a shot, Magic would clear the boards and start the
 break, over to Worthy, back to Magic, hit Scott coming down the middle for
 a slam.   Smile and point the fingers at each other and then head back
 down to the other end of the court to wait for the next one.  Brutal.
    
 Magic almost set the record for most assists in a quarter with 14 in the
 first period alone.   The Rockets' John Lucas dished out 15 in one quarter
 about 6 or 7 years ago according to Chick Hearn and pal who, at first,
 thought they were talking about *Jerry* Lucas, the ex-Ohio Stater and
 New York Knick.   I was rolling.
    
 Elden Campbell and Tony Smith played garbage time last night.  Even the
 Lakers garbage men are better and faster than the Hornets' trash boys. 
 Campbell's got the physical talent to play the post.  Smith, I dunno, he
 was quick but then again they all were.
 
 Zoom, zoom ...
 
 Bob Hunt
 
 P.S.   For all you Worthy bashers, they also pointed that James Worthy was
 the only player last year to never miss the extra free throw for being
 fouled during a shot that scored.  That is, the tail end of a three point
 play.   He was 32-for-32 last year or something like that.   Tough.

    Hornets gave up a 1995 second round pick and a conditional 1993 socond
    rounder to Sacremento for Eric Leckner.  
    
    Looks like another good move for the Hornets.  They can use a big man
    to spell Gminski for the rest of the season.  Leckner does not have a
    guaranteed contract so they don't have to keep him at the end of the
    season if he doesn't produce.
    
    Leckner (6-11, Wyoming) is probably happy too since he won't be riding
    the pine.  Of course, if you can't make it in Sacremento, can you be
    any better for Charlotte.  I doubt it, but what the heck.  What does
    Charlotte have to lose?
    
    	--dan'l
    

The Hornets activated Rex Chapman in time for tonights game at home
against the Celtics. Jeff Sanders was given the bum's rush and somewhat
surprisingly, Scott Haffner was resigned to another 10 day contract.

TTom

 TTom,
 
 I read where the Hornets were interested in Haffner simply because he
 could play both guard positions.
 
 Other than that, the sooner the Hornets get back to having an NBA roster
 as opposed to this CBA All-Star lineup, the better things will get.
 
 Bob Hunt

> Other than that, the sooner the Hornets get back to having an NBA roster
> as opposed to this CBA All-Star lineup, the better things will get.
                     ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    
    You're being way too kind there, Bob.
    
    

Bob,

As it stands now, we have 1 guard who's a 2 - Rex and 1 guard that's a 1,
Muggsy, and now 3 guards who are really 2 but the Hornets wished they
played 1. Haffner is really a shooting guard but he's being very
aggressive in his pursuit of staying in the NBA.

This business of playing 2 positions is what was stacked against Sanders.
He looked like he couldn't play either 3 or 4 much less both.

I guess ideally you'd want the following composition

	2 Point guards
	2 Shooting guards
	1 Backcourt swing man (2 guard or 3 forward)
	2 Power Forwards
	2 Shooting/small Forwards
	2 Centers
	1 Front Court Swing man (power forward or center)

TTom

For the first time in their franchise history, the Hornets have beaten
Boston. Rex Chapman hit 2 free throws with 5 seconds left to win 92-91. 2
critical plays for Boston served the game up. McHale fouled out with 19
seconds left and then Gamble, who paced the Celtics with 25, missed 2
free throws setting up Chapman's game winners.

To show you how sharp the local media is, here's a sample of their game
analysis: "The Boston Celtics are not the same without Larry Bird." Holy
Green Sweat Socks (tm)! 

Kenny Gattison was activated and Earl Cureton was not renewed (he just
finished 2 10-day contracts).

TTom

    Gamble had a chance to make up for those free throws, but missed an
    easy layup just before the final buzzer sounded.

> McHale fouled out with 19
> seconds left and then Gamble, who paced the Celtics with 25, missed 2
> free throws setting up Chapman's game winners.
    
    I've got to agree with Dan on one thing.  While the Celtics were intent
    on giving this one away, down the stretch Tom Heinsohn was doing
    nothing but whining and crying on every call or non-call that went 
    against the Celts, almost all of which (excepting McHale's fifth foul
    which was immediately given back via a horrible make-up call on
    Gminski) looked to be good calls.  He was claiming both that Brown 
    was fouled and Gamble was held on that last-second lay-up try 
    ("something didn't look right there"), but the replay showed that Brown
    had to alter his shot because of some good defense and Gamble got his
    arm caught on one of a trio of Celts standing behind him.
    
    I appreciate Bob Cousy's efforts at objectivity, but Heinsohn really
    has become sickening.  He detracts from any chance of enjoying a
    close-fought game in its final minutes... 
    
    glenn
    

    
    
    My favorite call, near the end of the game went something like this...
    
    
    "McHale mauls Newmann... they're calling a foul on McHale, I can't
    believe it..."
    

    Was this the first loss to an expansion team for the celtics ?  and
    with the way charlotte has been playing what are there chances tonight
    against seattle at charlotte the paper has charlotte at a 3 point
    underdog at home...???
    								MaB

    No, the Celtics' loss to the Hornets was only their second loss to the
    collection of the four most recent NBA expansion teams.  They've also
    lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Last year, I believe.
    
    This win reduces the Hornets "oh-fer" list down to three teams ... the
    Lakers, the Trail Blazers, and the Pistons.
    
    As for predicting a Hornets' game, do so at your own risk.   This is a
    very young team that is extremely inconsistent.  Great some nights,
    mediocre on others, and truly horrible the rest.    They're also still
    recovering from some injury problems.  For the last few weeks, their
    roster looked like a CBA All-Star team.
    
    Speaking of the Hornets, any of the faithful want to discuss Gminksi's
    play so far ???    He's been very steady so far.  His shooting has
    picked up since he left the Sixers and he's playing solid ball all
    around.   I still think it was not as bad a trade as the knee-jerk
    critics made it out to be.
    
    Bob Hunt

J.R. Reid was a no-show again in last night's loss to the Bucks.  7 points on
1 for 5 shooting from the floor, 5-7 from the line.

    I think the folks in Charlotte kind of overdo it, with the Pledge of
    Allegiance and the invocation prior to the National Anthem.  Then
    again, what do you expect from the Bible Belt?
    
    John

    At every home game, the Hornets have a prayer right after the national
    anthem.  A different religious "leader" delivers the invocation each
    game, most are baptist I've noticed, however.
    
    And after they complete the invocation, I always yell at the top of my
    lungs, "...and slam dunk us through the hoop of heavenm, oh lord!" 
    Usaully gets a good chuckle from some and looks of scorn from others.
    
    I love every minute of it.  
    
    	--dan'l

    And they also usually overplay the Lee Greenwood "Proud To Be An
    American" thing, too.  Wears thin after a while.
    
    Dan'l, if and when we get an NFL team here, you and I will lead the
    post-prayer cheers in our section ... 
    
    	"Drop kick me, Jesus, through the goal posts of life ..."
    
    Bob Hunt

My religious beliefs have always been very personal and private.

I tend to feel antagonized when "preached" to.  You don't know
how many times I've wanted to do what you two just spoke of, 
and yet didn't have the guts...

Congrats ( and you got me rollin')....


On the other hand, you've got to love the spot in Hoosiers where
Strap is saying this long prayer, and Gene Hackman says "Make it
a good one Strap...."

later,
'Saw

I also like the spot where he told the player to guard the opponent
so close he'd know what flavor of gum he chewed.  When the kid fouls
out he looks at Dale and says "Dentyne!"   too funny.

I didn't see all but the last part of the Hornets Celts game.  Good 
win by Charlotte.  That was their first win over the Celts, right?

'Saw

    Kendal Gill gets the start tonight against the Mavericks.  Bogues
    hasn't been playing poorly, but his scoring has gone down.  Gill should
    also make a differnce defensing the outside shot.
    
    But nobody is as big a pest defensively on the dribble as Bogues.
    
    Still, a move for the better I think.  Muggsy has always been good off
    the bench anyway.
    
    	--dan'l

    ...but will Bogues get the bulk of the PT?

    Well, it seems to be a great move by Gene Littles.  Gill had 14 points
    and six assists, but the key was he grabbed nine rebounds...something
    Bouges could never approach.  It was especially important since both
    the Mavericks and the Hornets were not shooting well.
    
    Mike Gminski, Johnny Newman, and Kenny Gattison were the stars of the
    game coming up with crucial baskets and plays.  JR Reid was booed off
    the floor.
    
    Gill played 31 minutes; Bogues played 17.
    
    	--dan'l

    
    For all those who said Kendall Gill would never start at PG for the 
    Charlotte Hornets(which I predicted)....
    
    <In my best Archie Bunker>
    
    Thptttttttttttttttttttttttttt YOU MEATHEADS.... :-)
    
    Cap who should be coaching the Hornets because Reid would be on the
    bench so long that he would grow roots.

 Very interesting win for the Hornets.
 
 Kenny Gattison was a bull and Mike Gminski is making the January trade for
 him  look better and better with each game.  He had 18 points and 14
 rebounds as the Hornets shocked everyone by actually outrebounding a team
 with a huge center (the Mavs' James Donaldson).
 
 Gill didn't turn it over at all that I could remember which was the big
 concern regarding his replacing Bogues.   Littles stuck right with him all
 the way through to the end of the game ... right through the Mavs' late
 game full-court press and half-court traps.
 
 This appears to be the first time that Bogues' lack of height actually
 made the playing time difference for him while he's been a Hornet.   If
 the 6'-5" Gill can continue to handle the ball against the press like he
 did, score in double figures, pull down 8 or 9 boards, and dish out half a
 dozen assists or more, then Tyrone Bogues' time in Charlotte is as short
 as he is.
 
 With this dish in my back yard, I'm getting a fascinating trip this season
 through all the visiting teams "back home" broadcast crews.  Last night, I
 watched the feed back to Dallas.  I don't know who those two guys were but
 what a bunch of ya-hoos.  I thought I was watching a rodeo circus.  Lots
 of "whooo-ees" and "yes-sir-eeees" and "I tell yuuuu whuts".   Ride 'em,
 cowboy, yee-haaa ...
 
 At least they didn't gush all over "TK" ...  That was a relief.
 
 I have almost no comment on JR Reid right now.   To say he is struggling
 is a huge understatement.  What's even more astonishing is the normally
 rabid Hornets fans are turning against one of the baby bluesters.  Not a
 pretty sight in this town.   Wouldn't shock me at all if he started
 thinking "off-season trade" one of these days.
 
 Bob Hunt

    Re: Gill
    
    29 DEC points is a decent night!

    >29 DEC points is a decent night!
    
    On my team, it's less than average...
    
    Dan

Hornets get a rare road victory last night beating Sacramento 96-90.
Johnny Newman and JR Reid led the scoring with 18 points each, will Mike
Gminski had 13 rebounds. Charlotte outscored the Kings 30-19 in the final
period. Also contributing to the win was the lack of the traditional 3rd
quarter fold that the Hornets do so often.

TTom	

    Though there are several weeks left in the regular season, I've got to
    point out that the Hornets fell way short of expectations this year. 
    Injuries have a lot to do with this, as they would for any team.
    
    However, at the beginning of the season, fans were hoping Charlotte had
    what it took to win at least 30 games.  Then they came out of the gate
    on fire.  Even sportwriters were talking that this team had 40-win
    potential.
    
    Now it's March and they are hovering around their familiar xteen wins
    like the past seasons.
    
    Mike Gminski certainly was a blessing.  Rex found his shot, but also
    found a bum ankle.  Kendal Gill has star written all over him.  Johnny
    Newman played to his potential, is happy to be here, and the fans are
    happy he is.  JR might be trade bate in the off season.  Bogues may
    have lost his starting job forever...but he is still one of the NBA
    all-time great catalysts off the bench for this team.
    
    It just didn't come together for some reason...and that goes beyond the
    injury factor.  This team is not gelling like it should.  I don't think
    it's a coaching matter either.  It's really tough to put your finger on
    it.  Maybe they just need cheerleaders instead of a big, fuzzy bug. 8-)
    
    	--dan'l

    I heard a trivia question the other day that I couldn't answer.
    
    What was the Hornets original name?
    
    Mike

    
    The Charlotte WASPS?
    

 The Hornets were originally going to be called the Charlotte Spirit. 
 Thank God that idea died in silence.
 
 Dan'l, your analysis of the Hornets is correct for the most part.  It may
 very well be that pre-season optimism was a bit too high.   This town is
 still very much in love with the idea of just having a team, period.   We
 need a few more seasons to "season" the fans as well.  The NBA is a
 players league.  Has been for quite some time, if not since its beginning.  
 The Hornets just don't have the talent to make a run at the playoffs yet.
 
 The timing of the team's injuries was terrible.   The Hornets had one
 stretch there where it seemed like their entire bench was made up of
 ex-CBAers and other 10-day wonders.
 
 They got off to an 8-7 start and, so far, that stands as the high-water
 mark of the franchise.  But we were a paper tiger then because those wins
 were mostly against peer competition like Miami and Orlando.   Once the
 team went on the road against teams like Portland and Chicago, it was skid
 city.
 
 There have been some notable wins this season so far and we can't forget
 them.  The Hornets beat the Celtics, Bucks, and now the Pistons for the
 first time ever.  They also beat San Antonio on the road, swept the
 Sacramento Kings and they continue to frustrate the Sixers.   But, for
 every jewel, there's been some duds like losses at home against Denver and
 New Jersey.
 
 Team defense is somewhat better than last year.   Team shooting is still
 too erratic but can be spectacular at times as seen in the 2nd half of
 their recent win over the Pistons.   Rebounding is the absolute pits as
 the Hornets are last in the league in boards.   Hello, JR, are you awake
 out there ???
 
 I like the trades.  Having watched him as a Sixer, I think Mike Gminski
 has done exactly what I thought he would and maybe more.  He's a solid
 center, the first one the Hornets have ever had.   Kendall Gill is the
 wave of the future for this team.   Rex Chapman and JR Reid need to take a
 long hard look in the mirror and decide if they want to be stars.  If not,
 they'll be out of the game entirely in 3 or 4 years.
 
 If they could get hot now and finish somewhere close to 25 wins, then
 they'd have a nice bookend to an up and down season.  Gene Littles is the
 right coach for this team ... he's patient with them almost to a fault.
 
 Bob Hunt

    Charlotte Webs???

    
    	Dean Smifs second string?
    
    :*)
    
    B.A.

Actually, the Charlotte Spirit died due to a general clamor in the area.
Shinn let the populace vote and the Hornets won in a landslide.

The Hornets have a couple of characteristic traits that are the main
reasons why they continue to languish and play uneven.

The first is the way they handle the personnel, including drafting,
trades, who gets invited to camp, etc. They went after players like Dave
Hoppen and Stuart Gray and then let a Michael Williams walk away.

The second is the stars. The original was supposed to be Kelly Tripucka.
Pardon me while I expectorate. Then came Rex, who is just now coming into
his own.  Then came JR who, charitably speaking, has yet to come into his
own. BTW, I disagree with the assertion that these 2 are similar in terms
of possibly being out of the game in short time. Maybe JR, but Rex has
made the NBA. But all cases, there wasn't a Tony Campbell, like Minnesota
started with, and there isn't a Ronny Siekaly, like at Miami. Thank
goodness for Kenny Gattison. And here's to Gill developing.

The third has to go to the coaching. First Harter thought he was coaching
college. Any mental mistake by the players and they got the hook. The
came Littles who has a very good strategy, IMO, but cannot get the team
to execute it consistently. The most abused player on the squad has to be
Dell Curry. The most consistent example of team play for the Hornets is
the 3rd quarter fold. Watch for it, especially on the road where they
often spot the other team 15 points for the period.

In any case, the Hornets continue to have a few holes in their roster.
Get rid of Kelly (his contract is up). Replace him with almost anybody,
including giving more playing time to Rudy Keys. Draft or otherwise get
another point guard. The Hornets may have a shot at Kenny Anderson. Even
if they finish with the worst record, they won't win the lottery.
Finally, add another star - draft or trade.

TTom

    The Hornets Pacers game kept the Indianapolis hospital busy last night. 
    Rex Chapman left the game not long after a mid-air, collision with
    Chuck Person.  Rex can jump pretty high which means all the more pain
    when he comes down.  This time he came down and stayed down for quite
    some time.
    
    He left the game and said he was having trouble breathing.  Might be
    bruised or broken ribs.
    
    Then Person was carried out after another incident where he butted
    heads (and I mean WHAM) with Greg Dreiling.
    
    LaSalle Thompson is trying to be more of a cheapshot artist than
    Charles Barkley.  Several weeks ago, Thompson floored Johnny Newman
    with a forearm to the chops.  Last night, he elbowed Lechner in the
    head and more or less punched Kendal Gill in the face.  
    
    So much for JR being an enforcer.  Bring back Stuart Grey! 8-)
    
    	--dan'l
    
    PS: Pacers won 112-101 after Reggie Miller got hot.

 A little clarification on an earlier statement I made ... I did say that
 both Rex and JR would be out of basketball in a few years if they didn't
 decide to become stars.
 
 Rex Chapman is showing a *lot* of improvement but, like anything else,
 he's got some history to wipe away.  Specifically, he's got his first two
 years worth of pretty poor shot selection and the subsequent sub-par field
 goal percentage earned by those bad shots.
 
 If he's taking better shots now and hitting more of them (and he is), then
 that's good and he'll have a 10-year NBA career with no problems.  But if
 he goes stone cold for keeps some day or starts to return to his days of
 ill-advised brick heaving, then I stand by my earlier prediction ... he'll
 ride pine for a while, then go to Italy, and then be done for.   
 
 I sincerely hope that doesn't happen and his performance this year shows
 hope that it won't.
 
 JR is another story.  To be blunt, 6'-9" big caboose widebodies with good
 hands for the tough boards are getting to be more and more abundant each
 draft.   JR must turn up his intensity level by several more notches or he
 will be looking for a radio job because he will be replaceable by someone
 with ten times the hearts and the fundamentals to boot, too.
 
 If we hear Gene Littles mention the dreaded "screen-and-roll" play again
 this summer in reference to our favorite Tar Heel, then we got big time
 problems with the young man.
 
 Bob Hunt

    TTom, were you at the game last night?  Bob Hunt, did you watch it off
    the bird?  I want to hear all about it.  The paper isn't doing justice
    to what must have been the greatest Hornets victory since their first
    ever.
    
    Apparantly they came back from a 20-point deficit in the fourth
    quarter, after thousands of fans had left, to beat the Warriors 97-94.
    Chapman, Bogues, Rudy Keys, and Kenny Gattison were the stars. 
    According to the paper, Rex couldn't miss in the fourth and Bogues ran
    circles around Golden State.
    
    JR's contribution in all this, FWIW, was committing five fouls by the
    third period, 10 total points, and three total rebounds in Charlotte's
    21 total rebound advantage.  Dean Smith really does prepare his players
    for the pros.  That choking tradition is the only thing keeping JR's
    name in the paper.  He's really justifying the Gilliam trade, boy!
    
    	--dan'l

Yeah, Dan'l I wuz there. It had to be one of the great Hornets victories
this fan has seen. 

First of all, the 20 point deficit was not just a single point of time.
For most of the 3rd quarter the Hornets were down 19. They closed it a
bit at the end of the quarter but it was still 13.

Then Gene Littles put a team on the court. Johnny Newman, not noted for
his defensive prowess or effort fouled out. JR, who played well in the
first half was also on the pine. Gminski didn't play and Kelly Tripucka
didn't dress (this, in itself, helped). So down the stretch it was Muggsy
and Curry at guard, Rex and Rudy Keys at forward and Kenny Gattison in
the middle. The difference was defense. Chapman held Mullins to virtually
no points. Muggsy stole the ball and otherwise pestered Hardaway into
heaving up the shots instead of playing the point. 

I don't know if you can really give Littles much credit but the 5 that
finished - and won - the game is the best Hornets team I've seen.
Unfortunately, it's much too small to play with a lot of teams. Golden
State was the perfect team for this lineup.

At the end, Rex took over and scored most of the points. He hit a deep
corner shot, which kept the defense honest. And when they closed in on
him, he drove around and over them. 

Of course, it should be said, about 10,000 fans missed the finale. The
double digit deficit during the 3rd quarter cleared out the semi-fans.
But I've never heard it louder than the remaining faithfull, last night
in the fourth quarter.

TTom

 Rats, I missed it.   Sounds great.  This is their 20th win which ties the
 high-water mark set by the original 1988-89 team.   The Hornets have the
 rest of April to go and they're at home for most of those games so the 20
 win mark should fall.   25 wins would be a nice accomplishment.   If they
 get hot, maybe 27 or 28 which would be extremely nice.
 
 Interesting analysis of the team on the floor at the end of the game. 
 I've always liked Rudy Keys.  If, for no other reason, he always has
 incentive seeing as how he's one of the last guys off the bench and he's
 the only player on the roster with a non-guaranteed contract for next
 year.   He can't dog it or he's history.   Not true for some of the other
 hefty cats on the roster.
 
 Dell Curry is just a sweet player.  Give him enough playing time and that
 honey shot of his will drop more and more and more.    Bogues doesn't need
 to prove his worth to anybody.   He is perhaps the ideal pest guard. 
 Anybody who can take Tim Hardaway off his game can have a spot on my team. 
 But Kendall Gill is the future of this team at that position.
 
 Rex Chapman has improved his game very very nicely.   He's not in
 contention for Most Improved Player in the league but I'd give it to him
 on this team.   His shot selection is still not perfect (a la Larry Bird)
 but he's improved it considerably.   Plus he's much more agressive this
 year.   Best example how Chapman has grown up is Hornets' fan rarely bitch
 anymore about not drafting Rony Seikaly.
 
 Nice win, Hornets.
 
 Bob Hunt

some stats from last night:

		Golden State	Hornets
RB (o-t)	5-34		24-55
FG%		49		39
Steals		7		13
Turnovers	21		13

Play of the Game:
	Eric Leckner and Les Jepsen got entangled. Leckner kung-fu 
	flipped him over his back. No foul called. Jepsen left the 
	game, wobbling badly.

TTom

    Just Curious Whats the best record established by any of the latest 4
    expansion teams.  Orlando has 24 wins right now and has 6 games thru
    the rest of the season that are quite possilbe wins (even for them).
    30 win season sounds pretty good for an expansion team.
    								M_Air_B

    	I believe the Chicago Bulls made the playoffs their first expansion
    year.  I think they had over 30 wins.  You should know that M_Air_B
    8^)
    
    				/Don

    I specifically put out of the last 4 expansion teams, being orlando,
    miami charlotte and Minnasota.  Besides if you start talking like that
    well get a rathole started about how it was easier to make the playoffs
    when the bulls did it or how the competition wasnt as fierce and we
    dont need that.....But honestly I didnt know that the bulls made the
    playoffs there first year, ive only been a basketball fan since about
    1981, im a youngin in this notes file, maybe even the youngest active
    person in here (A mere 24 years old and thats as of this month).  No
    cane in my office..
    							M_Air_Brooks

    The Hornets dropped two in a row to the Cavs this weekend.  Both games
    ended on identical calls, both questionable.
    
    On Friday, the Hornets had a chance to win in Cleveland when Rex
    Chapman was called for a charge against Brad Ehlo and Cleveland won. 
    Ehlo was not planted, but hey, you get those calls at home.
    
    Yesterday, however, in the Charlotte Colesium, same situation with
    three seconds left, Chapman drives the baseline, Ehlo comes from about
    ten feet away, Chapman leaves his feet to shoot, Ehlo leaves his feet
    to block, does block and mugs Chapman in the process and...Chapman is
    called for the charge again!
    
    Unbelievable.  Just unbelievable.  I have a feeling that ref is going
    to receives some heat for that call.  I can't express how utterly poor
    that call was.  EVERY angle of replay shows foul on Ehlo.  
    
    Then again, maybe Charlotte owes that ref for allowing them a few more
    ping-pong balls in the draft.
    
    	--dan'l

No question that the call Sunday was wrong. Ehlo fouled.

However, in both games, the Hornets could have helped themselves by
making the shots right before the game ending bad call. On Sunday, the
last 4 possessions at the end of the game produced no points. A missed
shot was the best of them. Twice the Hornets got tied up, jump ball and
Cleveland got the tip. The last was the mugging by Ehlo.

The next couple of games should provide the Hornets with some revenge
possibilities. Look for some non-basketball, physical altercation
tomorrow night when Indiana comes to town. LaSalle Thompson went out of
his way to cheap shot the Hornets last game in Indiana. Gene Littles sent
film to the NBA to review. The next game is against Minnesota who won by
30 or more when last they met. Then Miami comes to town. Traditionally,
the Miami series is home and home, with the visitor winning, usually in
the last shot of the game. 

Hornets could win all 3 and get past the 25 wins mark.

TTom

The Hornets let another one get away last night.

This loss belongs to Gene Littles. He musta talked to Dean cause every
time some one would get hot he'd take them out and he left them in when
they were throwing it away.

The Hornets led the entire game except for the last 7 seconds when Reggie
Miller hit a jumper to give Indiana the win, 122-120. 

JR Reid played the entire 1st quarter, had 6 or so RBs and 5 pts. He was
playing well. He finished with 23 minutes and 7 pts. Dale Curry went on a
6-for-6 run, icluding a 3 and he was on the bench at crunch time. Kendall
Gill had 5 turnovers, 4 of them in the 4th quarter, so of course he
played down the stretch.

TTom

Well, all of the playoff positions are in place and the real race is on
for the lottery. Here's how it stands after last night's games.

 
	                   W       L    Games behind 1st choice
	Denver            19      57     ---
	Sacramento        22      53     3 1/2
	Charlotte         23      54     3 1/2
	New Jersey        23      53     4
	Miami             23      53     4
	Minnesota         24      51     5 1/2
	Dallas            26      50     7
	Washington        27      49     8
	Orlando           28      47     9 1/2
	Cleveland         29      48     9 1/2
	LA Clippers       30      47    10 1/2

TTom

    Is it too early for Doug Ross to git in here and eat some crow
    regarding is outrageous prediction that the Nuggets would play .500
    ball after January, once they learned the genius Westhaid's 'System'?!
    
    I've been waiting patiently but let's face it:  .500 ball is something
    they could obtain *only* if they were fed a regular diet of Big West
    NCAA teams.  (UNLV would beat them, sure, and New Mexico State'd give
    em a game, but after that they'd mop up I'm sure!  Haw haw!!)
    
    
    - ACC Chris

 First of all, this is the Charlotte Hornets note, Soup.   We've got our
 own set of interesting problems to talk about ... namely, the
 lackadaisacal and uninspired play of a certain young power forward who
 played his college ball for a certain underachieving figurehead.
    
 For those who haven't heard yet, coach Gene Littles was quoted in early
 February saying that young Mr Reid simply needed to play with a bit more
 focus and with more agression.   Personally, I think Mr Littles is awfully
 patient with his players.  To a fault, perhaps.   Saying that JR Reid
 needs to be "focused" better is an *awfully* polite way of describing JR's
 "here one minute, gone the next" style of play.
 
 Anyways, last weekend, young Mr Reid decided to tell a Cleveland writer,
 of all things, that his coach was forced to say those things about him
 because, and I quote, "his butt is on the line and he had to say that
 about me to protect his job."  Unquote.
 
 Needless to say, Mr Littles was rather furious with his 22-year old
 man-child.   Mr Littles also expressed his disappointment that a player
 from North Carolina who was supposedly so well trained in how to deal with
 the media while at Chapel Hill could have stuck his foot in his mouth so
 poorly in this case.
 
 Methinks that young Mr Reid's days in the Queen City are numbered. 
 Question now is what is he worth.
 
 Regarding the Nuggets, though, didn't they trash Westhead's "system" a few
 months ago and go back to a more conventional style of play ???
 
 Bob Hunt

    The really sad thing about the Nuggets is that they unfairly fired a
    coach who is so superior to the idiot Westhaid it's ridiculous.  Doug
    Moe is personable, innovative, a good motivator, and knows the game as
    well as anybody.  And what happens?  He gets fired in a political move
    and replaced by a guy who oughta be up on manslaughter charges.  Beyond
    that though, he can't coach worth a lick.  (And forget about his title
    with the Lakers.  They were coached by Magic and Kareem.  I coulda been
    on the bench and gone all the way with that bunch ...)
    
    As for JR, I'll venture to say he'll have a job in the pros long after 
    Littles has been handed his walking papers.  Obviously Gene hasn't been
    able to get the best out of Reid (or the majority of the rest of the
    Hornets either, apparently) and in the NBA that's a ticket for a pink
    slip.  Dean was able to get *alot* out of him by staying on top of him 
    and not taking any grief from the immature lug.  Unfortunately it would
    appear he still has alot of growing up to do ...
    
    
    - ACC Chris

I'll eat my crow regarding the Nuggets as soon as you do the same regarding
your implication of Paul Westhead in the Hank Gathers affair.  You missed
by a mile on that one, according to the SI article.  Hank essentially killed
himself by neglecting his prescribed treatment to the point of sweating out
the beta-blockers prior to games.

Oh yeah, I guess in regards to the Nuggets demise I could pull out some lame
excuse about the point guard being injured, but that would be pretty low, 
wouldn't it?

    
re .133
    
>      Beyond that though, he can't coach worth a lick.  (And forget about his 
>    title with the Lakers.  They were coached by Magic and Kareem.  I coulda 
>    been on the bench and gone all the way with that bunch ...)
    
    Yeah right. It's a fair bet that Dean Smif wouldn't have though ....
    
    BTW, the Nuggets haven't had a healthy Woolridge, Adams, and Lichti on
    the court together all season. That is a big reason why Westhead
    decided to junk the full-court press,a nd slow the offense slightly.
    
    A lottery pick, good health, and the almost certain improvement of
    Chris Jackson will mean a definite improvement in next year's win
    total.
    
    00:00

 Yeah, Gene Littles is doing so poorly that the Hornets will finish this
 season with their most wins ever in their brief three-year history.
 
 Gene Littles has several faults.   There are times that he does indeed
 have the wrong players on the floor at the wrong time.  And he's also
 unbelievably patient with the players.   Too much so at some times.
 
 But there are several Hornets who have improved their game quite nicely
 under Littles.  Rex Chapman has established himself as the team's "go to"
 guy.  No doubt about it.   Rex has finally figured out that teams had *no*
 trouble guarding him when all he did was launch rainbow jumpers.   Now,
 more often than not, he drives to the hoop and either hits it or goes to
 the free throw line.   Littles has finally gotten through to him that he
 can still score 18-20 points per game but can do it with half a dozen
 field goals and half a dozen free throws instead.    He is *much* tougher
 to guard now.   He's an NBA player now.
 
 Kenny Gattison looks to be the player who has most enjoyed Armon Gilliam's
 exit to Philly.   You-know-who was supposed to be the power forward with
 the most effectiveness apres Gilliam.   Now, if Littles plays Gattison, he
 knows he'll get hard, inspired play for the entire time he's in there as
 opposed to our budding radio and TV major who only gets rebounds when the
 ball miraculously drops into his hands.
 
 It would be a major mistake to let Littles go anytime soon.  George Shinn
 has to know that Littles is the right man for the job right now.   The
 Hornets have *NO* win-or-else threat hanging over their heads since
 attendance is still wall-to-wall sellouts.    In the race for the best
 expansion team, you can't say the Hornets are the tops (looks like the
 Magic wins that honor this year) but they *are* improving and a big part
 of the reason is the coach, Gene Littles.   And he's done it in spite of
 the burden of having to change his power forward's diapers from time to
 time.
 
 Bob Hunt

    Chris - 
    
    Say what you want about a man's coaching ability, but that manslaughter
    crack was totally uncalled for.  It shows ignorance and insensitivity,
    two qualities that I would never have suspected from you.  If you
    persist in this pattern of accusation, I will be forced to get back 
    into the ACC note and demolish Dean Smith yet again.  (I hope you've
    noticed I've kept out of the latest round of redundancies.
    
    Westhead has had the misfortune of never having his full team together
    for even one game this season due to injury.  At one point this season,
    four of his original five starters missed over a dozen games at the
    same time!!!  It's difficult to implement a new system without your
    best players, even if those players are only mediocre.
    
    As for Littles, I think he's done an excellent job.  The Hornets under
    Harter were emotionless losers, seemingly playing out the string from
    the first game of the year!!!  Littles to me has instilled life into 
    the Hornets, and a belief that they can be successful.  He's made good
    use of #1 pick Kendall Gill, and players like Eric Leckner and Kenny
    Gattison have made significant contributions.  If Charlotte can dump
    JR for a mid first round pick, they should do it.  This team is only
    going to get better.
    
    NAZZ

    > If you persist in this pattern of accusation, I will be forced to
    > get back into the ACC note and demolish Dean Smith yet again.
    
    Thanks God for small favors!
    
    The manslaughter crack may have been excessive, I'll grant you. 
    However keep in mind I have yet to be convinced that Westhead didn't
    play a role in Gathers death, and there are those that agree with me. 
    (Witness the lawsuit outstanding against him.)
    
    Lemme ask one question regarding this years Nuggets though.  *IF* Doug
    Moe were still the coach, do you think they'd be as pitiful as they are
    right now?
    
    
    - ACC Chris
    

>>    (Witness the lawsuit outstanding against him.)
    
I don't know much about this whole situation, because beyond the initial
news I never paid it much attention.

But lawsuits these days are a dime a dozen.  In this country the operative
word these days is litigate.

You've got Joel Seagal and all the other shysters like him urging you to
sue people, you've got Doug Llewelyn of The People's Court telling you
to "Take them to court"....

I wouldn't be surprised (and again I don't know) if the suit was against
Westhead, the school et al etc etc etc.....


'Saw

 There was a piece on the Gathers' controversy in a recent issue of "Sports
 Illustrated".   The lawsuit was initiated by a very sharp Los Angeles
 lawyer with all kinds of experience with these kinds of "in-the-public-eye"
 cases.   No doubt he's trying to do *something* for Gathers' family but no
 doubt he'll skim his cut off the top of whatever does come forth, too.
 
 Westhead was pretty much exonerated in the article and I believe he has
 filed a slander countersuit against the original suit.   The Gathers'
 family is pretty pissed at Bo Kimble because they think he profited
 unfairly from Hank's death ... remember the hype about the left-handed
 free throws and all that ???
 
 Basically, I got the impression that Bo Kimble's biggest sin was not dying
 and the Gathers' family resents him for it.  He might not have been as
 "buddy-buddy" with Gathers as the impression he gave but so what.  The
 family had *HUGE* hopes of using Hank's NBA career to pull them all outta
 North Philly.  Obviously, that dream is shot so the lawsuit now seems like
 the replacement ticket.
 
 Sad situation.  I don't remember the exact dosages but Gathers apparently
 cut his medication way down, like maybe to less than 25% of his original
 full dose when he died.   And what he did take he tried to run it out of
 his system before each game time.  He took a huge risk and paid with his
 life for it.
 
 Bob Hunt

    I believe the legal case against Westhead would almost certainly have
    to stem from whether or not he knew that Hank was cutting back on his
    dosages.  If he did know and still kept playing him at LMU's
    ultra-uptempo game, he should be held accountable.  
    
    From what I understand about Hank's medication it reduced his energy
    level.  As a result I don't understand how Westhead could possibly
    *NOT* know he was cutting back.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    
>    Lemme ask one question regarding this years Nuggets though.  *IF* Doug
>    Moe were still the coach, do you think they'd be as pitiful as they are
>    right now?
   
    Chris, they might not be quite as bad as they are now, but they would
    still be bad and far away from playoff contention.  Remember, one of
    Moe's keys to his success was his team chemistry, and with all the
    rookies, new faces, and injuries Denver has gone through this season,
    Moe's team wouldn't be much better, (if better at all).
    
    Joe
     
    
     

    Chris,
    
    First I'll address the Westhaid comment about coaching the Lakers to
    the title.  IF all he had to do was sit back and do nothing, due to
    Kareen and Magic, I'll use that theory about Deano's *ONLY* NCAA
    Champeenship - with Worthy, Jordan and the bunch, ol' Deano only had to
    sit back and enjoy - *HECK* I coulda won the champeenship with coaching
    that team.
    
    Next, lawsuits.  As stated, lawsuits are a dime a dozen.  IN the
    original Hank Gaithers note - I put in a few notes that Gaithers family
    would, in the new American way, look for *someone* to pay - no matter
    who's fault it was.  The idea is to sue everyone and everything, and
    hope that they'll settle out of court to avoid adverse publicity and
    long, drawn out cases.   Do some research Chris, check out what people
    sue over.  A lawsuit doesn't have anything to do with innocence or
    guilt - not in this case - it just involves money.  
    
    Westhaid in the NBA and the up tempo style - let's see after a couple
    of years.  ANd big deal about Moe.  The NBA is a business.  Ol' Doug
    was good at getting the Nuggets a playoff spot, just to see them get
    whomped on.  Big deal.  Sort of like Dean getting the team to the
    tourney every year, only to lose.  But  Dean was a better recruiter
    than Doug.  IF given a few years to mold a team, and Westhaid still
    doesn't do it, then kick his arse back to where ever will take it. 
    
    For someone who seems to be into law and order and the American Way,
    you sure don't mind branding someone a felon before anything has been
    proven.
    
    JD

    1) I thought I guy was innocent until proven guilty in this country.
    
    2) Even if Westhead knew Hank was cutting back, how is he guilty if
    Hank is making the decision to cut back and saying he wants to play
    and take the risk?  If Westhead said "I want you to cut back", then
    you have a case...

    re .141
    
    Chris, trust me on this one. Maybe a parent would know those sort of
    thing, or a girlfriend/wife, but a coach ?
    
    Not likely dude. That is why you have doctors ....

    I guess I missed it.  When did Westhead become the coach of the
    Hornets?  Or did Loyola move their campus to North Carolina?

   Westhaid stole Hank's drugs.

   Also used to whup him with a cattle prod.

   The man's a stone killer.

   Hangin's too good for him.

   I'd like to see him skinned and drawn and quartered and chopped up into
   little tiny, tiny, tiny bits and formed into miniature cannonballs and
   fired a mile out into the ocean and eaten by diseased sharks, and puked
   up onto sea urchins!!!

   THAT'S what should happen if there's gonna be any justice in the world!

   ya know, ya know, ya know, ya know?
   Mike JN

    Gee, thanks for jumping on my bandwagon Mike.  Lord knows there's
    plenty of room for ya!
    
    I disagree Doc, but of course neither of us know for sure whether or
    not Westhaid noticed Hank acting differently.  At least you acknowledge
    that this is an important point - something others have refused to do.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    Chris a coach stopped a kid like Gathers from playing - and still got
    sued.
    
    The kid also would up dead 6 months later - just like Hank.
    
    Westhead is damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't.
    
    And why is Bo Kimble catching so much hell ? What did he do wrong ?

Meanwhile, back at the Coliseum, the Hornets beat Miami last night,
92-87. Dell Curry was the star with 19 points, all but a few in the 4th
quarter. Dell led the sub attack which had 4 of the bench in double
figures - Gattison, Bogues, Tripucka - and outscored the Miami bench,
52-13. Casual arithmetic shows that they also outscored the Hornets
starting lineup.

It was another franchise record for wins: 25. Orlando leads the expansion
teams. They got their 29th last night against Atlanta. Here's the bottom
standings:

                   W       L      GB   Balls
Denver            19      60       0      11
Sacramento        23      56       4     10*
Miami             23      56       4     10*
New Jersey        24      55       5       8
Charlotte         25      54       6       7
Dallas            26      53       7       6
Minnesota         27      52       8       5
Orlando           29      50      10       4
Washington        30      49      11      3*
Cleveland         30      49      11      3*
LA Clippers       31      48      12       1

TTom

    My only ? is will denver hit the 20W marker....They have a couple 
    tough games left, could keep them at 19w for the season....
    						M_Air

    I have gots to ask dis:
    
    	WHY THE HELL DO YOU GUYS INSIST ON TALKING ABOUT THE
    	NUGGETS IN THIS TOPIC??????
    
    Go start your own!
    
    Now, to at least give you some tie to this topic, GM Carl Scheer was with
    the Hornets until last year.  Now he's with the Nuggets.  Hmmmmmmm.
    
    	--dan'l

>   Because even in their reduced circumstances the Nuggets are more
>   exciting than the Harlot Hornies (tm)..... so we're just trying to
>   perk up your drab life, Dan'l.
    
    Geez, living vicariously throught the Hornets.  What a scarey thought. 
    That would mean I wear yuppie colors, give up about 3/4 of the way
    through most things I attempt, enjoy watching the muppets instead of
    cheerleaders, and lack the proper fundamentals to run the pick and
    roll.
    
    Gads!!!  Hope I wake up from this nightmare of a life soon!!!
    
    	--dan'l

   I can't remember if I mentioned this before or not, but a week or so
   ago, there was one of those practical jokes things on the TV. One of
   the skits: JR REid and a buddy are watching the TV, and a special
   bulletin comes on, and it's saying that JR is being traded to the
   Pistons. Then they start interviewing different people about what they
   think of this deal, and everybody is really bad mouthing JR, and his
   eyes are about the size of saucers. They talked to Rick Mahorn, and
   he's going: `I really can't believe this! What the hell are people
   thinking about? JR Reid?!!? He can't even run! What are they going to
   call it... the Bump and Rump!?!?

   I was really rolling

   Mike JN

The maintays of the Hornets down the stretch are now Kenny Gattison and
Muggsy Bogues. They're there when it counts. The other certainties are JR
Reid rides the pine in the 4th quarter, Rudy Keys doesn't play at all,
and Scheffler mostly doesn't play at all.

TTom

P.S. Speaking of Scheer, isn't he on the way out of Denver?

    Based on JR's dismal numbers I'm surprised he's still starting.  Truly
    a disapointment, but maybe I shouldn't be surprised from a guy SI
    called a 'poisonous' influence on Carolina basketball.
    
    :^(
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    JR Reid .... The Tar Heels head coach by 2005 .....

   I like it Docker... it has a certain symmetry that speaks to my
   artistic soul... and like that, ya know?

   Mike JN

Two successful combinations occured last night when the Hornets beat
Atlanta, 123-111. The first was another strong bench effort in the 4th
quarter - 4 in double figures, led by Dell Curry's 20. The second was the
Atlanta Hawks who managed to make the playoffs and only beat the Hornets
once.

3rd straight win, same formula. And lest it be left unsaid, JR was on the
pine down the stretch, Rudy Keys didn't play and Scheffler played 1
minute.

TTom

                         Break up the Hornets !!!
 
 Wow, a three-game winning streak.  First one all year.   The Hornets are
 quietly putting together a classic "bookend" season.  If we recall, they
 had a great November winning 8 and losing only 7.   Now, they're wrapping
 up April playing their best ball of the year.  If we could just forget
 about December through early March, we'd be in the playoffs.   (Yeah, and
 if pigs could fly ... I know, I know.)
 
 Hornets took 4 out of 5 from playoff-bound Atlanta this year.  And this
 last score, 123-111, opened my eyes real wide.  I know Atlanta isn't
 exactly a defensive power but that's one helluva haul against a better
 team like the Hawks.
 
 Dare I say it ... Are we seeing the birth of a good team ???
 
 They've got two games left, both of them very tough.  Chicago at home on
 Friday night and then at the Knicks to wrap it up on Saturday.  They'll be
 hard pressed to win either one so 26 wins looks like the magic number.
 
 Bob Hunt

    I wouldn't bet on either one of the Hornets remaining games, Chicago or
    New York.  However, if the spread is the usual 5 or 6 against these
    teams, it might be worth it for any of you gamblers out there.
    
    Chicago has clinched and may choose to rest some players during the
    last few games.  Therefore, it might come down to the Hornets bench
    against the Bulls bench and with the way the bug bench has been playing
    lately...
    
    And New York has, for some reason, consistently struggled with
    Charlotte.  Ewing was the only thing...and I do mean thing...keeping
    Charlotte from spanking them all year long.  If the walking proof
    positive of Darwin's theory has a bad game...
    
    	--dan'l

    I think Charlotte will proberbly be the first of the last 4 expansion
    teams to make the playoffs...Although My heart wants it to be orlando
    I think charlotte will end up getting there first.  Orlando has 29W's
    this year and has 2 more chance to hit the 30 mark.  I think theyll 
    hit the big 30 this year.....Its going to be close....
    
    Just curious are the Expansion teams homes all set now, they are
    staying in the division there in for good now.  I thought I remembered
    reading something about them moving around ??????
    								MAB

Charlotte has parked in the Central Division. I don't know about the
others.

Personally, using the Indiana-Bobby_Knight method of downgrading the team
one is rooting for, I think the Hornets have the least talent of the 4
expansion teams. I'm very surprised that Miami isn't doing better. Based
on the last Miami game at Charlotte, I'm not all that impressed with
Rothstein. Orlando also has better talent than the Hornets. If you take
Campbell off the Timberwolves, they look about the same as Charlotte
which would beg the question of how valuable/helpful Campbell is.

BTW, what is the destiny of Mussleman? I heard earlier that he was
scheduled to be fired at the end of this season. Anyone know if this is
still the plan?

TTom

 Looks like the Sixers are collecting as many ex-Hornets as they can find.  
 Yesterday, they signed Robert Reid for the remainder of the season.
 
 They now have Robert Reid, Armon Gilliam, Dave Hoppen, Andre Turner, and
 Rickey Green on their team.  All have played for the Hornets at some point
 in time.
 
 Bob Hunt

The Hornets finished the season with a couple of losses. On Friday, it
was a lackluster effort leading to the 115-99 loss to the Bulls. Some guy
named Jordan dominated, especially in the 4th. Saturday, the Hornets had
the lead for a good bit of the game but lost down the stretch to the
Knicks, 108-102.

Meanwhile, Orlando and Minnesota finish with a pair of wins. Ironically,
Orlando beat New Jersey. Had NJ won, they would have finished a game up
on the Hornets. As it is, there's some blind draw for balls. Could be
interesting to watch.

Here's the lottery finish. 
 
                   W       L      GB   Balls
Denver            20      62     0.0      11
Miami             24      58     4.0      10
Sacramento        25      57     5.0       9
New Jersey        26      56     6.0      8*
Charlotte         26      56     6.0      8*
Dallas            28      54     8.0       6
Minnesota         29      53     9.0       5
Washington        30      52    10.0       4
LA Clippers       31      51    11.0      3*
Orlando           31      51    11.0      3*
Cleveland         33      49    13.0       1

TTom

    During the blowout against the Hornets, Jordan shot a free throw (and
    made it) with his eye's closed.  I don't think the Hornets minded, but
    I still think that's pretty classless.
    
    	--dan'l

You Would....A guy cant have a little fun during a no difference game.  This
game really meant nothing to either team, it was Chicago's 60th Win of the 
season but in the standings it didnt mean much.  If anything Phil Jackson is
the one that should be upset...and charlotte im sure realized it was just for
show and for fun...I wonder how the Fans who were there felt about it, if they
even realized it.

    RE: You Would....
    
    Excuse me.  I didn't know that Jordan's athletic abilities put him up
    on the high and mighty pedestal of being beyond reproach.  I promise
    never to do it again.  Hear that gang, no bad mouthing Michael no
    matter.
    
    	--dan'l

 Michael Jordan shot a free throw with his eyes closed ???  I didn't
 hear or read about that one.
 
 It would have been better, rather then get all torqued at him, if one
 of the Hornets, maybe Muggsy Bogues, could have snuck up behind him
 and yanked his shorts down to around his ankles or tied his shoelaces
 together.  Or maybe, better still, pasted Reebok decals on his Airs.
 
 Or maybe put a hand in his face so he couldn't "see" through both his
 eyelids *and* the hand.  The fans would have been rolling and he
 would have opened his eyes and seen Muggsy there.
 
 I agree with you, Dan'l, that players at this level shouldn't show
 each other up with cute tricks like this *but* getting mad at him
 doesn't stop him from doing it.  Showing him up in reverse does the
 trick.
 
 Bob Hunt

What everyone can show Boat on a slam dunk, in your face block and such but
someone comes up with something new and he gets trampled....I Guess if dee
brown had the god damn nerv to do a NO PEEK dunk during a game they were winning
you would all chastise hime right...I doubt it...Just another case of using
something to put someone down, where as if one of your teams players had the
ability and the balls to do it you would be ranting about how great it was. I
didnt see it or here anything about it on the news or from the papers, but Im
giving you the benefit of the doubt...But before you bad mouth him for it just
think what your reaction to Dee Brown doing a no-peek dunk during a game would
be....
								M_Air_Brooks

As one wo was there, it was mildly humorous at the time. The internal
replay shot.

However, I disagree with the idea that it was a meaningless game. The
Hornets had a chance to both add to their best regular season record as
well as adding a win over another playoff team, both of which would have
made a nice ending to this season in terms of fan interest, momentum for
next season, etc.

The Chicago Bulls game reminds of a some business we did in here
comparing JR Reid and Stacey King and who was better, more valuable, etc.
Well this year was no contest. JR wins this one in a rout from any
possible measurement. He starts, Stacey doesn't. During the course of the
game, JR plays more minutes, scores more, rebounds more and generally is
called upon to do more (don't know about assists or steals). The real
clincher, however, is the fact that at a time when the Bulls needed more
help in the middle with Cartwright being hurt, Stacey was crying about
his lack of playing time.

Also, JR has a better quote. When asked why he wears baggy pants, he
replied , "I wear baggy pants because I have a big butt."

TTom

A local sports announcer "broke" an unconfirmed report that current coach
Gene Littles has been asked to quit coaching and step back upstairs into
his old job of player development. Doug Moe, who has a contract to
announce the Hornets TV games next year, is the supposed heir apparent.

Moe said that he'd turn down the job if he gets the offer.

One variation of this theme is that Moe comes in as an announcer and if,
or maybe when, Littles gets asked to leave, he can transition into the
job. This way, the rumor goes, he'll have been close to the team and on
the inside of what is going on.

TTom

    About time Doug Moe got a coaching offer.  Nice that he gets to come 
    "home" to North Carolina, even if it means coaching the woeful Hornets.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    Would George Shinn make him wear a tie?  Remember, Moe is the example
    Shinn used last year when trying to make a point of what "looking
    unprofessional" was.  Will he have to wear a tie on TV?
    
    	--dan'l

More on Moe and Littles:

First George Shinn has a press conference with Gene Littles and he
publicly endorses him (isn't that the kiss of death?) and declares that
as long as Littles wants it, the coaching job is his and if and when he
decides to leave he is welcome back upstairs.

Then, the local TV station that has the TV rights to the Hornets through
next year said that they don't want Doug Moe as an announcer. They'd like
to stick with their Sports Director as the color man.

The guy who owns the TV station had a part interest in the Hornets. He
and Shinn went to court over it, settled, sued each other over some other
issue and settled, so it looks like it may be round 3 in the courts. Both
the Hornets and the TV station claim the right to select and reject
announcers.

TTom

Hornets lucked out and won the lottery and the #1 pick in this year's
draft. Earlier, they had lost the coin flip to New Jersey, who ended up
with the #2 pick.

Bristow fooled a great many people when he told Stern that they had
decided to draft a point guard and showed a jersey with #1 and COSTAS. It
sucked NBC in.

Later Bristow, who BTW is in charge of the basketball part of the
Hornets, said that the Hornets were looking at 4: Billy Owens, Larry
Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo and Kenny Anderson (I guess he probably lost it
when Bristow said that he was drafting a point guard?). Owens will play
at 2 or 3. Charlotte has about half their roster at those positions.
Johnson dominated college but ain't all that big for power forward. That
pretty much leaves the very obvious Mutombo as the most likely. At 7'2",
the Hornets should basically disregard the rest and go for him. Anderson
is both an ACC star and plays point, a much needed position for
Charlotte.

This year, without the Big Name, there may be a bunch of wheeling and
dealing. We shall see.

TTom

 If Bristow has any brains he keeps the pick and takes Mutumbo....the kid's
 going to be a star....

    On last night's Sports Huddle on WHDH (Boston) radio, Eddie Andleman
    called a sports reporter at the CBS-affiliate TV station in Charlotte
    (first name Paul, sorry can't remember the last name).  The Charlotte
    reporter said that the Hornets were leaning towards Motumbo, and are
    considering trading down with Sacramento (who has the 3rd pick). 
    
    
    py

That musta been Paul Cameron. 

The Hornets have claimed to looking for a big man since they were
founded. Their efforts with regard to Dave Hoppen, Stuart Gray, etc. have
shown how serious they are with this pursuit. If they pass up Mutombo, I
guess they'll have to publicly admit that they were just kidding.

TTom

One other thing, Charlotte also has 2 picks in the second round: Round 2,
pick 1 (28th overall) which they got from Denver and round 2, pick 5
(32nd overall).

TTom

What are the chances that Charlotte would do a deal for James
Worthy?  I mean, isn't this the team that picked J.R. Reid?

Laker_Ken

 Heavy sigh.   While it certainly was a joy watching the Hornets snag
 the top pick in the upcoming draft, it's depressing to know that the
 only true franchise player available will be going back to LSU for
 his junior season.  Damn, Shaq, why didn't you come out *this* year ???
 
 As for the top pick, I'd take Larry Johnson in a heart beat.  This is
 a man-child with a total game.  And I don't care that he's only
 6'-7".  Barkley barely clears 6'-5".   Larry Johnson has JR Reid's
 skills with Kenny Gattison's heart and determination.   He's perfect
 for this team.   Send JR packin' and Larry Johnson will have the
 Hornets in the playoffs within three years.
 
 Dikembe Mutombo is a defensive terror but he's got no offensive game
 to speak of other than a put-back dunk.   If the Hornets really
 intend to draft him, then they should trade down, gobble up whatever
 goodies they can get, and then take him with a lower pick.   He's the
 answer to their defensive prayers in the paint but he's not worth the
 No. 1 pick overall.
 
 Billy Owens wouldn't be a bad pick but I like Johnson better.   And
 I'll be really pissed if they take Kenny Anderson.
 
 Bob Hunt

 Mutumbo has a nice little hook Bob, trouble is he was usually immediately
 doubled teamed because of his inability to pass the ball. Think of what he
 has learnt in 5 years. Think of what he will learn with the right teacher,
 time and no zone.....Me thinks you overestimate Johnson. then again I could
 be underestimating him but if I was going to go forward I'd go Owens before
 Johnson. Better ballhandler who's also not afraid to mix it up inside and
 and may have slightly more outside range....

 mike

    Forced to agree with Robert Montgomery Hunt on this one.  Johnson is a
    man-child whose 6'-7" frame will not be a deteriment.  He can bang
    inside and has nice range on his J.  Comparing him to Barkley is
    unfair, but I can see him making an immediate impact somewhere.  (Maybe
    some of his killer instincts will rub off on JR.  Maybe.)
    
    Picking Mutumbo #1 would be a mistake.  You don't build teams around
    centers in the NBA anymore.  Take a look at the NBA Final 4.  None were
    built around their center.  The 2-time champs have only average
    centers.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    
    Chris,
    
    While you dont' have to buid around a cneter, it helps to build around
    some sort of defensive presence down low.  That's where a Rodman,
    Salley come into play for the Pistons.   I think you can't lose picking
    either Motumbo or Johnson.  Laugh at Motumbo's lack of offense, but
    Dennis Rodman doesn't score much, yet he's the MVP of many of Detriot
    (TM) victories.   
    
    The Final Four all have some dominating big bodies inside.  Duckworth
    is huge, a load, and an offensive threat.   Divac is a tall, and he ate
    Cliff RObinson up on Saturday.  Cartwright and Grant take up space,
    Horace cleans the glass, and Mr. Bill is a nice offensive option. 
    Edwards, Salley and Laimbeer make up a very good interior for the
    Pistons - Bill rebounds and has the outside shot, Edwards the nice soft
    fadeaway inside, Salley rebounds and defense.
    
    I'd be interested to see who Joisey picks.  IF Larry Johnson is picked
    first, do they reunite Coleman and Owens?  (I say yes..)
    
    MOtumbo would fit the needs perfectly for Denver and Golden State....
    
    JD

I'm for Larry Johnson also, but I expect to see Dikembe.  But if they take 
Mutoumbo, what do they do with Gminski?   If they take Johnson or Owens, 
can they expect J.R. to be a happy sixth/seventh man?   If they take
Kenny Anderson, Muggsy must go.

Bob,

Ya better fill in the Hornet's survey on the front of the sports page
today. They want to hear the fans opinion on who should be drafted #1.
Get those Larry Johnson votes in.

TTom

 There is another angle to the Hornets picking (or not picking) Larry
 Johnson that's easy to miss ...
 
 That is, does the Las Vegas "image" play well in Charlotte ???   Like
 it or not, to the Bible Belters, UNLV is seen as an outlaw rogue
 program in a city that's a Godless, hedonistic, modern-day version of
 Sodom and Gomorrah.
 
 Don't think for a minute that George Shinn doesn't care about this
 angle.   He forced the JR Reid pick two years ago primarily because
 of the positive publicity of Reid's Tar Heel connection.  He may very
 well rule out a Vegas connection.   Remember who got traded and who
 stayed back in January ...  Arman Gilliam left and JR Reid stayed.
 
 Bob Hunt

    IF I WAS CHARLOTTE GM, I WOULD TRADE DOWN TO A TEAM WITH SEVERAL DRAFT
    PICKS. WHAT ABOUT TO GOLDEN STATE FOR THE 16TH AND 17TH PICK AND TAKE
    RICK FOX AND DALE DAVIS IN THE FIRST ROUND. WITH THERE TWO PICKS IN 
    THE SECOND ROUND THEY SHOULD GO AFTER A LEADER AND TAKE KING RICE AND
    GO AFTER THE MOST UNDERATED CENTER IN THE DRAFT AND SELECT PETE
    CHILCUTT. IF THEY DO THIS THEY SHOULD BE A CONTENDER WITHIN TWO YEARS.
    
                                                BIG "O"
    

    
    If I was the Hornet's GM I don't think I would pick Mutumbo.  Mutumbo
    is going to be a good player, but I think Owens or Johnson will both
    have more to offer to this team.  (Owens being the better of the two!).
    But personally, I hope they don't pick Owens because I want to see him
    and Coleman playing together again!!!
    
    - Ken -

    re: The Big "O"
    
    I cain tell I'm gonna like this guys style!
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    
    If you  want the Hornets to draft Fox, Davis, Chilcutt and Rice
    why not offer Dean the head coaching job.  Change the name to
    the Charlotte TarHeels.  Rumour has it that Littles might be promoted
    to GM. 
    
    \pjb

    I think you're making a giant leap in logic Ketch, assuming that
    Johnson's Vegas background might influence the Hornets desire to
    pick him.  Among other things:
    
    o The average "Bible Belter" does not think Las Vegas is another "Sodom
      and Gomorrah".  That opinion is of an extreme minority, and to even
      think that a typical Christian would hold that view is, well,
      uninformed.
    
    o Don't confuse keeping JR Reid and jetisoning a kid who went to
      UNLV as anti-Vegas feelings.  I'm sure it had much more to do with
      postive Carolina sentiment in Charlotte, if such matters as
      alma mater were even a factor.  (I don't deny that they might be.)
    
    If Johnson had a reputation as being, say, a partier, loudmouth, or
    head case, I'd say the moral angle might become a factor.  (Perhaps
    rightfully.)  But steer clear just cause he went to UNLV?  No way.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

When the Hornets traded Gilliam and kept JR, the major motive was hope.
With Armon, what you see is what you get: scoring and not much else. The
hope was the JR would move his scoring average up and keep a strong pace
in rbs. In fact, JR's stats went down after Gilliam left.

In regard to the Bible Belters, one should never underestimate their
numbers or their power. This area of the country is heavily influenced
by them, even if you think them only an extreme minority. Now, whether or
not they jump on the anti-UNLV band wagon remains to be seen. But their
effect on the Hornets is already there. For instance, George Shinn
refuses to have cheerleaders, saying that he wants the Hornets games to
be "family affairs". 

BTW, that bias is something the Dikembe Mutombo will have to overcome as
well. I mean that ain't no god_bless_american name. Don't exactly sound
christian, neither.

TTom

>    o The average "Bible Belter" does not think Las Vegas is another "Sodom
>      and Gomorrah".  That opinion is of an extreme minority, and to even
>      think that a typical Christian would hold that view is, well,
>      uninformed.
    
    From my experiences here in NC, these people are anything but "typical"
    Christians.  For cripes sakes, there's a prayer before every Hornets
    game!  With the way they play, though, it should be an epitaph.
    
    What the Hornets should do and will do with the #1 are two different
    things.
    
    What they should do: trade down to the third or fourth pick and take
    Mutombo if there are some goodies that come along with the trade. 
    Otherwise, take big Larry.  Owens is great, but he's not what this team
    needs right now.
    
    What they will do: trade down and to get Mutombo only to have him
    snatched away a pick early.  Settle for Kenny Anderson.  
    
    If they do get Mutombo, Eric Lechner will go, Gminski will stay.  If
    they do the right thing and take Johnson, JR will end up with another
    expansion team or the Bullets.
    
    	--dan'l

> In regard to the Bible Belters, one should never underestimate their
> numbers or their power. This area of the country is heavily influenced
> by them, even if you think them only an extreme minority. 
    
    I never said the Bible Belters themselves were an 'extreme minority'.
    Among their masses however I'd feel confident saying that a minority of
    them view Las Vegas, NV as 'Sadom and Gamorrah'.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

>             -< 'Bible Belters' are horribly stereotyped in here >-

Well whatever, whoever, and how_many_ever there are, they sure as sh*t
don't like JR Reid. As much as anything else to do with this draft, he's
become a central figure. For every draft, swap or trade down theory,
there's a /WHATABOUT=JR coniditional qualifier.

The real value of getting the #1 pick is starting to sink in around town.
Charlotte fans have about a month to talk and wonder about it all and
then when what happens happens, you can always talk forever about it,
what should have happened or not happened, etc., ad forevereum.

TTom

    > they [don't like] JR Reid
    
    Hmmm.  Give us some details here TTom.  Are you saying JR's fallen
    outof favor with the locals?  If so, why.  (I suspect it dates back to
    his Raleigh bar incident at Carolina and his missed curfew during the
    NCAA's in Atlanta.  Oh, and his NBA game ain't so hot either ...)
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    Johnson is a great player and I think will be a great pro. But big men
    like mutumbo are too hard to get. Larry Johnson's are easier to get. 
    
    And Mike Giminski will not be around forever, and do you Hornet fans
    REALLY want JR in the pivot ?
    
    I didn't think so ...

    If the Hornets keep the #1 pick, they take Billy Owens.  
    
    Other possibility is to trade down to #3 or #4 and hope Dikembe
    is still there (or take who's left).
    
    Hornets finished LAST in the league in rebounding AND blocked shots.
    If the Hornets get Johnson, Owens, or Mutumbo, rebounding improves
    immediately.
    
    That's my nickels worth.
    Pat

    Hornets also have the first pick in the second round, thanks to
    suckering Denver into taking Tim Kempton for a #2 pick a couple of
    years ago, plus their own #2.  So they pick #1, #28, and #32.
    
    I think, given Charlotte's strengths and weaknesses, that they must
    take Mutombo with the #1, hope that a widebody forward like Shawn
    Vandiver or Victor Alexander is around to pick with #28 so they can
    dump JR, and pick a shooter (there's supposed to be lots of them) 
    at #32.
    
    NAZZ

    How should an expansion team build?  In the first few years I assume
    you take the best athlete available.  They did just that by passing on
    Seikely and taking Chapman.  I honestly thought JR was a better ball
    player than Stacey King and so did the Hornets. Last year they picked
    around 7th and took Kendal Gill even though they were heavy at that
    position.   I think all were excellent choices (and I still think JR
    was a better pick than King).  
    
    In your fourth year, do you take what you lack (Mutombo) or take the
    best player (Owens, Johnson, Anderson)?  This is a little different
    from Chris's "you don't build an NBA team around a center" statement.
    
    What do ya'll think?
    
    	--dan'l

re: JR and the fans.

Yeah, Chris, the locals seem to acutely dislike JR. When he's introduced,
he's booed. When he sits down he's booed. When he comes back in he's
booed. People go out of their way to make of point of expressing their
displeasure with JR.

I'm not sure the exact cause. It looks to be a combination of bad play
and lazy play. This may be just a passing fancy. Last year, the player
they hated most was Rex Chapman. I remember the game he got hurt in, the
fans cheered when he went down. This year, it's like this never happened.
Rex was voted MVP of the team. Who knows, if JR hustles some next year,
maybe the fans will come around with him.

TTom

    >I'd be interested to see who Joisey picks.  IF Larry Johnson is picked
    >first, do they reunite Coleman and Owens?  (I say yes..)
    
    I'm interested also.  If Johnson does go #1, I think they grab Owens,
    and he'll start at small forward rather than the terribly inconsistent
    CHris Morris.  But if Owens goes #1, do the Nets take Johnson, who
    needs the same room in the paint that Coleman needs?  It's not a good
    mix.  Do they take Anderson, who might develop into a premeire point
    man, and move Mookie to a 3rd guard spot?  Do they look big,
    considering they've got Bowie and Dudley, neither world beaters but not
    their sorest spot?  I don't know.
    
    A scoring small forward is their greatest need.  Is there anyone
    besides Owens who fits that bill?  If he's not available at #2, I'm
    afraid of the liklihood that it will be screwed up, because this is the
    Nets.
    
    Dan

 Dan, what about you're buddy Augmon? Or are you trying to protect him for
 the Lakers?

 ;^)

Hmmmm.  Let's see.  The Nets need a scoring small forward.  How
'bout James Worthy, Dan?  That way, your Nets immediately get
20 ppg and a dose of championship leadership, and the Lakers 
get Larry Johnson as the cornerstone to build the next dynasty
around.

Laker_Ken

    You caught me between a rock and a hard place there, Ken.  I've got to
    bail out on that one.
    
    I think Augmon is a very good ballplayer, and will offer immediate help
    in some areas of his game to whomever drafts him, but if Owens goes #1,
    I don't see Augmon as a reasonable #2 pick there, nor as the answers to
    the Nets problems.  We're talking about a guy who has slowly gone from
    no J to a passable one, now taking the big step up in competition (and
    defense, despite what our referee expert says).  Will his offensive
    game make that step with him?  I'd rather see them take Anderson, or
    even better trade down for still a good pick and pick up a good player
    in the exchange.
    
    If the Nets take Anderson, they risk being the least disciplined
    on-court team in the league, and with ol' sour face Fitch at coach
    that's a real bad mix.
    
    Dan

    
    	Hornets could trade Reid and this Bible-belter would be
    happy!..just please don't draft Rice...H*ll, he cain't even beat up a
    woman! :*)
    
    	Take Johnson and the title!
    
    B.A.

    < re Hornet fans turning on JR
    
    Bar activity in Raleigh have nothing to do with Hornet fan displeasure
    with JR ......try lackluster play on the floor, brain detatch when he
    receives the ball, little defense, and lack of effort four of five
    outings
    
     

         YOU HEARD IT HEAR FIRST
            
    
                  J.R. REID COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR IN 91-92
                  DON'T BE SURPRISED!!!!!!!
    
    
    
                              BIG "0"

    re-1,
    
    	How can he be a comeback when he's never started playing yet?
    
    B.A.
    

    Like I said.  I'm gonna like the Big "0"'s style!
    
    
    - ACC Chris

 I don't think Stacey will have problems stepping up the defense Dan. His feet
 and hands are too quick plus he has then mentality. Owens is a perfect fit
 for NJ. When Mookie gets erratic or teams press, trap Owens can help out.
 Larry Johnson while a nice ballplayer is no Billy Owens. He rebounds better
 that's about it. Why people would rate him even or above Billy is beyond me.

 mike

The Big O?  (or is that 0?)

The Big O is what ACCrisp has when he sees the baby blew team on the TV.
First his eyes start to squint, and then his thighs start to shudder, and
next thing you know he sees old Deano, and whoeee, it's over.....


this is all tooooo funny.

'Saw

                         
    He called himself the Big "0" (zero), 'Saw, I guess after ol' JR
    himself...
    
    > If Johnson had a reputation as being, say, a partier, loudmouth, or
    > head case, I'd say the moral angle might become a factor.  (Perhaps
    > rightfully.) 
    
    But he does have that reputation, and maybe worse.  Johnson was involved
    in a couple of assault-type incidents while at UNLV, and more than any
    other Vegas player was the subject of much scrutiny over the past
    couple of years.  Recently, SI even dragged out an allegation that he 
    and some teammates met with a suspected mob game-fixer, in spite of 
    a direct warning from Jerry Tarkanian to stay away from the guy.  I'd
    say that there's at least a reason to evaluate Johnson's general 
    state of mind before drafting him number one.
    
    I'm not completely sold on Johnson's ability, either.  Just as UNLV 
    was falsely considered a "can't-miss" champion in large part because 
    of their weak competition, there should be reservations over 
    Johnson's performance against the big boys, too.  I know he wasn't
    UNLV's center, but a couple of good-but-not-great players like Oliver
    Miller and Christian Laettner did a pretty good job scoring inside 
    against the Rebs this year.  I wasn't that impressed with Johnson
    overall in the few Vegas games that were worthy of being televised 
    this year, to tell you the truth.
    
    I think the Hornets should go with Mutombo, a raw talent but a very
    intelligent and dedicated young man, and allow him to develop.  If
    they can trade down and still do it, so much the better...
    
    glenn
    

Back to the draft.

It turns out that the second second round pick that was officially
reported (pick #32, overall) is actually owned by Denver. The other pick,
#28, is indeed the property of the Hornets.

George Shinn said that the big attraction to trading the #1 pick is that
he might save some money. Of course with the way his Raleigh-Durham
Skyhawks are doing - 0 fer all, poor crowds, no beer - he might be
worrying. (The WLAF asked him not to fold until June). 

So it look's like we in may be another case of Shinn Happens. That theory
says that given his fondness for Dave Hoppen, Kelly Tripucka, and JR
Reid, he's likely to do the worst possible thing. 

In regard to trading the #1, the local paper has the "best deal for a no.
1", the Boston trade of the rights to Joe Barry Ralph Carroll for
Robert Parish, and the "worst deal for a no. 1", the Philly
trade of their #1 to Cleveland (which drafted Brad Daugherty) for Roy
Hinson and some money.

TTom

    Glenn has a point about Johnson and his untested skills.  Charlotte
    passed on Stacey King for JR in '89, and a big knock against King was
    that all those numbers he posted were against weak exhibition and Big 8
    opponents.  Oklahoma had a run in the NCAA, but King was not a star in
    it (though he had a broken finger).
    
    By that same thinking, do you knock Johnson down a peg because of the
    calibre of UNLV's schedule and how he performed against the likes of
    Miller and Laettner?
    
    I still think the Hornets should go for him, but if they want their
    reasoning to be consistent they'll pass and go with Mutombo or Owens.
    
    	--dan'l

 Larry Johnson's "untested" skills looked just fine to me when Vegas
 blitzed their way through the 1990 NCAA Tournament.
 
 Bob Hunt

    
    >                  -< Stacey King is no Larry Johnson >-
    
    No, he isn't, but I don't understand the precedent anyway.  When King
    played at Oklahoma, the Big-8 *was* strong, with OU, Kansas, Kansas
    State, and Missouri all at or close to their peaks for the decade.  OU
    also usually schedules a couple of tough non-conference opponents (Duke
    and Arkansas this past year, UNLV, Texas, etc. in the past).  OU's 
    competition was certainly much tougher than what Johnson has seen on a 
    regular basis.
    
    glenn
     

       Well I feel Charlotte would be crazy to pick Mutombo
    with the first pick.Why pick him this year when they are
    going to be in the lottery again next year and have a chance
    at O'neal.If they don't get the first pick next year they 
    still have a shot at someone like Mourning,Laettner,and a
    couple of other centers just as good. Take the best player
    available either JOHNSON or OWENS.
    
    
    
    
    
                                       BIG "O"
    
    

    Mutumbo is 25 yrs old.  Is that a factor?  If he's an average player,
    maybe it is a factor.  If he's as durable as the Chief (who's 37),
    maybe it's not a factor.
    
    I still like (a much younger) Owens.
    
    Pat

    Glenn, the point about King, however, was that when you looked at games
    where he posted big numbers, it was against the likes of Nebraska,
    Colorado, UNC-Charlotte, etc.  Whenever he faced a good team or another
    top center he went to sleep.
    
    Johnson, I feel, is a different calibre.  He could start for any team
    that drafted him.  King is getting nine minutes a game.
    
    Bob Hunt and I were talking yesterday and doing the "they should
    take ________, but then again maybe ________ is the man, but what 
    about _______" when we both kind of looked at each other and realized
    that there really is no disappointment awaiting us.  Johnson is our
    personal pick, but I'll still be smiling if Owens or Mutombo are
    wearing Teal and Purple next season.  Kenny Anderson might make me
    frown...for a few minutes.
    
    	--dan'l
    

    
    Trade rumors the last two weeks:
    	- Charlotte's first pick in the draft to LAL for James Worthy and Eldin
    	  Cambell.
    
    	- Charlotte's first pick in the draft to Denver for their two
    	  first round picks (#4, and #???).
    
    	- Charlotte's first pick in the draft to Denver for their #4 pick
    	  and Michael Adams.
    
    	- Chapman is being shopped.
    
    Other news:
    	- Kenny Anderson was in town Tuesday.  Showed up in T-shirt and
    	  jeans.  Interviewed with Hornets management, took a test, and
    	  refused to work out on the court.
    
    	- Mutumbo in town today (Thursday).
    
    

 Yes, Kenny Anderson refused to work out for the Hornets.  He said
 that, on advice from his agent, he would not work out for any of the
 teams interested in drafting him.
 
 He was quoted as saying ... that they all know what he can do and
 they can just watch him on tape or come down to Atlanta if they still
 want to see more.
 
 Interesting attitude.    Hornets' GM Alan Bristow, an ex-NBA player,
 just likes to put the prospective player through a few drills and
 then play a little one-on-one against him.  No big deal.
 
 The Charlotte paper also said that Anderson was asked to take a
 written test ... a standard psychological evaluation, if you will.  
 Anderson said that one of the questions on the test wanted to know
 what he would do if he had a loaded gun in his hand.  Anderson said
 that he wrote down that since he's from New York, he'd shoot it.
 
 I think it's safe to say that Kenny Anderson won't be in Teal and
 Purple nexted season or any other season any time soon.
 
 Bob Hunt

    re .234
    
    Bob, Kenny knows as well as we do that he's the 4th option for the
    Hornets. So why should he break his back playing out the charade ?
    
    BTW, I love that answer on that test ... a perfect answer for a silly
    question ...
    
    DrM

 And yesterday was Dikembe Mutombo's turn in town.    He, too, refused
 to work out for the Hornets.    He said that Georgetown coach John
 Thompson advised him not to.
 
 Other than that, Mutombo at least wore an expensive suit which most
 definitely puts him ahead of Kenny Anderson in the Hornets' silly
 fashion statement department.  {Anderson came to town in a T-shirt
 and jeans which no doubt angered George Shinn just a bit.}
 
 Larry Johnson has already sent word that he will be happy to work
 out.  He's probably looking forward to abusing Bristow in a little
 1-on-1.
 
 The current thinking here is that *if* the Hornets want Mutombo for
 his size and defense, they will trade down to get him.   Anybody
 else, and I'm assuming this means Johnson or Owens, and they'll keep
 the top pick and use it accordingly.
 
 Makes sense to me.
 
 Bob Hunt

    Agreed Doc.  Making a player "work out" whose been scouted a million
    times is stupid.  'Specially when all you want him to do is play a
    little one-on-one against one of the front office brass.  Really
    dumb.  Kinda like making a Software Consultant sit down and write
    a program to display "Hello" on the screen for some non-technoweenie
    manager. 
    
    The psychological test sounds bogus too.  Ask a guy what he'd do with a
    loaded gun?  Gimmee a break ...
    
    
    - ACC Chris

 Both the workout and the psycho test do seem dumb and unnecessary at
 first glance but, if you think about it, this is basically a routine
 job interview situation ... just a bit more visible to the adoring
 public, that's all.
 
 And the Hornets are no doubt going to be asked to shell out about $3
 or $4 million a year for the next 3 to 5 years for this player.  They
 may just have a right, as a prospective employer, to decide for
 themselves just who might be worth that much money for that period of
 time.   
 
 Personally, I think a lot of this pre-draft stuff could go on behind
 closed doors and nobody would really care a lot about it.   The cynic
 in me says that both sides, the Hornets and these four players, are
 just trying to enjoy these coupla brief shining moments in the
 off-season spotlight's glare.   Free publicity is hard to come by and
 both the Hornets and the players are soaking in it right now.
 
 Bob Hunt

    A player who shows up for one of these sessions at a team's front
    office is in a job interview situation and a player who takes the time
    to dress appropriately for the occasion makes a hell of an impression. 
    The only player who has done so at Foxboro in the last couple of years
    is Pat Terrell, a defensive back out of Notre Dame, who was drafted
    late on the second round by the Rams.  People who met him that day
    still remember it and Joe Mendes wants him very badly.
    
    It does matter.
    
    John

    If the Pats want a player badly cause he showed up wearing a suit and
    tie it may explain their recent W-L record.
    
    I can't think of many worse correlations than one associating a 
    neat dresser with a quality NBA hoopster.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    What I wrote was misleading:
    
    We wanted the player before he even showed up.  Making a positive
    impression made us want him even more.  The point I was trying to make
    was that it's not as far-fetched as it seems that showing up for
    something like this well-dressed isn't stupid.
    
    Teams are drafting as much for character as anything these days.  The
    investment being made in these players is phenomenal and anything that
    can disrupt the karma of a team should be avoided.
    
    You and I all know that the best technoweenies very often wear tshirts,
    jeans and sneakers to work because dress has nothing to do with
    performance.  Dressing appropriately for an interview when a
    technoweenie is trying to change jobs isn't an indicator of performance
    but it is a matter of common courtesy, common sense and could make the
    difference as to whether or not said person will get the job or not.
    
    Just because Pat Terrell wore a suit didn't make him a great football
    player, otherwise, the Rams were equally as stupid in drafting him.  It
    was an indication of a guy who has brains and who took the whole
    process very, very seriously.  It did make a positive impression and is
    very unusual.  That's what I was trying to say and I apologize for not
    making it clearer.
    
    John
    

In the Hornets fans poll, Mutombo won going away. Larry Johnson was 2nd,
followed by Billy Owens and Kenny Anderson.

There seems to be some consensus that the other three seem higher rated
that Mutombo. So it comes down to drafting the "best player", which looks
like Johnson or Owens or drafting the position needed, which is Mutombo.
Throw in trying to save a couple of dollars and possible trades and
you've got the basic scenarios.

TTom

 You forget to mention, TTom, that a couple of the loyal but
 brain-dead readers actually entered "Rick Fox" as their choice for
 the Hornets' No. 1 pick.
 
 My cut on the Mutombo "victory" at the polls is that most of the
 Charlotte Observer's readers just take whatever they read as gospel. 
 One of the paper's writers pointed out that he would take Mutombo
 because he simply filled the greatest team need, namely, height and
 defense.   
 
 The writer also pointed out that Mutombo wasn't worth the No. 1 pick
 so he would trade down to get him.  I don't think the fans factored
 *that* into their vote.
 
 I still want Larry Johnson.  A lean, mean, basketball machine.
 
 And I don't at all agree with the "draft for need" theory.  Portland
 drafted Sam Bowie because they needed him more than they needed
 Michael Jordan.   Chicago fans the world over thank Portland for that
 little gem of hoops wisdom.
 
 Bob Hunt

    I've just caught up on this note.  It mentions the Hornets interviewing
    Kenny Anderson, Larry Johnson and Dikembe Motumbo.  Does this mean that
    they aren't going to interview Billy Owens?  If not, I advise Owens to
    show up for the interview wearing the rock band, Phlegm and Smegma's
    t-shirt, nothing below the waist and carrying a loaded Saturday Night
    Special.
    
    Please leave him for the Nets.
    
    Dan

    Hornets interview Owens on June 12.  He and Johnson are good friends
    and have a personal joke going about who will be the number one pick. 
    Johnson says he really want to play in Charlotte.  Of course, wouldn't
    you say that on a job interview?
    
    	--dan'l

          Has anyone seen anything about a possible three way
      trade involing Atlanta,Denver,and the Hornets.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
            Could Atlanta and Denver be trying to trade up and pick...
    
                           
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
           RICK FOX!!!!!!!!
    
    
    
    
    
    
       BIG "O"
    

    There's talk about the Nuggets giving up their 4th pick and a player or
    draft choice for Charlotte's #1 pick.  The Nuggets are very interested
    in Billy Owens, and it sounds like the Hornets are leaning toward
    Mutumbo, so they would still get him with the 4th pick plus pick up an
    extra player.  I caught an interview on the radio with Owens on my way
    home last night, and he has been talking with the Nuggets.
    
    Joe

    The Hornets have been contacted by EVERY team and EVERY Charlotte
    player has been mentioned in some kind of trade/deal.  This according
    to Allan Bristow.
    
    The NBC affiliate in Charlotte last night said that there are trade
    talks with Denver, however, and that such talks involve the picks AND
    JR Reid and Del Curry.  That's all that was said.  I really can't
    figure that out.
    
    	--dan'l

 If there is a trade between Denver and Charlotte, we won't hear about
 it until shortly *after* the actual draft.
 
 The way it would work is that the Hornets would draft Billy Owens
 first, the Nuggets would draft Dikembe Mutombo fourth and then the
 two teams would execute the agreed-upon swap after the draft is
 actually over.
 
 Sixers and Clippers did this a few years ago with Charles Smith and
 Hersey Hawkins.   They do it this way so that they can minimze the
 last-minute surprises like, for example, if Sacramento were to draft
 Mutombo ahead of Denver.
 
 This should all be a moot point ... Larry Johnson is the man.
 
 Bob Hunt

 Oh, and still more on the Hornets scene ...
 
 Kelly Tripucka absolutely torched any slim chance he might have had
 of staying with the team.  He gave an interview to a writer from
 Greensboro and blasted the organization.   Called them every losing
 name in the book and said they were certain to find a way to blow the
 No. 1 pick opportunity.   
 
 Also said that they completely botched his demotion to the bench
 after they picked up Johnny Newman last year.   He blasted the way
 the Hornets treat veteran players, the way they hire and fire
 coaches, and so on and so on ...
 
 Later, Kelly, it's been nice.	 Not.
 
 Bob Hunt

I think one of the critical paths to figuring out what the Hornets are
going to do is to watch what happens with the contract talks with Eric
Leckner. He must be signed by June 15th or he becomes a restricted free
agent. If the Hornets resign him, I doubt that they'll be going after
Mutombo. Leckner's stock went up last year after he left Sacramento and
joined the Hornets. Signing him now could save the club some money rather
than having to match someone else's offer and the Hornets always seem
ready to try to save some bucks.

On that info about Kelly Tripucka, I hope this means that the Hornets
won't sign him under any circumstances. All he's ever done is occupy a
roster spot - and salary cap money. It's been an endless chorus of Poor
Kelly for the last 3 years. 

TTom

    From a few articles and quotes in yesterday's Charlotte Observer, 
    Allan Bristow is concerned that Kenny Anderson is too young and that
    Dikembe Mutombo is too old.  Looks like Larry Johnson and Billy Owens
    might have stepped to the forefront on this issue alone.  Johnson
    really impressed when he was in town.  Owens will have to do the same
    Wednesday when the Hornets interview him.
    
    	--dan'l

    Hey Charlotte guys - have the Worthy and Campbell for the #1 pick in
    the draft heated up again?
    
    NAZZ

 Yes, this morning's "National" is pushing the Worthy trade talk.   They
 think the Lakers should trade James Worthy and Elden Campbell to the
 Hornets for the top pick.
 
 But they go on to say that the Lakers should draft Kenny Anderson with it
 instead of perhaps the more obvious Billy Owens or Larry Johnson.   
 
 Theory being that the quick Anderson could push the ball up court instead
 of Magic and Magic could then play "point forward", a position they give
 credit to Larry Bird for inventing.
 
 An offense run "through" Magic instead of "by" Magic.
 
 Seems to me you first have to convince the Hornets that a 30-year old
 James Worthy is worth giving up this priceless pick.  The article quotes
 Jerry Reynolds, personnel director for Sacramento, who says that Worthy is
 still one of the 15 best players in the world and that the top draft pick
 is always risky.    Of course, Reynolds wouldn't be saying this if the
 Kings weren't just a tad horrified at the thought of Anderson getting
 selected before their turn.    They've made their desire for a point guard
 brutally obvious.
 
 Reynolds said ...
 
 "The injury [Worthy's bad ankle] isn't life-threatening.  I mean, if
 somebody threw a little mud in Kim Basinger's face, you can wash it off. 
 She's still beautiful."
 
 Yeah, right, Jerry.   Get back to me when James plays as good as Kim
 looks.
 
 Bob Hunt

    Bob,
    
    	For gawd sake's don't let the honeys draft for them two
    players...make them take the top pick and stick with him.  C'mon Bob,
    you can do it! :*)
    
    B.A.	                                      

    If the Hornets are that stupid then they deserve Worthy and Campbell or
    whoever.  I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of the experiment
    designed to prove how good a 30-year-old Worthy is without Magic
    Johnson around...
    
    Hell, if the Hornets are looking for aging players, maybe Boston can
    beat the Lakers to the punch and offer two from the Parish/McHale/Bird
    troika for the rights to that first pick.  The Celts could learn to
    live with Larry Johnson or Billy Owens.
    
    glenn
     

George Shinn has repeatedly downplayed any trade involving Worthy, saying
that he's too old to serve as a building block for the Hornets. 

The problem with trading JR is that he was Shinn's choice so I don't
think that George will admit his mistake very willingly.

Current thinking, based mostly on local media, is that it's between
Johnson and Owens, probably in that order. Mutombo hasn't excited anyone.
Kenny Anderson is out. He thumbed his nose completely to the Hornets'
request to work out with the team. Johnson came in and really impressed a
lot of people. Now it's Billy's turn.

TTom

    Denver traded ??? to Washington yesterday for the 8th pick in the
    draft.  Denver now has the #4 and #8 picks.  Current speculation is
    that the Hornets will trade their #1 for these two picks, taking
    Mutombo and perhaps Stacey Augmon.
    
    	--dan'l

    Denver trade Michael Adams and the 19th pick in the draft for the #8
    pick.  If they are thinking of trading the 4th and 8th picks for the #1
    pick, that would be a stupid trade in a draft like this year's without 
    any clear-cut superstar coming out. 
    
    Joe

 I'm starting to get the same bad vibes that Kelly Tripucka got.   Somehow
 some way I think the Hornets *will* blow this pick.
 
 If they do give up the No. 1 for what would turn out to be Mutombo and
 Augmon, they will most certainly improve their team defense but they will
 add very little offensive punch to the team.  In fact, it would remove
 scoring pop from the primary lineup.
 
 If they play Mutombo then Gminski has to sit.   That means you take
 Gminski's 15 points off the scoreboard and you replace it with maybe 6 or
 8 a game from Mutombo.
 
 And if Augmon plays then Johnny Newman has to sit.   Again that's a
 defense for offense swap.   Newman can't play defense to save his life but
 he can drill 22 ppg for you.   Augmon won't pick up that slack although he
 will hold his man to less then Newman would have.   Meanwhile, that
 *still* leaves JR Reid on the floor.   Wonderful.  Another non-scoring
 factor.
 
 So, we'll end up seeing beaucoup downtown rainbow jumpers from Rex Chapman
 and a steady stream of Kendall Gill penetrations to try and hit tough 12
 footers in medium traffic.    We'll see many, many, many games with scores
 like 91-84.   
 
 I could see trying to improve the team defense *IF* the Hornets were a
 contender *NOW*.   Like what Philly and Atlanta, for example, have to do
 if they want to get any deeper into the playoffs than they do today.
 
 But the Hornets are nowhere near that level and they *MUST* concentrate on
 collecting the stud athletes first and they have to forget filling their
 "needs".    Hell, all the Hornets have are "needs".   Why not fill them
 with multi-talented megastuds like my main man, Larry Johnson, and forget
 about projects like Mutombo.
 
 C'mon, Hornets, don't give in to the temptation.  Don't make Kelly
 Tripucka look brilliant.   Keep the pick and take Johnson.   Geez, isn't
 it obvious what a great pick he'd be ???
 
 Bob Hunt
 

Last night, Bristow stated emphatically that JR Reid would be in a
Hornets uniform next season.

Actually, you can't give Kelly any of the credit about being "right". He
was one of those mistakes that the Hornets make.

But certainly, on the heels of the moves by Denver, many rumors have
begun. So far, not many of these involve the #2 pick of the Nets but USA
Today claimed that they will be hard pressed by the salary cap to sign a
top first round pick so they may need to move down or trade their pick.

According to Peter Vescey:

Hornets - will/should sign Larry Johnson.
Nets - shopping Sam Bowie (to whom?) and Chris Morris. Might waive Reggie
	Theus. All this to make room to sign their top pick.
Kings - shopping Antoine Carr and Wayman Tisdale, trying to end up
	with Billy Owens *AND* Greg Anthony.
Nuggets - shopping Blair Rasmussen and Orlando Woolridge to get some
	cap money.
Heat - really want Kenny Anderson. Possible #5 and Sherman Douglas to
	Nets for #2 and some player.
Mavericks - shopping everyone for almost anything, including some way
	to end up with Larry Johnson.
Timberwolves - projected to take Brian Williams but are willing to
	shop any and everyone except Pooh Richardson and Felton Spencer.
Bullets - they've made their move
Clippers - shoping Kenny Norman, Loy Vaught, Gary Grant and/or No. 9
	pick for point guard.
Magic - shopping Terry Catledge and Sam Vincent for cap relief.

TTom

    re .263
    
    Bob when the last time you and Kelly  T. agreed on anything  ? :-)
    
    FWIW, Mutumbo will be more of an offensive force than you give him
    credit for. Hell in two years, he'll probably score more than the G-man
    (whom I like), and be a much larger presence on D and the boards.
    
    But if Charlott keeps the first pick, I think they'll take Johnson.
    
    The Nuggets will take Anderson, and Mutumbo *if* (a huge if) he slips
    to #8 spot. Otherwise, I can see Augmon getting grabbed at the #8 spot,
    which would help the Nuggets on D, while their O would give Stacy
    enough transistion opportunties to score 17 a game ....

    If JR is going to be in a Hornets uniform, I have a feeling that IF
    Charlotte drafts Johnson, his asking price will be so high there won't
    be enough money in the pot to match it.
    
    Dump JR and give Larry anything he wants.
    
    	--dan'l

Hornets draft notes:

o VP Allan Bristow says that Billy Owens' defense bothers him more than 
Larry Johnson's heighth (6'5 1/2"). Johnson will initially play power
forward if the Hornets draft him.

o He also said that the Hornets will select one of these 2 forwards and 
compare him with Mutombo.

o Bristow is going to DC to watch Mutombo work out. Mutombo, like Kenny 
Anderson, refused to work out with the Hornets but invited the Hornets to 
come look at him. Unlike Anderson, the Hornets accepted Mutombo's 
request.

o The Hornets have invited Dale Davis of Clemson and LeRon Ellis of
Syracuse to interview for the Hornet's 2nd round draft choice (28th 
overall). Also on the list is Pete Chilcutt and Rick Fox - No Carolina
and Kevin Lynch from Minesota.

o The Hornets claimed there is no truth to the Dell Curry for Rumeal 
Robinson trade rumor.

o The Hornets are not interested in Ralph Sampson. Ralph said he'd take a 
pay cut to play for the Lakers, the Celtics or the Hornets. Good company, 
Ralph, but forget it.

o One last possibility in this draft is that Hornets may be able to pick 
up some compensation for not drafting certain players. Last year, Orlando 
made deals with 3 teams to not draft Dennis Scott. Possibly Sacramento 
(for not taking Kenny Anderson) and the Nets (for not taking Owens) may
offer some deal. 

TTom

    
    Sampson said he'd play for the Celtics after the way he's been treated
    in Boston?  DrM must be in shock...
    
    glenn
    

    If LeRon Ellis is available when the Hornets pick in the second round,
    he's the diamond in the rough.  If Fox is available, which I doubt he
    will be, Charlotte will not pass him up.
    
    I think there is little doubt left about whom the Hornets are going to
    draft.  Mr. Johnson, welcome to Charlotte.
    
    	--dan'l

    If Sampson became a Celtic, I'd LOVE to see the revisionism that the
    Jihad will undertake ....
    
    It might just drive Johnny Most to the grave ....

RE: -1

Wait a minute!  I admit the C's fans can be revisionists, but have you heard of
even ONE who wants Ralphie on the team?

    
    Doc,
    
    It would be similar to when McAdoo was on the team.  Most Celtic fans
    didn't like him before he joined the team, and weren't happy when he
    was on it.  

    
    
    re. Sampson on the team....
    
    Not as long as Red is involved..........
    
    
    Lou

 Actually Lou, Red was begging Ralphie to come out after his freshman year
 whe the C's had the first pick in the draft. He didn't declare so they
 traded the pick for Parish and Mchale. 

 Macadoo cost the Celtics Sydney Moncrief and god knows who else. They
 could have had Magic as well if he declared like he did. It's enough to
 make me want to shoot Syphilis George....

> Macadoo cost the Celtics Sydney Moncrief and god knows who else. They
> could have had Magic as well if he declared like he did. It's enough to
> make me want to shoot Syphilis George....
    
    Yeah, but they packaged him back up and sent him out for a few #1's
    including the one that turned into McHale and Parish, right?
    
    glenn
    

 Yes and no Glenn. They trade 3 first round draft picks for big Mac right
 near the end of the season that year. They already had Bird on hold because
 they had drafted him junior eligible. Moncrief was a senior that year and
 he was the guy they were going to draft because Magic was only a sophmore
 and no one knew he'd declare at point. So they could have had three great
 choices to go with Bird that year.

 Fortunately as you say they trade Mac ended up with the first pick in the 
 draft which they traded to Golden State for the third pick in the draft
 and Parish. They took Mchale with the Pick.

 If they hadn't made the deal for Mac held on to the three picks and Magic
 had declared imagine a team with Bird, Magic and Moncrief on it? Kite
 could have played center and they still would have won 8 or 9 championships...

 mike
    

    
 > If they hadn't made the deal for Mac held on to the three picks and Magic
 > had declared imagine a team with Bird, Magic and Moncrief on it? Kite
 > could have played center and they still would have won 8 or 9 championships...
    
    Waitaminute.  Which three first round picks did the Celts trade?  The
    Lakers had the first pick because they won the coin flip.  They didn't
    get that pick via the Celtics trade for McAdoo, did they?  The only way
    the Celts could have ended up with Magic and Moncrief from that draft
    is if they held the #1 and #2 picks.  Is that really what they gave up?
    
    glenn
    

 I'm not exactly sure which order they had picks in but they had three first
 round picks coming that year. Given that they traded all three picks to 
 Detroit (?) for Mac who in turn traded one of those picks to the Lakers for
 some player and that pick turned out to be the very first pick they could 
 have had Magic. Their own first pick was certainly in the top three as their
 record was 29-53 (or something close to that) they also could have gotten
 Sydney. 

 It's all assumptions on my part Glenn but I assume that if they held on to
 the three picks they would have had atleast two picks in the first 10 and
 one later on in the round. 

 mike

    If I remember correctly, and Nazz can probably straighten me out:
    
    In the 1978 draft, the Celtics held the 6th and 8th picks.  They
    drafted Bird with one of them and Freeman Williams, who had been the
    leading scorer in the country, with the other.
    
    During or before the 1978-79 season, the Celtics made the trade for McAdoo,
    giving up Williams, another player and the number 1 draft choice, which
    completely fouled up Auerbach's plans for rebuilding after that season.
    
    After the 78-79 season, the Celtics made a trade with Detroit, getting
    ML Carr and Detroit's number 1 choice the next year for McAdoo.  They
    signed Bird and they were on the way.  That was at the same time that
    Magic was drafted number 1.  The Lakers had gotten that top choice in
    the draft for someone else.  So yes, not only would the Celtics have
    had Bird but they would have had the number 2 pick in the draft that
    year had they not traded for McAdoo.
    
    On the other hand, if that trade hadn't happened, chances are they would
    have never gotten either Kevin McHale or Robert Parish because after the
    1979-80 season, the Celtics and the Warriors swapped number 1 picks
    because the Warriors really wanted Joe Barry Carroll and the Celtics
    wanted Kevin McHale.  The Celtics swapped picks and got Robert Parish
    in the trade.  I don't remember who if anybody was drafted between
    Carroll and McHale.
    
    Nazz, how did I do?
    
    John

    
    
    re .274
    
    Yes I know Red was drooling trying to get Sampson to come out.
    
    Unless my aging mind is failing...its been doing alot of that lately,
    There was some real hard feelings on the way Sampson bad mouthed Red
    and the Celtic organization at the time.
    
    That's why I doubt Red would want him on the C's now......
    
    
    Lou

John 

That's pretty much the way I remeber it too, so Nazz can correct both of us.

The player drafted between JBC and McHale was Darell Griffin, as I recall.

=Bob=

The Lakers acquired the number one pick in the '79 draft draft
from the Jazz as compensation for the Jazz's signing of Gail
Goodrich a couple years earlier.  The only way the Celts could
have landed Magic was if they had drafted him in '78, as they
did with Larry.  In Larry's case, it was a gamble that made 
sense because he was a junior at the time.  However, in Magic's
case, I don't think even Red would have been farsighted enough
to use a draft pick on a freshman, which is what Magic was in
'78.

Laker_Ken

    Magic Johnson has stated in more than one interview that he only wanted
    to come out if he was picked by the Lakers - Magic *WANTED* to play
    with Kareem.  During the finals parts of the original interview were
    rehashed in USA Today.  Magic has said that if anyone else had picked
    him he would not have signed...
    
    JD

RE: .284

>>  And lost to North Carolina ... Sigh.
 
Thereby providing the ONLY CHampeenship Snuffy&Co. have ever managed...

... and consequently the only ammunition a certain C-Blue advocate has in 
this Note...?  ;^}

Ironies abound here...

- Steve

    Here's the entire story.
    
    Magic, Bird, and McAdoo are three separate incidents.
    
    First, Magic.  He was drafted by the Lakers with the #1 pick in 1979
    that they obtained from the Jazz for Gail Goodrich (watta deal!!!).
    
    The Celtics could not have drafted Magic in 1978, like they did with
    Larry Bird, because Magic was only a freshman.  Bird at that time
    could be drafted even though he was a junior because his original
    senior class was being drafted that year.  This was a loophole the
    NBA closed a couple of years later.  Bird was drafted with the #6 pick
    in 1978.  FYI, here's who was drafted ahead of him:
    	1) Mychal Thompson, Portland
    	2) Phil Ford, Kansas City
    	3) Rick Robey, Indiana
    	4) Mike RIchardson, NY
    	5) Purvis Short, GS
    
    Now to McAdoo.  The Celtics got him from NY for three #1 picks in 1979:
    the #3, #10, and #15 picks.  Those picks turned out to be Bill
    Cartwright, Larry Demic (6-10 F Arizona - a stiff), and Sly Williams.
    
    The Celtics then signed ML Carr as a free agent.  As compensation, the 
    Celtics sent Detroit McAdoo, and Detroit sent Boston two #1 picks.
    Those picks were the #1 and #12 picks in the 1980 draft.  The Celtics
    traded those picks to GOlden State (those picks turned into Joe Barry
    Carroll and Ricky Brown, a 6-10 stiff) for Robert Parish and the #3
    pick, who turned into Kevin McHale.  Darrell Griffith was indeed
    selected between Carroll and McHale.
    
    So, the bottom line is that the Celtics never could have had Magic
    and Bird if they didn't deal McAdoo, because Magic was drafted the
    year before the Celtics had the #1 pick.  Boston could have taken
    Moncrief instead of Cartwright (Moncrief was the fifth player taken),
    but as Red always says, "you can't teach height", so the Celtics
    probably would've taken Cartwright with that pick.
    
    HTH
    
    NAZZ

    It's bad enough all this Sampson/Celtics talk is going on in the wrong
    topic, but let's leave the Dean hole della rat to the ACC topic please.
    
    	--dan'l
    

For the Record, Indiana won in 81. 

In the semi-final game mentioned by Bob Hunt, Al Wood went completely
unconcsious and scored thirtysomething.

TTom

Just heard rumor:

Proposed trade of JR Reid and Rex Chapman to San Antonio for Willie
Anderson. No mention of linking draft picks.

I guess the idea here is:

 o Get rid of JR, preparing to draft Larry Johnson for power forward,
	working into the rotation with Kenny Gattison starting.
 o Reducing salary cap to sign Larry Johnson (projected at 2 Mil, at
	least).
 o Anderson starts at 3, leaving Johnny Newman to come off the
	bench.
 o Dell Curry starts at 2 with Kendall Gill starting at 1 and playing
	some at 2 after Muggsy comes in at 1.
 o Puts a couple of outcase Tar Heels together - JR and Larry "I'll
	coach anywhere for the bucks" Brown.

TTom

 Nazz thanks for putting the puzzle together but the Celtics could have had
 Magic but it obviously would have required them trading those three first
 round picks to the Lakers for the number pick in the draft in 79. My mis-
 understanding was how the Lakers got the number 1 pick. 

 Like you said Red says you can't teach height but I do remember most of the
 articles I read at the time had us picking Moncrief with that 3 rd pick
 had we held on to it. 

 Agreed Lou time has brought on alot of bad blood....

 Bob, Red was right it was Ralphie's biggest mistake cause the boy's going
 to retire with only an NIT championship under his belt when he could have 
 had more than a few NBA championships under his belt had he declared early.

 ;^)

    That's one helluva rumor there, TTom.  And one gigantic pill for George
    Shinn to swallow.  
    
    When he drafted Chapman over Seikley, Shinn insisted that Rex was the
    player that the Hornets would build their team around.  Talked him up
    as the second coming of Larry Bird.  Personally, I'd hate to see him go
    because I think he's still on the verge of stardom.  However, if he
    get's traded, I doubt I'll miss him long because Kendal Gill will step
    into the spotlight and Dell Curry will finally get his chance.  A side
    effect, however, is that Rex is a premier passer and assist man; Larry
    Johnson would love him to death.
    
    JR was Shinn's baby and Shinn hyped the Carolina tradition of players
    in the NBA and that was reason enough to draft him over Stacey King. 
    JR is an NBA flop that has trouble being motivated by a player's coach
    like Gene Littles.  I think JR has the talent, but the determination
    needs to be forced out of him.
    
    Shinn would be admitting two mistakes, but lowering his salary payout
    considerabley.  If I know George, and this rumor is true, the $$$ will
    decide it.
    
    As for the team after a trade like this...Johnson and Gill playing
    together on a team swept clean of lazy, brash players could be worth
    another season of sellouts at the colesium...something having JR on the
    floor was jeopardizing.
    
    	--dan'l

Yeah, Dan'l, it would be a helluva trade considering Shinn's statements.
I think something like this would be much more likely with Dell Curry
instead of Rex but the Hornets wouldn't gain much in terms of cap money
and the Spurs may not be interested.

If Rex continues to improve at his current rate, he should be approaching
All-Star status in a coule of years.

TTom

                    
    Bob, I was living in the Boston area at the time as a Celtics fan and
    still thought that Red Auerbach displayed a distinct lack of class
    in trying to lure a kid to the NBA as a freshman.  It's one thing to
    benefit from guys leaving school early, but it's another thing entirely
    to encourage it so openly in the face of past principles.  With that 
    said, Sampson's decision ended up benefiting the Celtics tremendously, 
    as he never approached being the kind of player that either McHale or 
    Parish became.
    
    Thanks for straightening that out, Nazz.  I had thought that the Celts
    had eventually extricated themselves from the McAdoo situation ahead of
    the game, and had never heard about having any shot at Magic Johnson
    before.  Nor do I believe that the Lakers would have even considered
    trading the pick for the rights to Magic for the three #1's in
    question in 1979...
    
    glenn
     

 I agree with you Glenn on both counts but being in a kinder gentler mood
 Ralphie might have been a superstar had he played the center posistion
 instead of the forward posistion that he played for Houston. He would
 have needed to find a heart but he definately had the tools do the job.

    re .275
    
    Yeah, McAdoo was dogged in Baaashtin, so they dumped him to Detroit,
    then he went to LA, where he was a key 6th man, helping the Lakers to 
    four Finals and two Titles (1982 (should have been at least co-MVP),
    and 1985 (sweet revenge against the C's)).

    re .280
    
    Ralph did not badmouth the C's.
    
    Of course he would have been justified in doing so, because when Ralph
    decided to stay at UVa, instead of coming out early, Red denouced
    Sampson's advisors as being "gladhanders" and "ingrates", among some
    other gems.
    
    REAL classy of you Red (who has a college degree himself) - and what a
    way to show the NBA's committment to education.
    
    So yes, I'm sure there were (and maybe are) some hard feelings between
    teh two. But I can't see what Sampson did to deserve it - other
    refusing to kiss Red's ancient, Celtic green butt ....
    
    Doc

 >I'm not exactly sure which order they had picks in but they had three first
 >round picks coming that year. Given that they traded all three picks to 
 >Detroit (?) for Mac who in turn traded one of those picks to the Lakers for
 >some player and that pick turned out to be the very first pick they could 
 >have had Magic.
    
    Nuh-uh.  The Lakers got the pick they used for Magic Johnson by trading
    Gail Goodrich to the New Orleans Jazz.
    
    Dan, the answer man

    RE:.296.......
    
    A small nit.......
    
    At the time of the Sampson/Auerbach affair, Red's butt was merely OLD
    and green......not yet ANCIENT!!!
    
    
    Hope this shleps,
    
    Nelly

    All this what-if-ing about LA and Celtics,  what about  Jordan and
    Sampson in Houston.
    
    Houston certainly needed a quality guard, but could pass up the
    oppertunity for yet another big man in Akeem.  Sampson's mobility might
    have meshed well with Jordan's drives.
    
    As for Sampson's attitude, it must have wonders for his attitude to be
    hyped as the draft pick of the decade, only to have next year's pick
    come in and take your starting position.  Having Fitch"My way or
    Highway" as a coach must have been great too.
    
    As I remember it, Sampson had a reasonably decent rookie year.  Nothing
    that couldn't be written off as adjusting to the new league.  Big men
    have history of being slow starters in the NBA.
    
    
    Commander Scott

 Hey Dan get with the program will ya Nazz already cleared up that mess for
 us long ago. I realize you enjoy taking shots at me as much as I relish 
 taking them at you but atleast be timely about it will ya... ;^)

 You're right Scott Jordan and Sampson together could have been lethal and
 certainly challenged the Lakers for dominace of the Western division much
 like the Philly/Boston rivalry in the east.

 Houston or Portland probably would have taken Air had Deano not held the
 boy down under his ancient system....

> Houston or Portland probably would have taken Air had Deano not held the
> boy down under his ancient system....
    
    Yea, he held him down so well that he was voted PoY his junior season.
    Oh and, BTW, his "ancient" system went 29-5 last year, reached the
    Final 4, and won the ACC Championship.
    
    HTH,
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    re .300
    
    Yeah Sampson had a 'decent' rookie season.
    
    Only 22 ppg and 11 boards, or somewhere in that neighboorhood if I
    remember correctly.
    
    Moreover, if it wasn't for Sampson's varied talents, drafting Akeem
    would have been a bad move, because there is no way that Akeem could
    have made a smooth adjustment to forward. His game would have rebelled
    against it. And Akeem has a way of killing ball movement.
    
    I submit that the Ralph's 'weakness' at playing away from the basket
    was a big reason for them capturing a Western Conf. title in 86.
    
    Pity Houston didn't have a better coach - I never forget how it seemed
    that Fitch spent more time praising Larrrrry than prepping Houston.
    
    As far as blown draft picks go, it wasn't the Akeem pick in '84. That
    was a win-win scenario. Although the thought of Jordan and Sampson
    is intriguing - try 1983.
    
    The Rockets had the FIRST **AND** THIRD picks in the draft. They earned
    the first pick by going 14-68 in their first year A.M. (After Moses).
    The other first rounder came from Philly in the Moses trade (which
    Philly got from the Pacers in a deal for Clint Richardson I believe).
    
    Now the first pick was a no-brainer - Sampson was the hands down #1. I
    think Indy had the next pick, which they used for Steve Stipanovich. So
    who would the Rockets take ? 
    
    The city of Houston was *begging* for the Rockets to take Clyde
    Drexler. He was a UH alumnus, went to high school in the city - and was
    a damend good player.
    
    Supposedly, Ray Patterson (that psudeo-GM - Celtic fans take note : Jan
    Volk has NOTHING on this dummy ...) felt that Clyde wouldn't be able to
    function with the hometown pressure - and besides, Bill Fitch fell in
    love with Rodney McCray.
    
    And Portland managed to grab Drexler (one spot ahead of Philly, who was
    hoping to take him).
    
    AAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Nothing against McCray who was and is a solid player. He certainly gave
    the Rockets some good years.
    
    But he was, is, and never will be a Drexler.
    
    Now think about Ralph, Akeem, AND Clyde together ....
    
    Yeah, the Rockets would have won at least two titles .... dammit !
    
    Dr M

Alan Bristow has strongly implied that the Hornets have decided to keep
their #1 slot in the NBA draft. Without saying absolutely not in no way,
he said Charlotte has turned out all trade offers and are not pursuing
any.

TTom

    Lar-ry, Lar-ry, Lar-ry, Lar-ry, ...
    
    I cain feel it.
    
    Bob Hunt

 Dam if this placw was Vegas I'd have given 1,000,000,000 to 1 odds that the
 next reply after TTom's was going to be Bob chanting

   "Larry Larry"  


 Bob he's not for sale at any price I'm sorry to inform you. Red says he'll
 retire as a Celtic....

 ;^)

 mike

    You've got Bob all wrong, Mike.  Bob is just rejoicing over the news of
    how well Larry is progressing after back surgery and is looking forward
    to the first time Boston plays in Charlotte next season.

 PARADE IN JUNE!!!

    
    This was reported in  Detroit the reference was a Charlotte
    newspaper.  The Hornets are planning on trading Rex Chapman
    and J.R. Reid to San Antonio for Willie Anderson.
    
    Any Charlotte people wish to comment about the rumour.
    
    phil

    "Charlotte - San Antonio Trade Rumor Spurs Hornets Nest, Film @ 11!"

 "USA Today" said that the Hornets *twice* came very close to inking this
 deal but backed off both times.
 
 You see, Rex Chapman (1988) and JR Reid (1989) are the very first first
 round draft picks the Hornets selected.   
 
 To dump them now means a public admission that George Shinn, the Hornets'
 hands-on owner, doesn't have a clue.  Which is something George loathes to
 let people think.   However true it is.
 
 Bob Hunt

    re .307:
    
    >        -< Warriors move up and grap Mutumbo don't be stupid! >-
    
    Mike, have you heard about any chance of this happening?  Would be a
    great move for Golden State if they did it; a player like Mutumbo could
    be exactly what the Warriors need to get to the next plateau...
    
    
    py

    Hornets coach and JR_Reid_antagonist Gene Littles is on record as being
    opposed to the apparently set_in_cement decision to draft Johnson.  He
    sez Billy Owens could help next years team more.
    
    Little does Littles realize that, no doubt, Larry Johnson
    fits into the teams long range plans, while Gene himself is merely
    a name to plug into the Job Title of 'Coach'.  In other words Gene,
    you're expendable, like any other FANtastic NBA coach, and we really
    couldn't give a crap what you think.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

>    Hornets coach and JR_Reid_antagonist Gene Littles is on record as being
>    opposed to the apparently set_in_cement decision to draft Johnson.  He
>    sez Billy Owens could help next years team more.
    
 But if your dumb ass owner has already picked his can't miss all-star stud
 UNC alumni all-world power forward who has been tooled by the "master" doesn't
 it make perfect sense to get an all-world small forward with a complete
 understanding of the game to play right along side of him?

 paint me confused  ;^) 

 Looks like somebody (rhymes with "oop") is still just a bit torqued
 that Mr Littles saw fit lasted year to critique young Mr Reid's
 college hoops background.
 
 And, as for his claim that NBA coaches don't actually do anything, he
 should listen someday to one of Snuff's famous disciples, Larry
 Brown, the coaching carpetbagger extraordinaire.   Larry Brown once
 said that he does more "coaching" in the first ten minutes of every
 NBA game than he ever did in a week of college coaching.
 
 He gets confused and thinks that the high profile of college
 basketball coaches somehow makes them smarter or better than their
 lower profile NBA counterparts.    
 
 Methinks he's missed the mark yet once more.
 
 Bob Hunt

    According to reports in the Worcester paper yesterday, the C's draft
    list includes a few UNC grads.  I don't remember who they were, but
    perhaps Mike C. knows.

 Chilcutt for all the worng reasons: Big White and Slow....
 Brick Fox(tm) for passing and defense.....

 
 PY I forgot to answer you over in the Hornets note no the Warriors haven't
 made any mumblings that way that I've read or heard of. It's just my own
 wish list and forsightness to see what the team needs. The Warriors are
 a team a Celtics fan could root for...

 The more I think of Dee Brown, the more I think the C's should give up
 Shaw for Macon...Got give something to get something. Too bad this wasn't
 the old days why Red could just trade Kliene for a lottery pick back then...

 ;^) 

    > Looks like somebody (rhymes with "oop") is still just a bit torqued
    > that Mr Littles saw fit lasted year to critique young Mr Reid's 
    > college hoops background.
 
    Let's just say I won't shed any tears when Littles gets the boot which,
    based on his recent comments, shouldn't be too long from now.  :^)
    
    Once Littles goes, perhaps a coach will come along who can coax more
    outa JR.  Or maybe he'll be traded to a coach who can motiviate him. 
    (Larry Brown comes to mind.)  IMO the kid's a big spoiled baby who
    needs to be under somebody's thumb.  At Carolina that thumb came in the
    form of one Dean Smith, who rode the big lug hard and got maximum
    mileage outa him as_a result.  
    
    re: Chilcutt/Fox in the NBA
    
    I'm worried about Peter Chilcutt's chances in the NBA.  Not because of
    his size or slowness woes, but because of his singular kidney.  Yes,
    Chilcutt's only got one kidney, and I honestly think this affects his
    agressiveness.  With the NBA being as physical as it is, I think he's
    gonna have problems.  (On the other hand, a kid like Scott Williams
    benefits from this style, cause defensively he's a hack waiting to
    happen.)
    
    Fox on the other hand should carve out a nice living for himself. 
    Physically he's perfect for an NBA off-guard, and his shooting isn't
    nearly as bad as he showed in the Final 4.  He's crafty defensively
    and, of course, he played for Dean, which according to most NBA
    experts, earns you a higher draft position.  :^)
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    I see now - Littles is a lousy coach because he couldn't "coax more
    outta JR" - sheesh!!!  How much blood can ya squeeze out of a rock,
    Chris?  IMO, Littles has done an excellent job in Charlotte considering
    that they have an inexperienced GM and a bozo owner.  Littles sat JR
    down, yanked him when he dogged it, and publicly chastised him, but
    nuthin'  seemed to motivate the plate-stacker.
    
    Interesting to see the rumor that next year's Clemson coach (or 
    Georgetown or UNLV - you fill in the school)  Larry Brown wants JR
    in a trade.  He figures with JR on the Spurs, he's sure to get fired,
    so he can go back to coach college for a couple of years before getting
    a job as an Amway salesman.
    
    NAZZ
    

>Chilcutt's only got one kidney, and I honestly think this affects his
>agressiveness.  With the NBA being as physical as it is, I think he's

Oh, so you're saying he lacks guts!  8^)        8^)

=Bob=

Latest in a long line...

It now appears that both the NJ Nets and Sacramento want Kenny Anderson.
NJ had originally been thought to be going after Billy Owens but the
ownership has decided they like Kenny. Anderson has generally been
projected for Sacramento.

So the Hornets have 2 options. The first is to swap with Sacramento. That
would ensure risk losing Larry Johnson to the Nets whose coach says he
wants Owens. Signing the number 3 pick would save the Hornets some bucks.

The second option is to work a deal with NJ, maybe compensation for not
taking Anderson.

All this when the Hornets had claimed to be settled on Bob Hunt's first
pick, Larry Johnson.

TTom

    
    I heard that idiot Vitale yesterday working himself into a conniption 
    over why Charlotte should draft Owens instead of Johnson, and then New
    Jersey Anderson...
    
    glenn
    

    
>    I heard that idiot Vitale yesterday working himself into a conniption 
>    over why Charlotte should draft Owens instead of Johnson, and then New
>    Jersey Anderson...
    
 
 While I agree Vitale is an idiot I'm hard pressed not to agree with him.
 My only difference is I'm gambler and as a gambler I think Mutumbo is
 the best roll of the dice you can make...

 Larry Johnson does not posses the ball handling skills to be the next 
 Charles Barkley. He was a man amoungst boy in the NCAA so he could be
 the next JR. I doubt it cause he was always consistant for UNLV even
 when the opposition was also on a more even keel. I think he'll fall
 in between. Owens' only weakness is his range which also is one of Johnson'
 detriments.

 mike    

    
    I'd have to agree with Vitale also.  Owens is a man who can handle the 
    ball well, and I think he would help any team more than Johnson Would.
    
    

    Owens does it all, but Charlotte has lost interest in him.  I would
    think it had something to do with the personal interview because right
    after his visit here on the 12th, he was kind of written off.  The
    Hornets have made up their minds and I will be very surprised if
    Johnson's name is not called to the Teal and Purple tomorrow night.
    
    And I think Larry Johnson will prove all you doubters wrong.  He will
    be an impact player in the NBA, maybe not immediately, but he will be
    there.
    
    	--dan'l

    I have two schools of thought on the recent NJ romancing of Kenny
    Anderson.
    
    - Point guard and running the offense in the NBA is so important now
      that the Nets want that position stocked with what maybe the best PG
      coming out of college in a decade.  Mookie Blaylock (I think) is a
      very valuable player, but is not a great PG.
    
    - The Nets are getting cagey, knowing that Sacramento lusts after
      Anderson.  The Nets may try to trade down that one pick, still
      leaving them with Billy Owens, who I couldn't want more, and perhaps
      picking up something valuable in return, which, looking at
      Sacramento's roster, means next year's #1 pick.
    
    Dan, praying for school #2.
    

 Actually, Owens impressed the Hornets' brass with his outside
 shooting.  He worked out for them and hit from the outside at will.
 
 The Hornets have questioned his defense.   Larry Johnson stands head
 and shoulders above Billy Owens at the other end of the floor.  
 Defense is Mutombo's strongest suit and, for that reason, he's my
 second choice.
 
 Johnson is the man 'coz he plays the D and he plays the O.   Neither
 Owens nor Mutombo can make that claim with the emphasis that The Man
 can.
 
 Also, all this last-minute intrigue with the Nets' sudden interest in
 Kenny Anderson and how perhaps the Hornets might be able to politely
 "extort" some extra goodies from other teams for not selecting him
 and all that has me worried, once again, that Kelly Tripucka might be
 right.   
 
 The Hornets should just put their heads down and select Johnson and
 be done with it.    The team, from the front office to the bench, is
 too damn young to get fancy with the top pick in the draft.   Use it,
 sign him, and get on with it.
 
 Finally, it has never been more obvious that JR Reid is sitting
 squarely on the trading block.   The Hornets want him and his salary
 outta town so they can sign Mr. Top Pick.  Newest rumor is Chapman
 and Reid to the Spurs for Willie Anderson *AND* Dwayne Schintzius.  
 Wonderful, out goes one head case, in comes an even weirder one.
 
 Bob Hunt

    
    How do we know (as much as we can know anything when it comes to
    drafting young college players) Larry Johnson can play NBA defense?
    He's 6'5" and played for a team that featured a couple of defensive
    specialists.  He's going to guard power forwards in the NBA giving away
    4-6 inches?
    
    The more I hear about the possibility of all 5 UNLV starters going in
    the first round, the more I'm skeptical that each is being evaluated in
    the context of his play within a collection of talent the likes of
    which may have never come out in a single year before...
    
    glenn
    

    Since Dan is dreaming...
    
    You know, I just can't help but dream about the 76er's coming to
    Charlotte next season and watching Charles Barkley drive in for a dunk
    and being fouled harder than he ever has in his life.  And as Sir
    Charles looks up from the first row he has roughly fallen into, there's
    Larry Johnson smiling that big, gold-toothed smile of his. 
    
    Kind of like when an NFL rookie named Joe Green grabbed Dick Butt-Kiss'
    face mask, looked him in the eye, and then spit at him and ol' Dick
    just stood there intimidated for one of the few times in his life.
    
    	--dan'l

    I think NJ is being cagey, but for just the opposite reasons. They
    really lust after KA and don't want Excremento to pull an end run with
    Charlotte and take KA at #1. Why? Because KA can put  at least 3-4000
    more fannies in seats in NJ. He has been a local legend in the Big
    Grapple for years and Exit 19 isn't that far away. Plus he just might
    be a superstar, plus Fitch is good with young stars (remember Bird and
    McHale?), plus somebody needs to get the ball to Coleman and co.
    
    The Knicks might try to pull something to get Anderson too. He would
    fill MSG every night of the year. It's ENTERTAINMENT, baby.
    
    Chris

    Make no mistake about it, Larry Johnson is NOT overrated.  The guy was
    a manchild with a reputation as awesome as they come *before* he ever 
    showed up at Vegas, and he certainly didn't damage that rep with his
    2-year stint in Sin City.  
    
    The same can be said for Kenny Anderson.  The guy played in the best
    basketball city in the world and was named HS MVP *FOUR* times!  Only
    Lew Alcinder duplicated that impressive feat.
    
    If it were me, these would be the two (2) players I'd want the most,
    with Billy Owens a distant 3rd.
    
    
    - ACC Chris
    
    

You musta taken some sportshrooms before going to sleep to come up with that
dream Dan'l. Charles Barkley would swat Larry Anderson aside like a horse 
brushes aside flies with his tail.

Larry Anderson si going to have a lot of learning in front of him in his rookie
season. UNLV didn't exactly bang away with the big boys during his collegiate
career. He's never attempted to play an NBA schedule in terms of length and 
travel and physicalness.

I'd take Owens or Motumbo with the first pick if I was a GM.


Metz

 BoB where did you hear the bum rumors about Billy's D? I've watched him 
 for three years and while his defense isn't what his offense is it isn't
 bad. I've seen him cover both bigger and smaller guys without getting lost.
 As Glenn pointed out I think Larry is benfiting from being a part of the
 pie. A big piece I'll grant you but let's face it when UNLV went to a
 man to man the toughest guy on the opposistion was Augmon's assigment
 not Larry's.

 Hey Soup you also quaranted us no how no way on the face of this earth
 UNLV would loose the whole enchilada this year. They did so your credibility
 is very suspect in this matter has UNLV woodie has already been shown...

 Personally I hope Charlotte takes him so the better players can go to
 the other teams...

 mike 

In the words of Le-fay...


EAT ME 


:-)


You knew who I meant......Dan'l must have subliminally transferred some of those
shrooms to me......


Metz

> Hey Soup you also quaranted us no how no way on the face of this earth
> UNLV would loose the whole enchilada this year. They did so your credibility
> is very suspect in this matter has UNLV woodie has already been shown...

    True, but remember Dean predicted they'd get beat!  
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    	At 6'5" Larry Johnson better learn to play small forward or
    those NBA power forwards will have a field day posting this guy
    up.  Whoever gets Anderson gets a great player.
    
    				/Don

 >This seems a bit far-fetched, don'tcha think, Dan ???   If the Nets
 >are able to drop down a slot, draft Billy Owens anyway, *AND* collect
 >Sacramento's No. 1 pick nexted year
    
    Well, I'm biased by wanting Owens, but ignoring my specifics of a
    possible trade, I don't think it's far-fetched in the least.  I do
    think that Sacramento would be willing to make sacrifices if they get
    Anderson, and you have to ask yourself what they have to offer.
    
 >I find it hard to believe they think Kenny Anderson is
 >worth *TWO* consecutive No. 1 picks.  He ain't *THAT* good.  
    
    Sacramento thinks he's very, very good.  And look at what has happened
    with all their top picks.  *IF* Anderson is a franchise point guard for
    the next decade (what Sac. is probably thinking) and given the history
    of the crapshoot that the NBA draft has been, it could very well be
    worth two consecutive #1's to a team.
    
    Let's look at what Sacramento has done with their perenial lottery pick
    lately:
    
    '90 - Lionel Simmons (#7); Travis Mays (#18); Duane Causewell (#23).
    '89 - Pervis Ellison (#1).
    '88 - Ricky Berry (#18).
    '87 - no first round pick.
    
    Hmmm.  Considering that they already (and unwisely) purged Ellison, I'd
    take Travis Mays for the trade-up in the draft, but I don't think
    they'll do that.
    
    Dan

    continuing from the last note...
    
    So, if you were Sacramento's GM, lusting after Kenny Anderson, what
    would you be willing to deal to make sure you get Kenny Anderson with
    your top pick?  Do you worry that the Nets might take Anderson and keep
    him?  Or do you take the chance that it's all a smoke-screen and
    they're really gonna take Owens, leaving you with Anderson at no extra
    cost?
    
    I know the security of Anderson is worth something to them.  But they
    really don't have much of value: future picks, Simmons, Mays, Wayman
    Tisdale and Austin Carr.  I don't think they'll part with Simmons, and
    Carr isn't worthy much to the Nets.  Tisdale is intriguing, as is Mays. 
    
    Bad mouth Billy Owens all you want, Charlotte fans.  He's the surest
    thing in this draft.  Others might turn out to be better, but they've
    got much bigger down sides.  He's talented; he's a winner; and he's got
    guts. 
    
    Dan

    Johnson is a very large, powerful 6'5", unlike JR who has proven size
    doesn't make you a good power forward.  It's how you exploit your
    athletic ability.  The local news ran some highlights of Johnson and
    Owens the other night.  Johnson is The Man.  His offensive game isn't
    as polished as Owens who can single-handedly take over and win a game,
    but overall, Larry is the better, more forceful, intimidating player
    and the Hornets could use a dose of him.
    
    I won't shed a tear if, at the last minute, the Hornets go with Owens
    or Mutombo, but I think it's already a foregone conclusion that Johnson
    will be the #1 choice tomorrow night.  Remember...
    
    	...Larry saving the ball from going out of bounds in the championship
    	blowout two years ago?
    
    	...Larry dunking over Oliver Miller in Feburary?
    
    	...Larry blocking shot after shot in the Arkansas game just
    	when it looked like the Razorpigs were going to put UNLV
    	down?
    
    	...Larry stroking the three-pointers in this years tournament?
    
    	...Larry shooting 82% from the line this year?
    
    	...Larry having a doodooload of fun playing the college game and how 
    	it spread to the rest of the team?
    
    Talk about drafting for need.  Forget Mutombo; the Hornets need the
    above type of player.
    
    	--dan'l

Since this has become the "Unofficial NBA Draft Note", I have a question:

What time does the draft start?  I assume it will be sometime in the afternoon,
and it will be over by evening.  Hopefully someone will be able to keep the file
abreast of what the goings on are during the course of the day.

=Bob=

    I was under the impression that the draft was tomorrow evening since
    that is when they are advertising a party here in Charlotte.  But it
    does make sense that it would start in the afternoon.  Sorry if I
    mislead anybody.
    
    	--dan'l
    	

 Local cameras here in Charlotte click on at 7:30pm tomorrow night.  I
 am assuming that's the starting time for the draft festivities.
 
 Also, just to echo what Dan'l said, I do honestly recognize the
 talents and value of Owens, Mutombo, and Anderson.   There are far
 far worse places to be in this draft than at No. 1.  :-) :-)   Billy
 Owens would be a fine player on the Hornets, Dikembe Mutombo would be
 a defensive force in the paint, and Kenny Anderson would drive this
 team for the nexted 10 years, easy.
 
 But I want Mr Johnson.   Said it from the start and I haven't seen
 anything that's changed my mind yet.   The Hornets need toughness and
 power.  They need a man-child.   They've been an expansion team built
 on delicate finesse so far.  I'm tired of 50-30 rebounding
 disadvantages.   I'm tired of 35% rainbow shooting because they can't
 force it down the other team's throat.  
 
 I want those days to end.  Now.   Larry Johnson gets us there the
 quickest with the mostest.   The other players bring a lot of skill
 to the table, I admit.   But I think both Owens and Anderson add
 unnecessarily to the finesse mix and don't toughen it up
 sufficiently.  Mutombo toughens up the team but he leaves too many
 points sitting on the bench.
 
 Besides, Larry Johnson plays "Taps" on JR Reid's days in Charlotte. 
 I do *NOT* dislike young Mr Reid for his Tar Heel Heritage.    I
 dislike young Mr Reid because he is so supremely talented but doesn't
 seem to give a damn about it.   I don't perceive that to be a problem
 with The Man.
 
 Bob Hunt

    
    Draft starts at 7:30 covered by TNT.

    Well here we are....it's draft day.
    
    NJ wants KA because of potential to fill the stands and potential
    to play hoops (in that order).
    
    Latest rumors from the Charlotte newschumps:
    	- Rex and JR for Willie Anderson still on the table.  Clause in
    	  JR's contract for 10% pay raise if he's traded is the hold up.
    	  A Dwayne Schintzius throw-in was proposed by Charlotte, but
    	  thrown-out by San Antonio.  
    
    	- Brian Shaw for Rex Chapman straight-up was proposed by Baastan.
    	  Supposedly Charlotte not interested.  (Why not???)
    
    	- Atlanta wants to send Spud Webb and their #9 pick to Charlotte
    	  for Rex Chapman OR Dell Curry.  (Spud and Mugsy on the same team??)
    
    	- Sacramento and Charlotte still talking about swapping picks or
    	  drafting for each other and swapping afterwards.  (Sacramento
    	  wants KA real bad!!!)  NJ says if Anderson is gone, they will
    	  take Larry Johnson!!  (What does this say about Billy O?)
    
    	- Indiana's #13 pick for JR still being offered.  Indy must
    	  clear money off of the payroll in order to take JR though.  This
    	  deal won't happen until/unless Indy deals Lasalle Thompson, etc.
    
    	- Atlanta and Denver still talking about exchanging Blair Rasmussen
    	  for a draft pick.
    
    	- Doc Rivers to LA Clippers for a draft pick and throw-in player.
    
    I still like Owens with the first pick;  I like trading down to
    get Mutombo even better.  I don't have a problem picking up Johnson -
    as long as the Hornets staff IS 100% SURE that he will be playing
    the three in 2-3 years.
    
    Pat

 - remember Larry Johnson pulling up at the three point line against
 Duke and watching his collar tighten

 - remember Larry Johnson taunting Mourning as Mourning fouls out...

 - remember Christy driving around through and over Larry Johnson..

 ;^)

 just teasing Dan-l like every one has contended recently you can't go
 wrong with either of the top 4 choices but as Dan pointed out yesterday
 the surest thing in this draft is Billy Owens.

 Mutumbo and Anderson are the gambles that might payoff in triplicate.
 Anything less than superstar for LJ is a bust after his buildup and I
 don't think he'll be a superstar. A fine player yes, superstar no...

 mike

    Jest to set the facks straight on Sacramento's draft lasted year:  they
    had FOUR #1 picks.  They were:
    
    	 7) Lionel Simmons 6-7 F LaSalle
    	14) Travis Mays 6-2 G Texas
    	18) Duane Causwell 6-11 C Temple
    	23) Anthony Bonner 6-6 F St. Louis
    
    Simmons played exceptionally well; the Kings couldn't decide if they
    wanted Mays to play the point or off guard, so the jury is still out
    on him; Causwell came on strong the last two months of the season and
    looks to be a legitimate NBA center; Bonner was injured most of the
    year, but played well when healthy.
    
    NAZZ

    Big wreck on I-77 this morning so I'm sitting at home listening to
    Allen Bristow live on the radio.  He just named who the Hornets are
    looking at for the top pick in the second round:
    
    	1. Pete Chilcutt (UNC)
    	2. Dale Davis (Clemson)
    	3. Mark Randall (Kansas)
    	4. Kevin Lynch (Minn.)
    	5. George Eckles (UNLV)
    	6. Isaac Austin (Arizona St.)
    
    I would think that that list says Mutombo is not going to be the
    Hornets' first rounder.
    
    	--dan'l

A couple of Atlanta trades has produced another offer for Rex Chapman:
Spud Webb and a 1st round. A sidebar says that maybe they'd settle for
Dell Curry. (The trades were involving Denver - Rasmussen to Atlanta -
and LA Clippers - Doc Rivers to the LA).

Also, another item on the "JR Tops the List of Those Rumored to be
Traded": he's got a contract clause that his salary goes up 10% if he's
traded. Best move JR's had in the NBA.

And as draft day starts, Larry Johnson seems headed to Charlotte.

BTW, Bob Hunt, I keep forgetting you're a carpetbagger. And them years at
UVa don't change the answer to where you from;-)

TTom

    Dan'l -
    
    Davis, Eckles and Randall will most likely be gone by the time the
    Hornets pick, though Eckles *might* be around.
    
    Davis will go in the top 20, and Randall is supposedly coveted by
    Utah.
    
    JD

>Hey, I've already purchased and learned how to use a chainsaw, 
                                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    Could have fooled me. ;-)  Well, at least we got it out of that tree. 
    And thanks for letting me have a go at it.  I could tell I was learning
    from a master.
    
    RE: the draft
    
    Did I notice in that mock draft posting over in the NBA note the
    suspicious omission of Rick Fox and Pete Chilcutt from the first round? 
    You can bet that if either is available, they will be Hornets.  Maybe
    Tripuka was right, but just had the wrong round in mind.
    
    And what of Kelly?  Why isn't his name thrown into all these trade
    talks?  You'd think the Hornets would want to get rid of him before the
    season starts and his stock drops to an all-time low.
    
    	--dan'l

    So the moral of the story is...
    
    
    
    
    ...Chainsaw Naked
    
    

    Hey Dan'l, where's my ten-spot?
    
    Mark.

    Couple comments on chainsaws:
    
    1. When I lived in the City (Hubtown), I had a woodstove for primary
    heat-source, a flat-top garage in the back of the building, and a bunch 
    of friends in the rehab business.  I bought a small 'Saw and a splitting
    maul, and they delivered about twice a month all the scrapwood from the
    rehabs.  I spent two winters' worth of fall/summer/spring (and it felt 
    like it was in that order...), sawin' and choppin' -- felt like a 
    pioneer, fer shur ('bout the only thing I ever agreed with Reagan on:
    woodcuttin' is great exercise!)
    
    And the only time I came close to cutting my foot off was with the
    SPlittin' Maul (still got the groove in my Bean boot); the chainsaw
    managed to spit through all the nails and staples and varying sorts of
    shellac, etc. with no problem....
    
    2. A little humor, courtesy of Spider Robinson:
    
    "Had this neighbor, old fella name of Zeke.  One day I was out
    strollin' and found him out cutting firewood with his chainsaw,
    wearing nothing but a bathrobe and some slippers.
    
    "I came up to him and said, `Zeke, what are you doin' cuttin' wood
    in your slippers?  Don't you wear those steel-tipped boots?'
    
    Zeke stopped for a minute, and looked at me and replied, `Yeah,
    I useta, 'cept I kept dullin' too many saw-blades!' "
    
    - SteveT

    Mark, I spent it in your name at the Paper Doll.
    
    
    
    Actually, you should get the check today or tomorrow, good buddy. 
    Mailed it Monday.
    
    	--dan'l

    Re:361.. GROSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Chainsaw in the nude?!?????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    REK

 Hawk, sounds like a job better suited for Percodans than tylie 3's...

 mike

> You can read all the safety manuals about chainsaws you want but
> until you crank one up and guide it snarling into a big ol' piece o'
> wood, you ain't learned squat about 'em.

Damn, that gives me a woodie every time....

I had some friends when I was in HS who used to make extra money by
harvesting large stumps, and then using a chainsaw to carve them into
stools and things...  Talk about expertise!

Me, I just like to fire it up, let it idle for a while till I feel the
testosterone kicking through my veins...  Then, once that gets going, 
I pick it up and rev it...  Whoooowee!!!!

I don't wear steel toed boots, safety glasses or any of them ear protection
things either.  Just jam a wad of Redman in my cheek, crank up the saw,
and go for it...

I do save my beer for after, though.....8^)


'Saw


PS  Axes are lots of fun too!

    
>harvesting large stumps, and then using a chainsaw to carve them into
>stools and things...  Talk about expertise!
    
    Sounds like an ideal gift for the right person.  Does he have any stool
    samples I could take a look at before I purchase?
    
    Dickstah
    

    
    	So did the hornies take the crook?  I mean dis they take Johnson?
    
    
    	any other news about the draft?
    
    B.A.
    

    - I'd like to thank Boston for taking Robo Fox and Sacramento for
    taking Pete Shitclutz, thus removing any possibility they'll be Hornets
    
    - I watched the draft with Bob Hunt and friends; at about 8:00, I said
    to Bob, "I wonder if JR is off the toilet yet."
    
    - Larry Johnson said he will show up at the Hornets camp, contract or
    not.  Right.
    
    - Johnson likens Charlotte to his native Dallas and claims he will
    really enjoy living here.  Maybe, if he starts hitting the Pteradactyl
    Club with JR...if JR is still here to be his social director.
    
    - I think Rex Chapman will be a Hornet for a long time; JR has one more
    year at the most.
    

 Welcome to Charlotte, Mr Johnson.    We're so glad you could be here
 with us.   
 
 The Coliseum ???   Oh, yes, go out Tyvola Road past the Interstate. 
 It's on your right.   Just a few miles, that's all.   Yes, it is
 lovely, isn't it ???
 
 By the way, if you don't mind me asking, what's your ring size ???  
 Oh, no reason, just curious.
 
 Bob Hunt

    There is talk now of the Hornets trading one of their shooting guards
    (they now have three -- Chapman, Del Curry, and 2nd round pick Keven
    Lynch) to Atlanta who is lacking in that position.  In return they
    would get Larry Johnson UNLV teammate Stacey Augmon.
    
    I bet JR headed right back to the bathroom after reading that one in
    this morning's paper.
    
    	--dan'l

 Oh, and Mr Shinn, if you don't mind a little suggestion ???
 
 Sign him, please.   Don't "johnson" around with Mr Johnson, just sign
 the young stud.   Sign him, get him into town, let him and the media
 get to know each other and then let's kick some butts.
 
 Your pal, 
 
 Bob Hunt

    Rumor #1:  Augmon to Charlotte for Chapman
    Rumor #2:  Augmon to Charlotte for Curry and Gattison
    Rumor #3:  Augmon and Willis to CHarlotte for Chapman and Gattison
    
    NAZZ

    Allen Bristow stated in the paper Friday that the pressure was now
    squarely on JR's shoulders.  (I had the whole exact quote typed in here
    Friday, but just as I was going to enter it, the lights went out in
    Charlotte).  Bristow more or less said that JR will not play anymore by
    default. He now has to earn his time on the floor.
    
    OK, JR, you now have your coach and the team VP on your back.  Get the
    message?
    
    	--dan'l

We don't have Kelly Tripucka to kick around anymore. The Hornets decided
to waive goodbye to Kelly and his ridiculously overinflated salary and
ego. The stated reason was to free up some of the salary cap money but
Kelly pretty much talked himself out of getting any offer with his latest
anti-Hornets outburst.

TTom

    First the Hornets draft a player out of sin city.  Now they go one step
    further and do something George Shinn said he'd never do...
    
    
    
    Cheerleaders!
    
    
    The Honeybees will be entertaining at the Hornet's Nest next season. 
    No doubt they'll be a bunch of big-haired blond bimbos from Whispers
    and Plum Crazy (two nightspots here in Charlotte containing patronage
    with so much air between their collective ears they could launch a
    blimp).  And come on, the Honeybees?  I kind of prefer the Whore-Nets.
    
    Next thing you know, George will be dropping the pre-game prayer,
    national anthem, and war footage.  
    
    	--dan'l

    re: Cheerleaders
    
    My suggestion dan'l is to talk to Pepper and git her to send the
    Hornets her resume.  Based on my up-close-and-personal observations,
    she's *more* than qualified!
    
    
    - ACC Chris

       Hornets and Honey Bees? Sounds like a 'mixed-marriage' to me,
                                           Denny

Rookie and free agent camp has started. No Larry Johnson. No Kevin Lynch.
Not so far. Reported as showing up include Byron Dinkins from
UNC-Charlotte and a stint with the Spurs, John Crotty from Virginia, and
Gerald Paddio from UNLV and the Cavs for last year. King Rice was invited
but no word on whether he'll be there. Supposedly, King is asking for
guaranteed rights to choke the Honey Bees.

I hereby extend to all out in SPORTSland a_invitation to the Hornets Teal
and White Game. It's next Wednesday at 7 at the Grady Cole Center. No,
that's not Fred Sanford's buddy, it's where the Hornets practice.

TTom

The Hornets rookes and free agents are in Atlanta for a series of games
with Atlanta, Orlando (I think) and a pro team from Milan.

Last night the Hornets beat the Atlanta team, 97-95. Gerald Paddio had 22
points including the game winning free throws, Byron Dinkins had 11
points and 5 assists, Ricky Blanton (LSU, '89) had 12 points, John
Crotty had 8 assists and Mike Smrek (Canisius '85, Lakers, Spurs, etc.)
had 14 rebounds. 

Stacy Augmon led Atlanta with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Rodney Monroe
had some trouble finding the shooting mark, going 3-17, but he added 8
assists.

In addition to the above, others on the team are Marty Conlon
(Providence, '90), Scott Haffner (Evansville '89) who was with the team
last year, Treg Lee (Ohio St '91), Cliff Martin (Idaho '91), Daron
Jenkins (So Miss '91) and James Scott (Ark-Little Rock '91).

So far, Dinkins has been the most impressive. Paddio is another Johnny
Newman: if he's in the play he can score, if not he stands around, and
absolutely no D. 

Calling Chris Knorr: how 'bout going to some of these games and letting
us know how they look? FWIW, King never showed up, never called.

TTom

Hornets lost last night to Philips Milan, 112-102.

The story of the game for the Hornets was JR Reid's effort: 23 points on 
8-for-10 and 6 rebounds. JR is commuting between classes in Chapel Hill 
and the Hornets' rookie/free agency camp. JR's take on all this? "I play 
a lot in the summer anyway. I just get better games here than I would in 
Chapel Hill."

Other stats: Paddio, 20 pts; Conlon, 9 rbs; Dinkins, 13 pts, 7 assists; 
Haffner, 18 pts.

Meanwhile, Hornets' coach Gene Littles has expressed his concern about 
second rounder Kevin Lynch's decision to stay out of camp because he 
doesn't have a contract. Littles referenced Atlanta's first rounder, 
Stacy Augmon, and second rounder, Rodney Monroe, as examples of reporting 
without a contract. He also said that Lynch's only way to make the team 
was to demonstrate he could play 3 or beat out Rex Chapman, Kendall Gill, 
or Dell Curry.

Lastly, but not leastly, Steve Scheffler, cut by the Hornets to avoid a 
guarantee clause in his contract, has signed a contract with Detroit. 
Terms not reported. Scheffler is also signed up to attend Seattle's 
summer camp.

TTom

Just returned from the Southern Rookie Review.  A most entertaining 
evening, although I gotta say my butt is sore from 5+ hours sitting
on a bleacher.

Strange how these things work.  The event was held at Life College, 
which is a mighty obscure chiropractor college nestled almost invisibly
in Marietta, GA.  After struggling to find the college I finally located
the gymnasium.  It was nearly deserted when I got there (I was around
1 hour early) and I thought perhaps I was in the wrong place, until
I astutely observed a couple_a rather large dudes shooting some hoops.
Closer examination showed they were none other than JR Reid and
Gerald Paddio!  I almost went up and started shooting with 'em, the
place was that empty, but somethin' told me JR might not be *that*
impressed with the Carolina T-shirt I was wearing ...

Anyway, considering I was there before they started collecting the
$3 admission fee, I'd say I got my money's worth.  The Hornets got
beat by Miami in the first game.  JR might not be an NBA superstar,
but he should earn a decent living playing ball for awhile longer.
He was the only big guy who was consistently doubled, and Bob Staak
(former Wake Forest coach, now an ass't for Miami Heat who was doing
the coaching tonight) clearly was not going to let him beat him.
Reid appears in great shape and made some nice moves to the hoop,
but appeared somewhat disinterested at times and rarely got a rebound
that didn't fall into his hands.

Ass't Hornets coach Mike Pratt tried both John Crotty and Scott Haffner
at PG in the first half, with Byron Dinkins on the wing.  Neither PG
impressed, although Crotty did an admirable job late in the 4th quarter
to lead a futile Hornet comeback attempt.  Gotta believe both Crotty
and Haffner are facing CUT CITY.  Dinkins started the 2nd half at
point and looked good.  He's an interesting player, but awful small.
I find it hard to believe Gerald Paddio won't be wearing an NBA
uniform in the fall.  Offensively he's not afraid to shoot the ball,
and he proved to me he can score under *pressure*.  Only other interesting
Hornet was Marty Conlon, former Providence College player, who really
hustles and seems to get the job done.  Pretty big too.  If I were a
coach I'd love having a kid like him on my team.

Miami got some good backcourt play outof Michael Holton and Bimbo Coles.
George Ackles didn't do much, but they had some 7-2 dude (Alan Ogg)
who threw down a *MONSTER* dunk!  Hornets also had a humongous humanoid
playing - Mike Smrek.  Easily over 7', and BIG.  Didn't do much though ...

The 2nd game features the Hawks and Milano (Italy).  Atlanta controlled
most of the way.  Stacey Augman is a VERY impressive athlete and 
basketball player.  He easily had the play of the night when, in traffic,
he threw one down with his left hand right in some poor Italian guys face!
Ooooo ....   Looking back on the game though, I can't remember Augman
taking a shot outside of 5-10 feet.

Rodney Monroe walked right past me before the game and main is he cocky!
He had his own small band of teeny-bopper cheerleaders who screamed
"ICE!" every time he shot the ball.  Rodney played okay.  Seems he took
an awful lot of shots and didn't make a very good percentage of them.
Funny, cause most of 'em were pretty wide open and we all know he's
as sweet a pure shooter as there is.  Alexander Volkov played for
the Hawks as he's recovering from wrist surgery, and Dave Popson played
also.  He reminded me of Marty Conlon.  Gutty, with a pretty nice all-
around game.  Big too.  Hopefully he'll stick with somebody.  (Heck,
the Hawks oughta keep him and dump John Koncak.  Popson's gotta be 
just about as good, and I'm sure he'd work for alot less!)


- ACC Chris
    

Thanks for the report, Chris. 

The local paper has "analyzed" the play so far and predicts that none of
these rookies or free agents will come to fall camp with gauranteed
money.

Supposedly, the best shots to get invited are Dinkins and Paddio. Dinkins
and Scott Haffner will probably be battling for the second point guard
slot. Paddio would be the only backup at 3 for Johnny Newman. Coach
Littles seems high on Dinkins. Paddio says he wants guaranteed money to
come to camp and in the meanwhile wil begin touring with Philips Milan.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, the Hornets and Eric Leckner are about 200K
per year apart in contract terms. And nothing so far on the contracts for
Larry Johnson or Kevin Lynch.

TTom

    I wasn't impressed with Haffner, but Dinkins looked tough.  I'd take
    him in a flash over Haffner.
    
    How come Big Larry wasn't playing?  Neither Augman or Monroe are
    signed, yet they played.  I woulda loved seeing him and JR on the floor
    at the same time.  We're talkin' serious rear end cabooses here ...
    
    Did they happen to post the stats of yesterdays game?  I'd be curious
    to see what Monroe's shooting numbers were.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

The only stats the paper had were the ones for the Hornets game.

TTom

 First off, I'm happy to see JR putting out the effort and doing well.  
 It's about time he got serious.   Guess it took the team drafting a
 power forward with the No. 1 pick in the entire draft to get the
 message across to him.   Shame he couldn't have dialed his own number
 all by himself.
 
 Second, my thanks as well for the report, Soup.   Interesting that
 both Augmon and Monroe were playing without deals.   Lasted year, the
 Hawks' top pick, Rumeal Robinson, also played in the Southern Rookie
 Review and he was also unsigned.   Hawks must have some very
 persuasive arguments.
 
 No one here is surprised that Larry Johnson didn't show.  Gill wasn't
 in it last year so no big deal, I guess.   Gene Littles publicly
 questioned 2nd pick Kevin Lynch's no-show, however.   Littles dropped
 the hint that Lynch has to have some degree of effectiveness at small
 forward in addition to his natural position at two guard if he hopes
 to make the team.   Otherwise, he has to beat out Chapman, Curry, and
 Gill which is pretty darn near impossible.
 
 The 12th spot on the bench is wide open.   Hornets need a backup
 three and I don't think they've found one just yet.  Gerald Paddio
 isn't the answer, I don't think.   Plus he'll want guaranteed money
 to show up for fall camp and the Hornets won't give him that.
 
 Little by little, day by day, the Hornets are building themselves up.  
 They still have big holes in crucial spots and they still have more
 questions than answers but they are putting together a roster almost
 completely full of good, solid NBA talent.   That's the first step.  
 From there, you build the chemistry.   From there, you win some
 games.
 
 Bob Hunt

    > First off, I'm happy to see JR putting out the effort and doing well.
    
    Well, uh, *I* didn't exactly say this.  Only said that he was
    consistently doubled and that he's got NBA moves inside.  
    I still think he should get more rebounds than he does, and 
    that he's gotta work harder.  Seems very rare that he ever gets an 
    easy put-back or anything.  His butt *is* huge, but he's still
    only 6-9 which, for a PF, is about the minimum.  He ougta watch Marty
    Conlan.  Here's a kid with limited ability who always seems in the
    right place at the right time.  Never stops moving or working for a
    rebound.
    
    Forgot to mention the 'T' JR got hit with late in the game.  The
    Hornets had cut the lead to 5 with about 1 minute left and had the
    ball.  Somebody missed a shot, Reid went for the loose ball along with
    a_couple_a Heat players. The whistle blew, and all eyes turned to the
    referee for his analysis of the play.  (Easily coulda gone either way. 
    A no-call would've probably been the prudent decision.)  As soon as he 
    held up the FOUR-ONE fingers (JR's numbers) he let out with a vewy loud 
    "F***!", which immediately got him a technical.  Pretty funny
    actually, cause JR's got an *incredibly* DEEP voice that easily filled
    the entire gym.  
    
    Padio's an NBA player in my mind.  If he doesn't stick with the Hornets
    somebody's gonna pick him up.  I don't blame him for wanting some
    guaranteed money ...
    
    
    - ACC Chris

 I was expressing my satisfaction with JR Reid on a higher level than
 just his game performance that you saw.   
 
 I'm glad to see he's taking his career a bit more seriously this
 summer.   He's been commuting between Chapel Hill and Charlotte for
 the practice camp and between Chapel Hill and Atlanta for the games
 you saw.
 
 Plus he went to Dave Cowens' Big Man Camp earlier this summer.
 
 There seems little doubt that some sort of realization has occurred
 and that's goodness.   Hopefully, the moves will come with more work. 
 For now, just watching him work is a good sign.
 
 Bob Hunt

The Hornets have called a press conference for this afternoon to announce
that head coach Gene Littles is moving back upstairs, persumably in his
old job as director of player personnel/development, and that VP Alan
Bristow is moving into the head coach job.

I'll confirm this after the press conference but the local media are
already reporting the above.

TTom

 Just when you think you see the path to some small degree of youthful
 stability in the Hornets, boom, they stir everything up all over
 again.
 
 If this is true, there are any number of theories.  
 
 One has to be that Alan Bristow is just not a good GM when it comes
 to handling contract negotiations.   Last year, he got into a
 fistfight with Kendall Gill's agent and here now we have no progress,
 hell, not even a peep, about signing either Larry Johnson or Kevin
 Lynch.   I mean what does it take to sign a 2nd rounder ???
 
 Not to mention that he can't seem to get Eric Leckner signed, either.
 
 Another theory is that Littles is too soft on the players.  He is
 extremely patient with them and maybe somebody (Shinn, no doubt) has
 decided that some butts have to be kicked instead of kissed.
 
 And, of course, the universal theory is simply ... Shinn happens.
 
 Bob Hunt

It's a little more cloudy:

Bristow is indeed the new head coach.

Dave Twardzic assumes the player personnel position. He was chief scout.

Littles has indeed been kicked upstairs. He's no the assistant VP in
charge of anything besides basketball, player development, or finances.
Seriously, I can't remember the exact title but it ain't nothing big
deal.

TTom

 In other words, Littles was canned.   In Parliament, they call guys
 like this a "Minister Without Portfolio".
 
 Bet he's freshening up his resume.
 
 Bob Hunt

    Gene, fired?!  Sniff, sniff, sniff!  Boo hoo hoo!!!
    
    I told ya he wouldn't last long, what with his ridiculous backhanded
    player criticisms through the media.  A coach should be able to
    confront his players with their problems, not backstab them through the
    local newspaper.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

I think Allen Bristow will make a fine NBA coach. He has a good eye for when
players are hot and when they aren't. 

He could read Alex English like a book. Basically when he left Denver so did 
Alex English. 

Jeff 

    Chris, if anything, Littles was not "moved out" for the way he treated
    his players.  He was a players' coach if there ever was one. 
    
    JR's new coach, Mr. Bristow, has been just as emphatic lately about JR
    needing to prove himself...and it wasn't to JR's face, but to the press
    the day after they handed Mr. Stern a piece of paper with Larry
    Johnson's name on it.
    
    If JR thought Gene was tough, wait until Bristow, who has if anything
    proven to be blunt and to the point, gets him in the huddle.  Whom will
    Herman cry to next?  Dean?
    
    	--dan'l

    Hey, I *applaud* Bristow if he can bluntly get in JR's face and tell
    him what needs to be done.  The last coach to do that to Reid was Dean,
    and the results were highly favorable.
    
    Littles seemed whimpy. ('Chicken' Littles?)  He'd gladly spout JR's
    deficiencies to a 5'9" reporter, but when it came time to go
    mano-a-mano with 6'9" JR Reid, ... wail, apparently that was a
    different story!  (Glad the 5'-7" Dean didn't have that problem ...)
    
    
    - ACC Chris

 More on Littles' new job ... His title is "Vice-President, Special
 Assistant To The President".    The Hornets' prez is Spencer Stolpen
 and Littles will be his primary liaison with the rest of the NBA.
 
 Stolpen is a George Shinn business pal and knows very little about
 hoops and almost nothing about the league.   Apparently, at last
 week's Southern Rookie Review in Atlanta, Stolpen sat next to Miami
 Heat partner and NBA legend Billy Cunningham and didn't even know it.  
 Littles, of course, would have had no such problem recognizing and
 speaking with the Kangaroo Kid.
 
 So, it looks like Littles will represent the Hornets to the rest of
 the league and that's about it.   He says, in public, that this is a
 great career move for him.   I personally find that hard to believe.  
 I'll bet he gets real bored with the new job real fast although there
 is also talk that Shinn might have something special in mind for
 Littles should Shinn succeed in getting a AAA baseball team to play
 in Charlotte.
 
 Allan Bristow gives up a lot of organizational power but gets the hot
 seat and the fame that goes with it.   He seems eager for it and is
 already discussing team priorities like better defense and a Doug
 Moe-style motion offense he learned in Denver.  He will have the most
 talented Hornets team in their brief history but he has a lot of work
 to do.   He should be given at least three years to make something
 happen.   Anything less and the Hornets are just spinning their
 wheels.
 
 Dave Twardzik, the ex-Trail Blazer, moves from the head scouting job
 to the director of player personnel which was, essentially, Bristow's
 old job.   He'll have primary power over the players but, since *all*
 Hornet player decisions are made by committee, he'll not have
 complete freedom.
 
 Interesting moves but I sure hope these are the last management
 shuffles for a while.  Stability has to be the goal now.  It's time
 to get moving.
 
 Bob Hunt

    The city of Charlotte seems to be a hot commodity these days.  C&S bank
    (based in Atlanta) has merged with NCNB and will now be called 'Nations
    Bank', forming the 3rd largest bank in the USA.  Charlotte is now said
    to be the 3rd most significant banking city in the United States. 
    
    Good work, Queen City!
    
    
    - ACC Chris

>         -< JR doesn't know pick-and-roll. Give us a break, Gene ... >-

    Whoa there!!! JR Reid might not know the pick-and-roll but Joe Walton 
    sure does.
    
    John "D Cowboys" R. 

 Charlotte is indeed a boomtown these days.   Ain't no recession blues
 in the Queen City.   The construction that's going on here is
 intense.   New beltways, new malls, airport growth, and so on ...
 
 Charlotte was already the 4th or 5th largest banking center in the
 country.   And this new "NationsBank" merger between NCNB and
 C&S/Sovran was actually going to be the *2nd* largest bank until
 Chemical and Manny Hanny announced their own merger lasted week in
 New York.
 
 One very interesting aspect of this merger is that it marks the first
 time since before the Civil War that a Southern city can be
 considered a truly major banking center.    With the country's 3rd
 largest bank located here, it is safe to say that the South is
 actually rising again.
 
 Bob Hunt

    Didn't know that many people in CHarlotte could count high enough to
    work in banks.  Thank goodness for adding machines!  ;-)
    
    Re. Littles - I thought he did a really good job lasted year with the
    Hornets.  Even Del Curry seemed to play hard for him.  The move to
    Bristow, who has NEVER been a head coach at any level, makes little
    sense.  IMO, the Hornets will continue to spin their wheels until they
    get new ownership.
    
    NAZZ

    Charlotte must be hitting the big time.  Afterall, one of the Hornets
    now has his own Converse commercial ;^)

 A humorist at the Charlotte Observer got off a good one yesterday. 
 He was complaining (tongue in cheek) that the Hornets weren't a big
 time team because they didn't have any big time nicknames yet.  
 We've got no "Air" or "Magic" or "The Mailman" and so on ...
 
 So he made a few up.  Best one was ...
 
 JR "Pizza Man" Reid -- He delivers but only in certain areas and it
 			takes 30 minutes.
 
 Bob Hunt

The Hornets have hired Bill Hanzlik, he recently of Denver Nuggets fame,
as an assistant coach. Hanzlik played with Denver for the last 8 years
and retired with back problems that forced him to sit out most, if not
all, of last season. This is his first coaching assignment.

Believe it or not, this has a Dean connection. Both Alan Bristow, the
head coach, and Hanzlik played for Doug Moe when he was coach of the
Nuggets. Moe played at, you guessed, No Carolina under, you guessed,
Dean.

TTom

    And Hanzlick played for Digger Phelps
    
    Does that mean Digger=Dean ??
    

More on the Denver Connection:

Charlotte completed their coaching staff with the selection of T.R. Dunn.
He used to play for the Nuggets under Moe.

Maybe T.R. will get JR's attention...

TTom

    The Hornets announced that they have extended Rex Chapman's
    
    Contract for (I think) 5 years.  While specific financial
    
    terms were not divulged, there was a statement alluding to the fact
    
    that Rex'x contract was in the vicinity of Kendall Gill (?)'s
    
    $1.8 Million per year.
    
    HTH
    
    Kev
    

This is a little late but the Hornets have signed UVa's John Crotty that
pays him to come to camp. The implication is that if he makes the team
he'll get some contract. Also, the Hornets invited Byron Dinkins, of
local UNC-Charlotte fame, to come at his own expenses.

Still no movement in the signing of first round pick, Larry Johnson. The
talks appear to be at a stalemate. The Hornets are offering $3M for 3
years and LJ want $4M for 4. Hell, I'd settle for the difference.

TTom

 More on the Hornets' negotiations with top pick Larry Johnson.  
 
 Larry Johnson wants more than the $3 million a year that Derrick
 Coleman signed for lasted year with the Nets.   However, the Hornets
 only have $1.8 million available for him under the salary cap.   
 
 So, the key then is to work out a long-term deal that will *average*
 more than $3 million per year.    So, the Hornets have proposed a
 package that starts him at $1.8 million and then escalates up each
 year.   
 
 But here's the kicker ... under the cap rules, the escalation each
 year can be no more than about 25% of the first year salary.   So, if
 they pay him $1.8 million in his rookie season, the package can only
 jump by about $540,000 each year.
 
 So, in order to *average* the $3 million a year he wants, the package
 has to go a full *SIX* years at $540,000 more per year to make it.   
 But, Larry doesn't really want to sign a 6-year deal since that might
 hold him back in future years if the cap takes a big jump like it did
 lasted year.
 
 So, the nexted piece of the puzzle is to offer him a Kendall
 Gill-style "escape" clause.   Gill signed a similar long-term deal
 lasted year that allows him to void the deal after three or four
 years and thus become a restricted free agent.   Johnson now might
 get the same offer ... that is, he will be offered the 6-year deal at
 an average of $3.15 million a year but he can void it after the fouth
 year and go for restricted free agency.
 
 There's a lot riding on this deal, both with the Hornets and with the
 rest of the NBA.  The Hornets have to sign Johnson before they can
 sign Kevin Lynch or returning veteran Eric Leckner.   And the other
 clubs are waiting, too, so that the slotting process can begin.
 
 It'll be a miracle if Johnson is in camp when it opens in about 10
 days.
 
 Bob Hunt

    Hmmmmm.....if the Hornets are so close to the cap - and they only
    have $1.8m for Larry - what does that mean for Eric Leckner and
    Kevin Lynch?
    
    I assume we can exceed the cap by re-signing Leckner (ain't that
    one of the rules?)....but does this mean we have zero dollars
    available to sign Lynch?
    
    Maybe a two-for-one trade isn't a bad idea at this point in time...
    
    Pat

 It gets complicated but, yes, they can go over the salary cap at any
 time to sign a veteran like Eric Leckner.
 
 However, if they sign Leckner *first* and go over the cap in doing
 so, then all they can do for Larry Johnson is offer him the minimum
 rookie salary of, like, $180,000 per year.  
 
 No way Johnson signs for that so the important thing to do is sign
 Johnson first and *then* they can sign Leckner and not worry about
 the cap.   That way, Johnson gets his average $3+ million salary and
 Leckner gets his cash, too.
 
 Regardless, Kevin Lynch is most probably looking at minimum salary or
 Europe.
 
 Bob Hunt

$!    Command format:   
$!    
$!    $ @Hornets p1 p2 p3
$!
$!    p1 = item to search for, such as opponent's name, TV station, day of week)
$!    p2 = forecasting switch; enter Y to enable; N or blank to disable
$!    p3 = if p2 is Y, enter a number from 1-31; 7 is the default
$!    
$ Save_Message = F$Environment("Message")
$ Set Message/Nosever/Noid/Notext/Nofac
$ Say :== Write sys$output
$ dow = "''f$cvtime(""today"",,""weekday"")'"
$ td = "''f$time()'"
$ day= "''f$extract(0,2,td)'"
$ month=f$extract(3,3,td)
$ year=f$extract(7,4,td)
$ file = f$environment("procedure")
$ gametoday = f$extract(3,4,f$time())+f$extract(8,2,f$cvtime("today"))
$ P1 = f$edit(P1,"collapse")
$ If P1 .eqs. "" 
$ then 
$ lookingfortoday = "TRUE"
$ p1 = gametoday
$ Say "Today's Charlotte Hornets' basketball game: "
$ else
$ Say "Selected Charlotte Hornets' basketball game(s): "
$ lookingfortoday = "FALSE"
$ endif
$ search 'file' 'p1'
$ is_there = $status
$ if is_there .eqs. "%X08D78053" 
$ then 
$ if lookingfortoday then Say "No game today."
$ if .not. lookingfortoday then Say "No such game."
$ endif
$next_n_days:
$ if P2 .eqs. "" .or. P2 .eqs. " " then goto done
$ if P2 .eqs. "Y" 
$ then
$      at_a_glance = 7
$      if P3 .eqs. "" .or. P3 .eqs. " " then P3 = at_a_glance
$      if P3 .lt. 1 .or. P3 .gt. 31 then goto bad_reply
$ else
$      if P2 .nes. "N" then goto bad_reply
$      goto done
$ endif
$ Say "Charlotte Celtic games in next "+"''P3'"+" days:"
$ month = f$edit(f$extract(0,3,"''p1'"),"UPCASE")
$ n_day = f$extract(4,2,"''p1'")
$ count = 1
$next_day:
$ n_day = n_day + 1
$ if month .eqs. "OCT" .AND. n_day .gt. 31 
$ then 
$ month = "NOV" 
$ goto new_month 
$ endif
$ if month .eqs. "NOV" .AND. n_day .gt. 30 
$ then 
$ month = "DEC" 
$ goto new_month 
$ endif
$ if month .eqs. "DEC" .AND. n_day .gt. 31 
$ then 
$ month = "JAN" 
$ goto new_month 
$ endif
$ if month .eqs. "JAN" .AND. n_day .gt. 31 
$ then 
$ month = "FEB" 
$ goto new_month 
$ endif
$ if month .eqs. "FEB" .AND. n_day .gt. 28 
$ then 
$ month = "MAR" 
$ goto new_month 
$ endif
$ if month .eqs. "MAR" .AND. n_day .gt. 31 
$ then 
$ month = "APR" 
$ goto new_month 
$ endif
$ if month .eqs. "APR" .AND. n_day .gt. 23 then goto say_playoffs
$ goto test_for_game
$new_month:
$ n_day = "1"
$test_for_game:
$ if n_day .lt. 10 then n_day = "0" + f$edit("''n_day'","collapse")
$ p1 = "''month'" + "-" + "''n_day'"
$ search 'file' 'p1'
$ count = count + 1
$ if count .le. P3 then goto next_day
$ goto done
$say_playoffs:
$ SAY "Playoffs due to start... schedule is TBD!!!"
$ goto done
$bad_reply:
$ Say "Invalid reply."
$ goto done
$ done:
$ set mess'Save_Message'
$ EXIT
NOV-01	at Boston		 7:30
NOV-02	   New Jersey	 8:05
NOV-05	at Detroit		 7:30
NOV-06	   Atlanta		 7:35
NOV-08	   Milwaukee	 8:05	(TNT)
NOV-09	at New York	 7:30
NOV-12	at Atlanta		 7:30
NOV-13	   Chicago		 7:35
NOV-15	at Miami		 7:30
NOV-16	   Boston		 7:35
NOV-19	at Milwaukee	 7:30
NOV-20	   Cleveland	 7:35
NOV-22	   Indiana		 7:35
NOV-26	at Denver		 9:00
NOV-27	at Utah		 9:30
NOV-29	at Phoenix		 9:30
NOV-30	at LA Clippers	10:30
DEC-02	   New York	 7:35
DEC-04	   LA Lakers	 7:35
DEC-06	at Chicago		 8:30
DEC-07	at Orlando		 7:30
DEC-11	   Dallas		 7:35
DEC-13	   Miami		 7:35
DEC-14	at New Jersey	 7:30
DEC-17	   Utah		 7:35
DEC-18	at Detroit		 7:30
DEC-20	   Houston		 7:35
DEC-21	at Cleveland	 7:30
DEC-23	at Philadelphia	 7:30
DEC-27	   New Jersey	 7:35
DEC-28	at Washington	 7:30	(Baltimore)
JAN-02	   LA Clippers	 7:35
JAN-04	   Phoenix		 7:35
JAN-09	   Sacramento	 7:35
JAN-11	   Portland	 7:35
JAN-14	at Seattle		10:00
JAN-15	at LA Lakers	10:30
JAN-17	at Portland	10:00
JAN-18	at Sacramento	10:30
JAN-20	at Golden State	 4:30
JAN-22	   Chicago		 7:35
JAN-25	   Indiana		 7:35
JAN-28	   Detroit		 7:35
JAN-31	   Seattle		 7:35
FEB-02	at Miami		 4:00
FEB-04	   Washington	 7:35
FEB-06	   Golden State	 7:35
FEB-11	at Atlanta		 7:30
FEB-13	at Milwaukee	 8:30
FEB-16	   Miami		 2:35
FEB-17	at Indiana		 7:30
FEB-19	   Denver		 7:35
FEB-21	at Boston		 7:30	(Hartford)
FEB-22	   Orlando		 7:35
FEB-25	   Milwaukee	 7:35
FEB-27	   Philadelphia	 7:35
FEB-29	   Indiana		 7:35
MAR-04	at Milwaukee	 8:30
MAR-07	at New York	 7:30
MAR-10	   Minnesota	 7:35
MAR-11	at Dallas		 8:30
MAR-13	at Houston		 8:30
MAR-16	at San Antonio	 8:30
MAR-19	at Philadelphia	 7:30
MAR-20	   Atlanta		 7:35
MAR-22	   Detroit		 2:35
MAR-23	at New Jersey	 7:30
MAR-25	   San Antonio	 7:35
MAR-27	   Cleveland	 7:35
MAR-28	at Washington	 7:30
MAR-30	   Orlando		 7:35
APR-01	at Chicago		 8:30
APR-02	   New York	 7:35
APR-04	   Washington	 7:35
APR-07	at Orlando		 7:30
APR-09	at Cleveland	 7:30
APR-10	at Detroit		 8:00
APR-12	   Boston		 6:05
APR-14	at Indiana		 7:30
APR-15	   Cleveland	 7:35
APR-17	   Philadelphia	 8:05
APR-19	at Minnesota	 6:00

    So what's going on with Larry Johnson?  Are they gonna sign him or
    what?
    
    Mike

    I didn't see any replies concerning the selection of Johnson on draft
    day.  IMHO though, the Hornets made a mistake by selecting Larry #1.  I
    would have much rather them take either Dukembe, or Owens.
    
    BTW, how do Hornet's fans feel about the play of Rex Chapman.
    
     - Wildcat

Shinn has now withdrawn some of the money that was being offered to Larry
Johnson. Supposedly there was some bonus for Larry if he signed before
training camp started. 

The odd man out in all this is Kevin Lynch. The Hornets have little or
no money under the cap to offer the second round pick.

As to Chapman, he's the star of the team at this point. The Hornets
correctly extended his contract. One can only hope that JR improves this
year as much as Rex did last year.

Finally, it should be noted that Bob Hunt was indeed the band leader for
drafting Larry Johnson. If Larry doesn't sign, we can all blame Bob,
personally. There are rumors and supposed sightings that indicate that
Larry may be in town, so Bob you might be off the hook.

TTom

    Larry, Larry, quite contrary
    How does your wallet grow?
    
    Would you rather hoop in Europe
    Or in Charlotte with Bristow (or Moe)?
    
    If you should go to Europe
    Make sure you kick Kelly's butt!
    
    And by the way oh-great-Larry
    Your agent he's a chump!
    
    
    No applause, just throw money.  Larry was not the unanimous choice
    in Charlotte.  Owens and Mutumbo had a lot of support.  As draft
    day neared, it seemed that Kenny Anderson even picked up a fair
    amount of support.
    
    Of course you had those totally ignorant and misinformed fans who
    thought we should draft Rick Fox or Pete Chilcutt with our first
    pick - but hey, those were Tar Heel fans so they don't count.
    
    By the way, what's the feeling in Boston towards Rick Fox being
    drafted....and the former Charlotte Hornet Wild Thing - Steve Scheffler
    being invited to camp?
    
    Rex is getting more respect these days.  He'll be a good one if he
    stays healthy.
    
    Have heard from more than one source that Rex has had to miss a few
    practices because of general soreness.  Apparently, he didn't show
    up at camp in game shape.
    
    While we're talking trash on Rex - he eloped two weekends ago with
    his new wife Bridget.  Hey Rex, how 'bout spending some of that
    cash to get Bridget's name changed to something a l'il more sporty?!?
    
    Enough for now,
    Pat
    

   > By the way, what's the feeling in Boston towards Rick Fox being
   > drafted....and the former Charlotte Hornet Wild Thing - Steve Scheffler
   > being invited to camp?

ARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!

You had to remind me that the Celtics drafted Fox!!  This was my worst nightmare
since the day they drafted Clarence Glover (or Michael Smith).  Haven't heard
anything out of camp as far as how he is doing.

Nice article on Scheffler in today (or yesterday's) Boston Globe.  Made it seem 
like he is a real hustler, who's getting some attention in camp.

=Bob=

Rick Fox is not Michael Smith.

I don't know how active the Boston Celtics conference is but Rick has his
own topic with all of 2 notes:

>Note 19.0                     Rick Fox "The Rookie"                      1 reply
>...
>This is the Rick Fox note.
>
>Note 19.1                     Rick Fox "The Rookie"                       1 of 1
>...
>    What about Neslon??

I think that pretty sums up all of the enthusiasm.

IMO, Rick has a chance to develop into a good NBA sub. He's too slow of
foot to be a real threat at 2 and too low of jump to play much of a 3.
But I think he could learn to do double digit scoring, providing, of
course, that he's recovered from the Kansas game.

TTom

    	Drawing from his tutelage from the master I expect Rick Fox to be 
    an impact player for the Celtics this year!
    
    				/Don

On a related note, Kelly Tripucka has apparently signed a contract to
play hoops in France.

TTom

Larry Johnson is defintely in Charlotte. He was spotted arriving at the
airport. 

Here's to a quick signing. 

TTom

I heard a good argument bainst slary based on performance. The tenet is
in the area of a conflict of interest. If, for instance, you measure
Muggsy Bogues performance in terms of assists, that would provide an
incentive to him to pass off instead of shooting the open shot, which he
has to do for the team to be effective; else no one would ever cover the
shot.

I do like the idea of compensation beig linked to *TEAM* performance: the
more the team wins, the more you make. But that really disfavors the
poorer teams wherein 30 wins would be very successful - like what Orlando
did lasted year - but who would put losing 50+ games as "good"
performance. What do you do, meet with the everynoe and come up with Team
Goals? 

That's sounds a whole lot like some of the new Digital Salesspeak. One
Team and all that!

TTom

    When Sam Jankovich was negotiating contracts this year, he tried to
    negotiate so that players (and coaches, for that matter) would have
    lower base salaries and individual incentive clauses based on team
    performance.  I salute that approach too.
    
    The only individual incentives that I've ever known of in football have
    gone to punters and special teams coaches for punts inside the 20, and
    to line coaches and defensive linemen for sacks.  I'd prefer to keep it
    that way since I don't want to have to deal with incentives.  The good
    thing is that in football, I usually don't.
    
    John

John,

The story goes that a couple of years agho, Ken O'Brien had an incentive
clause rewarding him if he wasn't intercepted. The result was he set an
NFL record for being sacked.

That's the type of incentive I'm talking about.

BTW: John, totally irrelevent (oooH!), but why don't they subtract the 20
yards from the end zone to the 20 from the net yards of a punt going into
the end zone? Seems to me a put from the 50 that ends up on the 20 is a
net 30 yards. Thanks.

TTom

    In calculating net punting average, the calculation is gross yards -
    return yards - 20 yards per touchback divided by the number of kicks. 
    It's already being done.
    
    In calculating gross punting average, blocked punts are not included in
    the total but are included in calculating net punting average.
    
    John

    Just caught the sports.
    
    As TTom first reported hours ago, Larry was indeed in town today
    with his agent.  They did meet with Hornets brass and "made progress."
    
    Oh, by the way, did I forget to mention that Jerry Tarkanian just
    happened to be in town for a coaching seminar and decided to attend
    also?
    
    Oh, by the way, did I forget to mention that the Hornets cut scrub
    Scott Hafner today...which frees up a little dinero for the Hornets?
    
    Looks like Larry will be in uniform for the pre-season game next
    Wednesday in Las Vegas.
    
    Pat

re: .436

Thanks, John

TTom

 Latest update on Johnson ...
 
 WIth Haffner's release, Johnson's deal is now up to over $15 million for 5
 years but still only $1.95 million for his first year.   Johnson's agent
 says the first year salary is an insult and they won't sign.   Tark was in
 town and sat in on the talks and apparently urged Johnson to sign.
 
 It all revolves around the first year salary.   Here's hoping Johnson
 comes to his senses sometime soon.  He can survive quite nicely on $1.95
 million his first year, thank you very much.
 
 In pre-season news, the Hornets new Doug Moe-style motion offense and
 trapping defense kicked the holy living crap outta the New Jersey Nets
 lasted night in Greensboro.   Even JR Reid looked inspired and played
 well.  Johnny Newman and Kendall Gill will flourish in this offense.  
 Bogues sat out most of the 2nd half and John Crotty filled in pretty
 nicely for him ... I'd love to have a Wahoo on the Hornets.   C'mon, John,
 keep up the good work.
 
 Kevin Lynch is completely overshadowed by the Johnson talks.   You almost
 have to force yourself to remember they drafted him.
 
 Bob Hunt

Crotty continues to look good, at least so says Bristow. With a very
noticeable absence of 1 guards and with the very low salary that he will
command, Crotty has a chance of making this team. Muggsy is hurt so
Crotty and local talent Byron Dinkins are getting an exceptional chance
in terms of playing time.

Kevin Lynch? Never heard of him.

TTom

    Hmm.  Wonder where Doug Moe came up with that motion offense ...
    
    
    - ACC Chris

That's right, Doug owes it all to Dean. Doug got to see first hand the
boredom of the 4 corners and the The System. 

TTom

    re: -1
    
    Maybe from Bob Knight - isn't that one of his trademarks.

    Bob "borrowed" the passing game from Dean in the early 70's.  That's a
    fact that Bob admits to, BTW.  For the record, Dean (in his usual
    humbleness) sez IU ran it better Carolina ...
    
    
    - ACC Chris

The worm turns...

First, Larry Johnson's agent decided that the Hornets best and final
offer of about $3.1M was fine and that Larry would sign. But, that
contract contained a $1.5M+ signing bonus *IF* LJ signed before camp.
Shinn has withdrawn that money from the offer.

Next, LJ's agent, who now looks completey stupid for rejecting then
accepting except the Hornets weren't offering, says how about a 10 year
contract with a $5M signing bonus. The Hornets said no way (there might
have been another word in there somewhere).

Now, the Hornets are in Las Vegas to play Golden State. This game was
scheduled after LJ was drafted. Maybe nexted year, they'll wait until
someone is actually signed.

Right now, if LJ doesn't sign soon, we may not see him this year, at
least not in Charlotte.

TTom

    I'd be curious to see how the press in Las Vegas and in Texas 
    (I think that's where Larry is from) is reporting this.
    
    Maybe I'll tune in the preseason game tonight and see if the announcers
    give an indication of the turnout and enthusiasm in Las Vegas.
    
    I heard that Hornets owner George Shin no longer has the $1.5 million
    that was once available to Johnson as a signing bonus - he lost it
    in the slot machines.
    
    If Larry isn't signed soon, we may have to get Bob Hunt involved
    with the negotiations.  Bob - can you help out with the $5m signing
    bonus that Larry is looking for????
    
    Pat

Article 2439 of clari.sports.basketball:
From: clarinews@clarinet.com
Newsgroups: clari.sports.basketball
Subject: Hornets reject Johnson's proposal
Date: 16 Oct 91 19:40:08 GMT
Priority: regular


	LAS VEGAS, Nev. (UPI) -- The Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday rejected a
contract proposal by top draft choice Larry Johnson that would give the
power forward a $5 millon signing bonus.
	The huge signing bonus could be seen as a way to bypass the NBA's
salary cap rules. The league and the NBA Players Association disagree
over how signing bonuses affect the cap under the collective bargaining
agreement.
	The main argument is over what the NBA defines as guaranteed years.
While a player can receive a signing bonus in the first year of a
contract, that money is spread evenly over the years guaranteed in the
deal.
	However, the Hornets are willing to give Johnson an escape clause in
his contract if his market value takes off.
	Johnson's holdout was expected to have an adverse effect on
attendance at Wednesday night's exhibition against the Golden State
Warriors in Las Vegas. Johnson played collegiately at Nevada-Las Vegas,
which is promoting the game.
	Only 4,500 tickets have been sold for the contest and the university
has offered refunds to fans disappointed by Johnson's absence.
	Johnson, the No. 1 pick in the June NBA draft, averaged 22.7 points
and 10.9 rebounds in helping the Rebels to an undefeated regular season
and a second consecutive trip to the Final Four.
	He entered UNLV as heralded junior-college transfer in 1989 and lived
up to his billing by leading the Rebels to their first national
championship in 1990 and becoming the school's first All-American.

    
    	The reason L.J's agent asked for this contract was because L.J. and
    his agent finally agreed to terms with Charlotte only to find out that
    the signing bonus was only good if L.J. sign before the pre-season
    game(Vegas).
    
    This has been a KORN new special.
    
    B.A.
    

Larry Johnson's Agent is about as smart as the guys advising Otis Nixon
and Roy Tarpley.

The signing bonus was advertised widely as a bonus for signing before
camp started. So far, Charlotte has a perfect record of the number 1 not
signing by camp. In an attempt to encourage LJ to sign, they put a lot of
money up to try to get him to sign early. This clause was in the papers
and all the media.

If his agent says he's just now finding out about what the signing bonus
was really for, he's not only stupid but apparently illiterate.

TTom

OK, I want to officially lodge a complaint to the BobHunt-Larry Johnson
bandwagon committee...

Today's episode has LJ peaved at the Hornets for not properly considering
his brain-dead agent's latest proposal that had the $5M signing bonus and
a 10 year contract.

So LJ is going to take his ball and go home. He's demanded to be traded.
The Hornets, who are not known for any kind of basketball savvy except
filling the stands for the only game in town, have not officially
commented.

Let's see now: if we had traded the draft for, say, Mutombo and maybe
even something else, we might have had a rookie in camp. Of course, Shinn
coulda screwed that up, too, but at least he signed for someone.

TTom

 Complaint noted and recorded.    
 
 Of course, it should be pointed out that this bandwagon's seating
 compartments were focused distinctly on Mr Johnson's on-court playing
 skills and not on his negotiating tactics with the front office.
 
 If the dude don't wanna play here, it ain't da bandwagon's fault.
 
 Bob Hunt

    re: LJ trade demand
    
    I'd suggest an even-up Fox for LJ swap, but I'm afraid the brass
    in Boston wouldn't hear of it, what with the way Rick's been playing.
    (See note 17.2245 for details ...)
    
    It's interesting to note that both Carolina 1st round picks signed
    quickly.  Pure hypothesis on my part, but I suspect Dean has encouraged
    this.  (It's a known fact that he helps players find agents and will
    participate in various negotiations, if necessary.)
    
    The thinking here *may* be that, hey, the NBA is a tough place and the
    talent differentials are small.  Finding the right situation and
    fitting in are of paramount import.  Therefore the slightly lower dough 
    you may be getting by signing early will be more than offset if you're 
    able to fit in, get along, learn, and produce, ... ASAP.
    
    Just a thought ...
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    The sh*t is starting to get a little deep in here...
    
    REK
    
    Seems the cow dung is from the ACC cheerleaders....

 Does Dean follow after them and wipe their itty bitty noseys when they
 run?

hahahahaaaaaaaaaaa

 

    Bob Hunt -
    
    Not only taht - but Tark has helped his ex-players many times in the
    past - doing for them the same things that Dean does for his players
    (in fact, Tark does more...)
    
    He may not be the staunchest in following rules, but Tark is at least
    genuine (not a phoney 'legend').
    
    JD

    Larry Johnson is in Charlotte at this moment.  He is expected to either
    ink a deal with the Hornets or announce he will play in Italy.  Gotta
    wonder why he would fly to Charlotte for the latter.  Looks like he'll
    be in teal and purple before the day ends.
    
    	--dan'l

    Larry Johnson has inked a deal with the Charlotte Hornets: 3.3 million
    a year for six years (with an escape clause at four years).
    
    He will practice with the team tomorrow and, according to (this year's)
    head coach Allan Bristow, "he will play" in the opener this weekend
    against the Celtics.
    
    Welcome to Charlotte, Mr. Johnson.  Stay away from my women!
    
    	--dan'l

    I don't follow pro basketball, 'cause I get tired of turning my head
    back and forth as if I were watching a tennis match from dead center of
    the court, so I have a question.
    
    Who is Larry Johnson???
    
    Is he some kind of offspring of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson???
    
    Phlep Phart Phooey
    
    
    JaKe
    

    John Crotty (UVa) and Byron Dinkins (UNCCharlotte) made the squad after
    final cuts the other day but one will be cut after today's signing of
    Johnson.  My guess is Dinkins, but who knows for sure.
    
    And I'd say Kevin Lynch, the Hornets' second round pick who held out is
    probably the dumbest man alive at this moment.  Hope he enjoys
    Europe...if Europe wants him.
    
    	--dan'l

    FWIW, the Celtics cut ex-Hornet fan favorite Steve Scheffler.  Looks
    like that might be it for young Steve.
    
    	--dan'l

    
    Geez, you guys better hope and pray that Mr. Johnson is the real
    deal, 'cause for $20 million if he isn't, he may be taking the
    franchise down with him.  The NBA is starting to become like the
    NFL, where all the bucks go to the players based on their draft 
    slot before they've even set foot on the court/field...
         
    glenn
    

    The concensus is that the Hornets offer changed very little since
    day 1.  LJ's agent (Endicott) confirmed this on live TV after
    LJ inked the deal on Wednesday.  LJ decided he wanted to play -
    and realized the offer wasn't going to get any sweeter.  LJ and
    Endicott gave in - not the Hornets.  
    
    Dinkins and Crotty both got the axe.  Greg Grant was picked up
    off of the waiver wire as a second/third string point guard.
    I like this move.
    
    Wednesday night coach Bristow says LJ will NOT start in the
    first game against Boston.  Now, Bristow says LJ WILL start against
    Boston.  Must have seen something he liked in yesterday's practice.
    
    PE

    LJ just inked his contract and WHAM - major shoe commericial appears. 
    I wonder if that had anything to do with him finally taking Charlotte's
    offer.

 Well, the first weekend of the Larry Johnson Era is in the books and the
 reviews are mixed.
 
 The bad news is the Hornets 0-2 record.   A three-point loss to the
 Celtics in the Boston Garden was semi-acceptable but not the 9-point job
 against the New Jersey Nets the nexted night in the Hornets home opener.   
 The Hornets had a fatal lapse in concentration early in the 4th quarter
 against the Nets and that's where they lost it.
 
 There is some good news, though ... The fast-paced, passing game "motion
 offense" instilled by Alan Bristow looks interesting.   The Hornets can
 score a lot of points in a big hurry and can really wear out the other
 team ... there were quite a few times that the Nets looked exhausted.   Of
 course, it can also get you burned.
 
 Larry Johnson had 14 points and 3 boards against the Celtics but he had 16
 points and *18* rebounds against the Nets.   He was a monster on the
 boards ... Johnson had more offensive rebounds himself (9) than the Nets
 did as a team.
 
 And ol' JR Reid came to play on Saturday night, too.   Dunno if it was
 Larry's inspiration or not but young Mr Reid had a double-double, too, and
 was really hustling.   Even dove out of bounds for a loose ball which
 pleased the Hornets faithful.
 
 More Larry Johnson news ... He is in the process of buying his mom a
 house, he is closing on a new house in the posh Lake Wylie area, and ... 
 
 Get this ... Larry Johnson has donated $180,000 to the local United Way
 chapter.  The Charlotte-area United Way was in danger of missing their
 fund-raising goal for the first time in about 35 years.   They were
 $180,000 short ... not no more.   Needless to say, Johnson is positively
 glowing in favorable press coverage.   That was one heckuva smooth move
 ... I dunno who whispered that idea in his ear but it was a spectacular
 notion.
 
 Some other little details about his contract ... It is for exactly
 $19,999,999 over 6 years.   This satisfies George Shinn's public boast
 that no way would Johnson get $20,000,000 out of him.   And, yes, it is
 the same numbers they were talking about a month ago.  Johnson made a
 mistake in not taking the money a month ago and then going through the
 Hornets training camp.
 
 But, Johnson asked for and got some extra little goodies tossed in ...
 Shinn agreed to give him six round-trip airline tickets between Dallas and
 Charlotte for Larry's mom (no, not his Grandmama !!!) to come see him
 play.   He also asked for and got 6 comp tix to every Hornets game instead
 of the usual three per player.   And he also got a "best effort" pledge
 from the Hornets to get him 6 tix to each Hornets road game played in
 Texas ... that is, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
 
 One final note ... the Hornets vets played a practical joke on the rookie. 
 They were all supposed to run out as a team for the opening night
 introductions but the vets stayed put and let Johnson run out onto the
 spotlit court all by himself.   Johnson thought they were all behind him
 and was horrified to look around and discover he was all alone.  Good one.
 
 Bob Hunt
 
 P.S.  Whatever happened to Kevin Lynch ???
 
 P.P.S.  The Honey Bees made the debut at halftime.  Musta sent a few
 thousand Bible Belters into hysterics.

    Johnson really missed not being in camp, didn't he.

 Actually, Mac, I'd like to think that Larry Johnson missed quite a
 bit of valuable work in camp.   Despite his impressive numbers
 against the Nets, he had to come out for brief spells to get his wind
 back.  He'll have to play himself into shape ... Granted, he can do
 it but he didn't *have* to to.
 
 And, you can also make a case that their fatal 4th quarter breakdown
 against the Nets might not have happened if the starting unit had
 been together for the past month or so.
 
 The best example so far of the value of training camp for a rookie is
 Rick Fox.  No way does he start for the Celtics if he had missed even
 a minute of training camp.
 
 And, yes, it would be nice to have Dikembe Mutombo in the paint.  
 I'm still willing to stand by the pick, though.  Johnson is the real
 deal.   Eighteen boards is *not* child's play.
 
 Bob Hunt

 > And, yes, it would be nice to have Dikembe Mutombo in the paint.  
 > I'm still willing to stand by the pick, though.  Johnson is the real
 > deal.   Eighteen boards is *not* child's play.
 
 Johnson's a good pick no doubt about it and definately a more fundamentally
 well rounded player. I just feel that Dike's defense in the paint and the
 offensive game he will develop without the shackles of Stomper or triple
 teaming will in the long prove him out to be the better player...

 Charlotte certainly didn't get screwed with their pick. Especially if Johnson
 can motivate JR...

 mike

    Mike -
    
    HAHAHAHAHAH (TM) on the p-Name...
    
    I loveit.
    
    Jd

    Read in the USA Today that the Hornets were considering trading Rex
    Chapman.  Something to the effect of him not fitting in the new passing
    offense?
    
    From what I've seen of his box scores, he seems to still be struggling
    with his shot.  When he was at UK, the only knock against him was shot
    selection.  I hardly ever get to see him on TV these days.  Is that
    still his problem?  Probably his saving grace is that he's one of the
    better athletes in the league.
    
     - Wildcat

    Quote of the year so far in the NBA:
    
    Heard this on opening night, with about eight minutes left in the
    third quarter.  Charlotte is getting pounded at the time by Boston, 
    and after yet another offensive mishap, new Hornets coach Alan Bristow
    turns with a shocked look on his face and says to assistant Bill
    Hanzlik:
    
    	"J.R. doesn't know the f***in' plays!!!"
    
    Needless to say, I was rollward for the rest of the game!!!!
    
    NAZZ

       Obviously Nazz, Bristow don't know the 'System'.
                                  Denny

    	So youze guys are gonna blame Dean because Reid is an idjit?

    Yes S?Don at least I am....
    
    REK

    How 'bout 'dem bugs?!?!
    
    Off to a quick 1-7 start.  The only saving grace is the play of Larry.
    
    How long before:
    	- they trade Rex and/or JR?
    	- the fans call for a coaching change?
    	- Larry and Kendall get sick of losing and want out?
    
    Dell has adjusted to the system and is shooting pretty well.  Wouldn't
    hurt my feelings a bit if they traded Rex or JR for some point guard
    talent.  The bummer is - with Dee Brown, Brian Shaw, and Magic gone,
    point guard talent is tough to come by these days.
    
    Hmmm....maybe Sherman Douglas.  Or a JR and Rex to Cleveland for 
    Terrell Brandon and Hot Rod Williams swap?   JR and Rex to Detroit
    for Rodman?
    
    PH

Has JR learned the plays yet?

>Has JR learned the plays yet?
    
    The question is, "Has JR learned TO play yet?"
    
    	--dan'l

    They should start Kendall Gill at the point.

    
    Has JR learned the plays yet... what kind of question is that?!?
    Have you ever been into a basketball arena?  Its not like football
    where you can draw up the play in the mud with sticks and stones!!!
    

Mike,

Kendall is starting. He hurt his ankle the other night at Atlanta.

As to JR, I don't know about the results but he is hustling much more
than in previous seasons. The biggest change is that he's lost a lot of
his butt. I'm not kidding, it's down from major plate stacker to merely
big. Very noticeable.

As to Rex, he certainly is having some shooting problems but he's making
some good assists. I wish the rest of the team played as "bad" as Rex.

As to the coach, he's a lot more active than Gene Littles but he makes
the same bad decisions. The other night in the loss to the Bucks, in
which the Hornets were up 15 at one point, Bristow had a lineup in with
no size at all. For some reason he seems to really like Gminski in the
middle. The result was a series of uncontested layups by second string
Bucks.

As an overall assessment of the season to date, the Hornets will be hard
pressed to win 20 games. Look for another chance at the lottery. Of
course, they have no money to sign anyone nexted year, but that doesn't
seem to bother them, at least not at this point.

TTom

    
    Larry Johnson...
    
    
    			Man-Child...
    
    
    
    					Future All-Star.
    
    
    Nuf Said.
    
    	--dan'l
    
    
    
    

    
    Mutombo would have been a better pick!

Larry Johnson had 27 points and 15 rebounds in the Hornets' Saturday night 
win over Boston.   I've never said that Mutombo would not have been a good 
pick but when Larry puts up these kinds of numbers it becomes an extremely 
moot point ...  

The words "critical win" have seldom been more appropriate.   The love 
affair between the Hornets and their fans has been souring lately as the 
Hornets got off to a brutal 1-8 start.   They simply had to have this one 
and they got it ...

JR Reid has lost his starting position to Larry Johnson and has begun his 
high-priced pouting act.  He was seen sitting at the farthest end of the 
bench watching the Miami Heat cheerleaders during a timeout when the rest 
of the team was huddled up around Bristow during Friday's loss to the Heat.

Rick Fox shot 0-for-4 for the Celtics and later blamed it on his eagerness 
to play before the adoring Tar Heel faithful who attended the game in 
Charlotte.

Bob Hunt

    re: JR pouting
    
    Doesn't surprise me.  Kid's been a spoiled baby for a long time, no
    reason to think he'll change now.  Too bad, cause he's got a ton of
    talent at his disposal ...
    
    
    re: Fox
    
    Rick only saw 15 minutes of PT.  Was this cause he was stinkin' up the
    joint, or just cause Ford didn't play him for whatever reason?
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    Bob, Johnson may be the 2nd coming of Barkley, but make no mistake
    about it. Barkley is sufering becaus ethe Sixers do not have a talented
    big man. And they will continue to do so. Don't think that Barkley
    doesn't know it either.
    
    Mutumbo is going to be a great one. And it is harder to get a great
    center than a great forward ....
    
    Doc

Barkley suffering ???

Since when ???   His stats are just as all-world as they've ever been and 
the Sixers are right there at the top of the Atlantic Division over the 
hated Celtics.   Charles Barkley is arguably the premier power forward in 
the game and the Sixers can go a long way with him.

Jordan doesn't seem to suffer very much without a talented big man and the 
Pistons took 2 straight titles without an aircraft carrier, too.   Although 
a talented big man is certainly desirable, I think recent results prove 
that having one is not necessarily the ultimate prerequisite for title 
hardware.

Besides, Gminski is just fine for this team.  He's an elder statesman with 
a solid but unspectacular game.   He hasn't been healthy yet this year, 
however.   Neither has Johnny Newman.

Bob Hunt

>    Mutumbo is going to be a great one. And it is harder to get a great
>    center than a great forward ....
    
    Relatively, Johnson is going to be a great one too.  And if the Hornets
    should be lucky enough to get one of the top three picks in this coming
    year's draft, you will see them pick a "great" center...
    
    - O'Neal
    - Laettner
    - Mourning (OK, so he's good, not great)
    
    	--dan'l

    A top three pick is a crapshoot. 
    
    Bob, the Sixers are a 50 win team, but until Barkley gets some help in
    the middle (it doesn't have to be an Akeem), they won't make it beyond
    the second round. Charlotte will have a lot of matchup problems since
    Giminski is a semi-mobile 6' 11", and Newman, Johnson, and Reid are all
    under 6'9" ... (see the Warriors for details on small lineups) ...
    
    Giminski won't be around more than three years, and what happens then ?
    
    You know what they say about a good small man vs a good big man ....

Well, I beat the drum for Larry Johnson so hard back at draft time there's 
no way I'm backin' down now.   Not with a season only 10 games deep and his 
career only a few weeks young.

Suffice to say that I'm very happy with the pick.   I mean the young stud 
has ripped down some serious boardage and is damn near flirting with the 
magic double digit boards per game average.   The term "double-double" has 
been mentioned many times already and you had to strain real real hard to 
hear even a faint whisper like that lasted year.

The Hornets, as a team, are having beaucoup problems adjusting to the new 
motion offense system.   Plus, their early season schedule has been very 
tough.  If you recall lasted year, they started out 8-7 with a slate of 
sister teams like the Heat, the Bullets, and so on.

This year at this point, they've already seen Boston twice, the Pistons in 
Detroit, the Bulls, the Knicks in New York, the Bucks, the Hawks twice and 
so on ...   I don't care how good Larry Johnson plays, they're not going to 
go 8-7 with this early season schedule.  

True, they've lost games they shouldn't have (Nets, Heat, ...), they've 
wilted in the clutch in some winnable games (Bucks, Knicks, ...) and both 
their wins (Hawks, Celtics) were unexpected ... which just proves even more 
that they're still working the kinks out of this strange (to them) new 
system.

They've got some decent talent.  If they get more comfortable with Bristow 
and his system, if they improve their physical shape in order to run it, if 
some of their players heal a bit and if they catch a schedule break with 
maybe 8 or 9 games in a row against teams like Sacramento, Denver, 
Cleveland, Minnesota, Washington, and so on ... they just might rip off 7 
or 8 wins in a row and turn this town on its ear all over again.

And Larry Johnson will be averaging a double-double deep into the year, too.  
Right now I'm worried most about Rex Chapman and this new system.  He seems 
the most uncomfortable with it.  Dell Curry and Kendall Gill are loving 
every minute of it.   Chapman seems lost.   And I dunno how much longer JR 
Reid will stay in town.   This pouting nonsense has to stop.

Bob Hunt  

    
    I'm not disagreeing that Johnson won't be a great player...  the
    problem is...  If Mutumbo turns into a Ewing or Robinson or Olajuwon
    then the Hornets would have better off grabbing him.  Franchaise 
    centers are very rare.  

    Member - Kenny Gattison Fan Club.
    
    NAZZ

    Franchise centers may be rare, but they're also no longer a
    prerequisite to have a Championship-caliber team.  In fact, if you look
    at the finalists for the last several years there isn't a franchise
    center to be found.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    re. .497
    
    I have to agree with Paul (UGH !) on Mutumbo-Johnson.
    
    Chris, the reasons for the trends have everything to do with :
    
    1) The franchise centers not having a strong supporting cast (Hakeem,
    Ewing) so far, or inexperience (Robinson).
    
    Which means that : 
    
    2) Other teams that are strong in three or four areas (Blazers, Bulls), 
    and play unbelieveable defense (Bulls, Pistons, post-Kareem Lakers) have a 
    good chance because they can win more of the matchups.
    
    Don't get me wrong, I like the new trend as it means that teams don't
    have to kill themselves for the 2nd coming of Wilt, but it still is a
    great place to start. And it is a lot easier controlling the paint with a
    dominating big man than any other way. 
    
    And that is where you win championships.
    
    Doc
       

 Doc,
 
 So then explain to me why lasted year's Houston Rockets stepped their game
 up several notches higher *AFTER* Mr Bill bashed in one of Hakeem's
 eyebones ???
 
 The Rockets with Hakeem were content to simply drive the ball up court,
 find him, give it to him inside, and then head back down the floor to play
 defense.   They were as predictable as a Swiss watch and their record
 reeked of a mediocre one man band.
 
 But shortly after Hakeem got hurt, they all of a sudden discovered that
 Larry Smith could still suck boards like no one else, that Vernon Maxwell
 could actually hit the trey, that Otis Thorpe and Sleepy Floyd still had
 life, and that Kenny Smith could actually (gasp!) drive the ball down the
 lane and score in traffic !!!
 
 Hell, there were phone calls into Houston talk shows urging the team to
 trade The Dream since they were obviously a better team without him as the
 wins started piling one on top of the other.
 
 Then he came back healthy and it took a game or two, all losses not so
 coincidentally, before they figured out that the "old" way wasn't going to
 work ever again.   Then they started integrating Hakeem's game back into
 the new "everybody contributes" system and they ripped off like 12 or 13
 wins in a row.   Olajuwon no longer had to score 30 and grab 15 to win.  
 The Rockets were a deadly *team* by the end of the year. 
 
 All by de-emphasizing their aircraft carrier and by getting everyone
 involved.  And *THAT* is what I want the Hornets to do. 
 
 Bob Hunt
 

    Quite right Bob. In fact, word is that Hakeem has been TOO unselfish at
    times (I'd *never* thought I'd hear that !), but think about it :
    
    The Rockets had their best supporting cast in 1986, when they went to
    the finals. They had Lucas (lost in April to drugs), Wiggins, Lloyd,
    and Robert Reid in the backcourt. 
    
    Within a year, they lost 3 of those 4 to drugs, and the Rockets started
    a serious dependancy on Hakeem. They've slowly built a supporting team,
    but the Cartwright elbow was the best thing that ever happened to the
    Rockets. It forced them to grow up a year faster - at least.
    
    Maybe Charlotte can do it in reverse, and maybe they can integrate a
    dominant player cleanly without the 1 on 5 syndrome that the Rockets
    went through.
    
    But Bob, I hope you guys are even ABLE to get that big man to start
    with. They are hard to come by indeed ... and please note how the
    Rockets managed to get a supporting cast cheap :
    
    Thorpe     - Trade with Sacramento (Rodney McCray ?)
    Maxwell    - Giveaway by the Spurs (for cash)
    K. Smith   - Trade with the Hawks  (for a number 1)
    L. Smith   - Trade with Golden State (for Peterson)
    Floyd      - ""    ""     ""    ""   (for Sampson)
    
    With the exception of Floyd, the Rockets managed to get good talent
    cheap. 
    
    You don't get good centers that way.
    
    Anyhow, you made great points, I hope mine registered.
    
    Lots of luck,
    
    Doc

Anybody seen or heard from Kevin Lynch lately ???

Bob Hunt

Hornets looked pathetic lasted night against the Bucks in Milwaukee.  

Alan Bristow is threatening some more lineup changes.   He didn't even give 
credit to the Bucks lasted night as it was obvious that the Hornets just 
weren't there to play ball.   Alvin Robertson made Rex Chapman look silly 
and Moses Malone tore up Mike Gminski.

While I'm on the soapbox bitching about the Hornets' early schedule and the 
overload of tough teams on it, I also want to add that almost all their 
games are the brutal back-to-back variety.    And they almost always 
have to travel in between the games.  For example, they play Cleveland 
tonight in Charlotte in yet another "two games in two nights" slate.

They will get better.   But not much is going right right now.   Not even 
the schedule.

Bob Hunt

Can it get much worse ???

Hornets return home from an 0-4 West Coast swing and have to meet up with 
both the Knicks and the Lakers this week.

JR Reid is on injured reserve with a stress fracture in his back and the 
team is looking into replacements ... Jerome Lane, recently cut by Denver, 
has been mentioned.  So have ex-Hornets Steve Scheffler and Mike Sanders.  
Kevin Lynch is apparently living on another planet somewhere.

Reid's injury has given Eric Leckner some added minutes and he's responded 
nicely.  Sorta feel sorry for Eric in a way ... the Hornets took a nice 
offer off the table during their late summer contract talks and Leckner 
ended up signing a much smaller deal.  Then, Allan Bristow installed the 
motion offense which is not where Eric's game thrives at all so he's been 
riding pine since the season started.    But he's responding well now so 
that's nice to see.

Mike Gminski has also picked up his shooting %age.  Looks like the 
hamstring injury was keeping him from his usual working numbers.   Dell 
Curry's white-hot shooting has cooled off some (it had to eventually).  
Still, though, Curry is bound to do well in a system that rewards off-ball 
movement like this one does.

Larry Johnson played Dikembe Mutombo to a standstill, in my opinion.   Deke 
grabbed 20 boards and had 21 points but LJ tossed in 25 points and yanked 
down 16 or 18 boards himself.   These two should contend for ROY all year 
long with Mutombo in the lead for now.    Of course, it does help when your 
coach (Westhead) designs his entire offensive scheme around you.

Hornets have almost nowhere to go but up.   Their past sins of front office 
disorganization and less-than-spectacular draft picks are haunting them big 
time now.   Miami, their sister expansion team, is light years ahead of 
them.

Bob Hunt

    Go with Jerome Lane, Hornets.  He can't be that bad, can he?  He was
    one of the best players in college hoops three years ago.  Worth the
    chance because we've seen what Steve Scheffler can and can't
    do...mostly can't.
    
    	--dan'l

    How did the Horney's do last Friday night?

    Not too bad, it took a couple of glasses of wine at first...
    
    (Oh -- Basketball -- Nevermind)

    Charlotte's still playing terrible.  We ain't got the talent to compete
    night in and night out with the rest of these guys - it's just that
    simple.
    
    Statistically, Larry Johnson and Dikembe had similar games the other
    night (bunch 'o points and bunch 'o rebounds).  Dikembe, however,
    consistently forced Charlotte to modify their shots.  That was the
    difference in the game, and that is the one thing that Dikembe can
    do, that Larry can't.
    
    Let's see how they do against the Lakers tonight....

    Kevin Willis is puttin up the main's stats night in and night out now!

    We'll see where Willis is at in a few months near crunch or gag time.
    
    In the old tank, i'll presume
    
    MikeL
    

    Mike, Willis has been behind Malone..... Now he is starting at center
    for the Hawks...
    
    REK

    REK,
    
    Willis has been a starter at PF over the last few years(including all
    of last year).

    Yes, but with Malone in the middle playing a zone defense and grabbing
    every rebound Willis had to play a little away from the basket...
    
    REK

    Actually Willis had some injuries -  but despite Malone's prescence -
    he tended to disappear in games.  He couldn't hit shots, and his
    defense suffered.  Perhaps he's finally got his haid together.  He's
    been around for awhile, and started for the Hawks pre-Malone, I
    believe.
    
    JD

    I thought Willis has started at PF for most of his career.  Remember
    when the Hawks had their 3 7footers. (Tree Rollins ...)  I was under
    the impression he was never the focus of the O.
    
    Apparently the switch to center aggrees with him.
    
    Scott

First of all, if you all wouldn't mind, could you please take your Kevin 
Willis Love-A-Thon over to the Hawks note, if there is one.

Second of all, how about Dem Bugs lasted night ???   Hornets put a serious 
whupping on a Lakers team that has been on the road much too long.   First 
ever franchise win for the Hornets over the Lakers.   Final was 124-106 as 
the Hornets scored a club record 47 points in the final frame.

Dell Curry was on fire.  My oh my, does he ever shoot better at home.  27 
points in 29 minutes of playing time.  And he had at least 4 treys I saw 
that hit nothing but cord.   Chapman was sharp, Gill was sharp, Bogues was 
lightning fast and my main main Larry Johnson racked up his 11th 
double-double of the year.

Bestest play of the night was a 3-on-1 break with Bogues flying down the 
middle and LJ on his right wing.   Bogues faked a pass to his left and then 
hit Larry in stride for a double-pump thunder jam.   Terry Teagle waved no 
mas and the crowd went nuts.   By the way, 121st consecutive sellout ... 
still hasn't been a single unsold seat in club history.

Lakers were obviously gassed as they've been on the road for the last 6 or 
7 games.   They need some LA home cookin' real bad.   Jack Haley and Elden 
Campbell were virtual no-shows in the paint.   Worthy had some nice scoring 
numbers but nobody else really did.   Threatt and Tony Smith both were 
harrassed by Bogues into numerous turnovers.   Hate to bring it up but the 
Lakers really miss Magic in these kinds of games, i.e., long road trip 
against a struggling expansion club.

Now all the Hornets have to do is go visit Be Like and the rest of the 
Bulls in Chicago.   Da Bulls are riding a 13 game streak right now and I 
think it's a safe bet to book the 14th win over The Teal.

Bob Hunt

>By the way, 121st consecutive sellout ... 
>still hasn't been a single unsold seat in club history.

    That's slightly, only slightly wrong there, Bob.  When Charlotte opened
    its first season in '88 against the Cavs the game was sold out.  Then
    they went into "average-NBA-attendance" for about four home games,
    drawing about 23-25 thousand.  Then a home victory and something
    magical happened...hasn't been an unsold seat since early December '88.

    Hornets tickets became the hottest commodity in the entire area.  I went
    to Kentucky the following summer and when someone in Lexington found
    out I was from Charlotte they asked me if I could get them
    tickets...probably to see Rex, but none the less, a Hornets ticket is
    the one of the toughest buys in all of pro sports...and relatively, the
    most impressive if you consider how bad the team is.

    	--dan'l

    There is continued debate on whether Charlotte made a mistake by
    picking Larry Johnson instead of a desperately needed bigman like
    Dikembe Mutombo.  The talk was continued yesterday on NBC's pregame,
    with a panel saying that Charlotte made a good pick and that the Kings
    and the Nets were the ones who really screwed up by not taking Mutombo.

    One thing I notice in the league statistics, however, is that Mutombo
    leads the NBA in turnovers...4+ per game.  When was the last time you
    saw a center top that category?

    Larry is the man...watch out if Charlotte gets one of the top three
    picks next year...combine him with O'Neal, Mourning, or Laettner and
    the Hornets just might have something.

    	--dan'l

 maybe so Dan-l but it looks to me that now that players are giving Larry
 some respect and playing him more honestly he's down to the 15 points a
 game 10 rebounds. Nice solid numbers but not the franchise numbers that
 Mutumbo's putting up. TO's can be worked on more easily than growing
 taller.....

 and now that Owens has been getting in shape he's giving the Warriors
 the simular numbers to Larry's plus he gives you the added demension
 of point-forward that Larry cannot....

 still say he was the third best pick in the draft....

    Sometime around mid-December, some jerk of a Hornets fan vowed to do
    the now-trite billboard sit.  He promised to sit on this billboard
    until the Hornets won two games in a row.
    
    Needless to say, he hasn't had much opportunity to come down.  The
    Hornets have lost something like six in a row and do not play again
    until Thursday (Clippers).
    
    Though we do live in the south, it can still get pretty chilly in the
    evenings here...sometimes it even drops into the 20's.  January and
    February are the coldest months.  
    
    I saw him on an interview the other day and he looked quite
    disheartened as he muttered, "I thought I'd be down by Christmas."
    
    For all I care, he can rot for making such a dumb vow.
    
    	--dan'l

    
    	You would think that the buzz saw would try a little harder for
    him. A fan is a fan! :*)
    
    	Did he pay mega bucks for season tix?  Is that a dumb thing to do?
    
    B.A._who_wonders_about_the_coaches_more_than_the_players_
    

    Couple of questions for Hornets fans:
    
    1. Who's the new scapegoat for Hornet ineptitude now that JR Reid's
       been out and the L's continue to pile up?
    
    2. When's BobHunt gonna admit (like I have) that they should've taken
       Mutombo instead of Larry Johnson?
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    
>  I'll fall on my sword and admit the Hornets should have taken Dikembe
>  Mutumbo if and only if someone can convince me that ...
 
>     1) he alone would have made *all* the other Hornets play better,
>     2) he alone would have covered up *all* the obvious roster weaknesses,
>     3) he alone would have posted so much better numbers than Larry Johnson.
 
>  Give it your best shot ...
  
    I don't think those should be the criteria, Bob.  After all, Charlotte
    is still a new team and no one player is going to change that fact.  
    The only relevant question is:
    
    1) Would the Hornets be a better team with Mutombo than with Johnson
       (in the future as well as right now)?
    
    I think the answer is maybe if you're talking about right now, and
    an even stronger inclination towards yes for the future...
    
    glenn
    

    
 > Could the choice of Johnson over Mutombo prove to be a bad one over the
 > long haul ???   Absolutely.   Talk to me when the future arrives.   Only
 > question of relevance in this debate is what are the players involved
 > doing right *NOW*.   On that question, your answer is "Maybe".
 
 > Thanks.   Next, please.
   
    Geez, Bob, it was never my intention to prove to you that Charlotte
    made a mistake.  I was simply pointing out that by your criteria
    no player, not Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson if they'd been
    available, could be considered a "better" pick than Larry Johnson
    because no single player could overcome those deficiencies that
    you outlined as a requirement to prove such.
    
    I really don't care if Charlotte made a mistake or a great pick or 
    who else was right or wrong.  It's just my opinion at this time
    (as it was on draft day) that Mutombo's defensive presence pushes
    him over the top in the evaluation of the class of 1991 draft.
    
    glenn
    
    

    One thing that we have failed to mention is that there are some key
    injuries for the Hornets right now.  During practice, JR Reid, Rex
    Chapman, and Mike Gminski are sitting in street clothes and watching. 
    Then they put on suits and ties for the games.
    
    JR was playing better with Larry Johnson's help.  Rex was an important
    part in the motion offense.  The G-man's absence puts the burden on
    Eric Lechner.  Sorry, but if two of your number ones and your best
    center are out of the lineup, you're going to lose games.
    
    Mutombo would have helped in this case, but who was to predict that
    Gminski would go down?  
    
    The future?  Put an O'Neal, Mourning, or Laettner in with Johnson next
    year and you'll never hear another doubt about this year's pick. 
    Otherwise, the debate will continue until Charlotte gets a quality
    bigman.
    
    	--dan'l

Boy Bob, that Obfuscation piece on how Charlotte didn't make a mistake
not taking Mutombo cause Portland didn't make mistakes by not
taking Jordan was *classic*.  **CLASSIC**!!  Portland didn't goof by
taking Bowie!  Haw haw haw!!!!111

As far as the future is now logic, the last time I saw Mutombo and Johnson's
stats compared the former had a significant edge.  Hence the "maybe" can
be turned into a "Yes", at least as far as the present is concerned.


- ACC Chris

    And *I* cain't understand how anyone could attempt to convince us that
    Portland didn't make a mistake by picking Sam Bowie over Michael
    Jordan.
    
    > Unreal. [shaking my head]
    
    On this, I agree.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    
    Before everyone gets too excited about Dikembe over Larry, could
    someone post the stats for each?   Last time I looked {a few weeks
    ago}, Mutoumbo was shooting about 42%, not exactly franchise material.
    
    How has he done in the big matchups so far - Robinson, Ewing?
    
    If Larry Johnson turn into the next Charles Barkley sans attitude and
    Dikembe is the next Robert Parish, then what's the difference?  
    
    The Hornets' problem is one of coaching, injuries, and poor drafting.
    The only players they should keep are Johnson, Gill, and Bogues {off
    the bench}.  Everyone else should be tradebait.  They need to get a
    good starting five, not 12 mediocre talents.   
    
    I still say the deal that sent Armon Gilliam to Philly was a big mistake.   

>    How has he done in the big matchups so far - Robinson, Ewing?
    
  I recall he had an excellent game against Robinson don't know if he's
  played against Ewing yet...

 the way I see it Doug is that they didn't waste the pick but could have
 gotten slightly more value for their buck..

 Bob, if you're Westhead wouldn't you be using a 7ft 2 play everytime down
 in half-court? I know I would. Develop his shooting touch first then his
 passing game. Got to remember Dieke hasn't been playing as long as Larry
 so my gut feeling is that there's alot of untap potential there. With 
 Larry you know what you've got and what you're going to get for as long 
 as he plays.

 mike

    Chris -
    
    You are way off base.  The question should be did the Nets make a
    monumental bad decision in taking ACC guard Kenny ANderson over
    Motumbo.  That was where the bad decision was made.  You are fanning
    the flames for two reasons - One to somehow vindicate J.R. Reid, and
    because Larry Johnson played for UNLV.  
    
    In comparison, Motumbo is averaging 1.1 more points a game, and has
    pulled down 12 more rebounds than Johnson (Johnson has played 4 more
    games)  Motumbo, naturally, has more blocks, and more personal fouls,
    while Johnson has more steals, assists, and a better shooting
    percentage.
    
    Charlotte plays in the toughest division in the NBA (Chicago,
    Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta, Milwaukee and Indiana), while Denver plays
    in a tough, but not as tough division (Utah, San Antonio, Houston,
    Dallas, Minnesota).  
    
    Charlotte is still a relatively new team (read:  expansion), while
    Denver is an established team.   Also, Motumbo has a huge lead in
    turnovers over Johnson.
    
    I don't think it was that bad a pick.  Either way, both players are
    having great years, and are worth the high picks.  Anderson and Billy
    Owens are the guys folks should be getting on.
    
    You've admitted numerous times that you don't follow the pro game - so
    why the interest?  
    
    J.R. Reid shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as Johnson or
    Motumbo - in minutes played, J.R. has 265 minutes for the season,
    Johnon has 1109 and Motumbo 1071.  JR is a situational player - Johnson
    and Motumbo are go-to studs.
    
    JD

    Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait!
    
    We can't compare the statistics of the two.  Not only do they play two
    different positions, but the circumstances are entirely different.
    
    And does anyone really deny that Johnson's stats would be better if
    Chapman and Gminski (and maybe JR) were on the court every night? 
    Opponents have used the Hornets' injuries as a luxury to doubleteam
    Johnson.  He's earned a lot of respect already.
    
    	--dan'l

       Does J.R. know the plays yet?
                                     Denny

>       Does J.R. know the plays yet?
    
    I'd say he's probably spending time working on his degree so that Dean
    can stop dreaming about what Mike kzxyzxyzxyzxy(tm) already has...and
    at a much better school.
    
    BTW, JR is/was earning credits for a Hornets radio report he was doing
    for WRFX in Charlotte.  I assume he was paid for it at the same time.
    
    	--dan'l

    Denny -
    
    With the amount of playing time JR has seen, he's probably only had to
    learn how to get them sweat pants off - they had to explain to him that
    he they were SNAPS, and not buttons....
    
    JD

    
>    With the amount of playing time JR has seen, he's probably only had to
>    learn how to get them sweat pants off - they had to explain to him that
>    he they were SNAPS, and not buttons....
    
 
 haha good one JD reminded me of Jr. High Basketball. We had a kid on the team
 a real widebody stud, who was having a particularly bad night the coach says
 to him during a TO:

   "Jim you too tight out there to tight" as in uptight/unsettled etc...

 half time comes and the kid runs into the lockerroom and changes his shorts..

 mike

    
    Somebody over in ::Boston_Celtics just said that Charlotte has
    just signed Forward Ron Grandison.  Anybody know who he is??
    
    - Ken -

Don't have cumulative stats, but here's a summary of each of their box scores
for every game to date.

Team Player             PO MN FG AT FT AT RO RD RT AS PF ST TO PTS BS 3P AT
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  26  4  8  6  6  0  3  3  2  4  0  1  14  2  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  37  6 20  6  8  7  9 16  2  3  0  2  18  3  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  38  6 12  4  5  9  9 18  3  2  1  1  16  1  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  48  8 20 11 12  8  9 17  4  3  1  4  27  5  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson         21  4  8  3  4  0  6  6  2  6  0  3  11  2  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  44  7 20  7  7  5  8 13  1  4  1  5  21  4  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson         25  1  4  0  0  4  5  9  3  4  0  2   2  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  42  5 14  4 10  6 12 18  2  2  1  4  14  1  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson         33  7 12  7  7  5  2  7  2  4  1  2  21  0  0  1
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  36  8 15  2  4  8  9 17  1  4  2  8  18  1  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson         28  5 13  0  0  0  8  8  1  5  1  2  10  0  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson         29  6 14  6  7  5  9 14  2  6  1  3  19  0  1  1
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  40  6  9  4  6  2  7  9  0  4  3  3  16  4  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  40  5 13  4  5  4 11 15  3  3  2  0  14  0  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  37  6 12  1  1  6  9 15  1  4  1  1  13  0  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  34 10 19  7  8  7  8 15  1  2  1  1  27  2  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  38  7 13  4  6  3  9 12  1  5  0  3  18  3  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  37  1  7  2  4  5  9 14  2  3  1  4   4  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  43  5 12  5  5  6 12 18  1  3  1  2  15  2  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  34  5  9  0  2  1  6  7  4  5  0  4  10  1  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  38  7 14  7  7  3  8 11  3  5  1  5  21  3  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  41  6 14 13 13  6  9 15  6  3  1  1  25  1  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  41  8 17 12 17  7  8 15  1  5  0  3  28  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  44  8 18  6  9  3  6  9  2  4  2  2  22  2  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  42  7 21 11 12  7  9 16  1  1  0  1  25  3  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  45  8 15  5  7  4 16 20  4  4  0  5  21  4  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  42  9 22  5  8  6 11 17  1  5  0  3  23  0  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  27  3  4  0  1  4  8 12  3  5  1  3   6  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  41  8 13  2  4  4  9 13  3  5  1  3  18  7  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  38  9 19  4  5  5  5 10  2  2  2  1  22  1  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  33  7 12  3  7  4 10 14  1  5  1  3  17  3  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  42 10 19  3  3  9  7 16  4  4  0  2  23  0  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  37  7 12  6  8  4 11 15  2  2  1  1  20  1  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  41  5  9  4  7  1  8  9  4  3  0  6  14  4  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  40  6 10 10 11  2  8 10  5  4  0  0  22  3  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  31  4  9  4  4  2  7  9  2  1  0  0  12  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  41  6 11  1  4  4  6 10  5  4  0  7  13  1  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  39  8 14  4  5  3  9 12  3  0  0  1  20  1  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  36  8 16  5  7  5  7 12  1  3  1  0  21  2  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  39 10 18  4  5  1  9 10  3  2  1  1  24  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  43  7 15  4  5  5  8 13  3  4  0  2  18  4  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  31  5 12  0  6  7  8 15  1  3  0  5  10  3  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  41 12 20  1  3  7  4 11  3  3  0  2  25  0  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  41  9 17  6  8  8  7 15  3  3  3  2  24  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  41  8 15 10 14  6  8 14  2  3  0  7  26  3  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  42  8 14  6  6  4  9 13  2  4  0  5  22  1  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  43  7 14  3  3  7 10 17  6  3  2  2  17  2  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  31  4  9  2  4  3  6  9  0  3  1  1  10  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  36 10 18  7  9  2  9 11  3  3  0  2  27  1  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  30  4 10  1  2  3  3  6  4  4  1  8   9  0  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  42  9 22 10 13  6  9 15  3  1  1  3  28  1  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  39  6 14  2  4  3  4  7  4  3  2  1  14  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  41  4  7  5  7  2 12 14  2  5  2  1  13  3  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  38  5  7  4  6  3 10 13  6  5  2  2  14  0  0  0
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  42  5 12  5  7  9 13 22  0  3  1  1  15  2  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  38  9 12  5  7  4  4  8  2  2  0  4  23  1  0  0
CHA  Larry Johnson      F  38 11 20  6  7  5  8 13  1  2  2  2  29  0  1  1
DEN  Dikembe Mutombo    C  35  7 13  2  8  7 10 17  2  5  1  2  16  4  0  0

    Im a little confused but Im going to ask anyway.  Picking Sam Bowie
    over Michael Jordan or His Airness as you call him was a good pick
    because detroit is in the east and not the west.  You see portland 
    made it to the finals a year earlier but lost to the same team that
    chicago lost to 3 years in a row.  By that logic if detroit was in
    the west Chicago would have gone to the finals in 88, 89 and 90 !!!
    
    Anyone who passed up jordan for whoever sam bowie is should be fired
    shot and hung !!!  Thats something Id want to tell my grandchildren
    about...I could have picked JORDAN but took Bowie instead...POW what
    a joke.  I still cant believe Jordan didnt go number one, can you
    imagine the GM for Chicago Pissing his pants laughing when the #1 pick
    didnt take jordan and handed them to chicago, thank you, thank you and
    also thank you.  They should have game the GM that passed jordan up
    MVP for last years finals.
    
    						M_AirNEss_Brooks

    Air -
    
    Hakeem was the #1 pick that year.  Really not that bad a pick.  Bowie
    was #2 and Jordan #3.   Given the health problems and ineffectiveness
    of Ralph Sampson, Hakeem was a darn good pick for the Rockets. 
    
    You must also remember, that Jordan the college player and Jordan the
    professional are two completely different folks.  Everyone knew he'd be
    good, but I don't remember anyone predicting him being at the level he
    is at now.  You can't look at it with the benefit of hindsight.  Using
    today's metrics, Bowie wouldn't even be drafted in the first round, if
    at all.
    
    As for the logic you try to pass forth - CHarles Barkley put it best:
    
    "If ifs and buts were beer and nuts, we'd have one hell of a party."
    
    Personally, I thought Bowie was a bad pick mainly due to his history of
    injury of problems.
    
    JD

    re: BobHunt
    
    Never said I didn't understand the NBA Ketch - just that I hate it. 
    But hey, look, I goofed to.  Remember, I was on the Johnson bandwagon
    myself and still think he'll be decent, just like Sam Bowie is a
    "decent" pro while toiling for the Nets while Mike Jordan lays claim to
    being King of western civilization.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

>    Personally, I thought Bowie was a bad pick mainly due to his history of
>    injury of problems.
    
    Sam Bowie was the greatest factor in Joe B. Hall's greatest Kentucky
    team.  If you have Clyde Drexler and are in need of a center, Sam was a
    good pick.  Sorry.
    
    Now you can take that last statement and try to force it on Charlotte:
    
	If you have ???????? and are in need of a center, Mutombo was a
     	good pick.  
    
    Trouble is, there is no one to fill the ??????? when we talk of the
    Hornets.
    
    	--dan'l
    

        >>Sam Bowie was the greatest factor in Joe B. Hall's greatest Kentucky
        >>team.  If you have Clyde Drexler and are in need of a center, Sam
        >> was a good pick.  Sorry.
    
    Dan'l I agree.  Given Portlands situation Bowie was a better pick at
    the time.  No one gave them a hard time on draft day.  Unfortunately,
    they didn't have a crystal ball to see what Jordan would eventually do. 
    No one thought Jordan would be that good coming out of college.
    
    Just a small nit.  I believe you were referencing UK's 1984 final four
    team with Bowie, Turpin, Walker, Bennet, and Beal.  While this was a
    fine team, it could'nt hold a candle to either the '75 team which had
    All-American Kevin Grevey plus super frosh Givens, Robey, Lee, Phillips
    or the '78 National Championship team, Macy etc.
    
    WILDCAT

    Dan'l
    
    You may have misunderstood - the only reason, at the time, that I 
    thought Bowie was a risky, if not poor choice, was his history of leg
    injuries. And in fact, Bowie suffered through this injuries most of
    his pro career.  Based on that, I though Portland made a risky choice.
    They di, however, need a center, that there is no doubt.  And Bowie had
    credentials, but also health question marks.
    
    If Bowie were healthy, then there would be no question that he's the
    pick.  NOne.
    
    JD

    Larry Johnson was named NBA Rookie of the Month for December.  He was
    also chosen for the All-Star Slam Dunk contest.
    
    	--dan'l

    
    	So Bob,
    
    	I guess our friend finally got to come down from the sign that he
    was pirched upon?  How many did they lose at home?
    
    
    B.A.
    

Big win for Hornets Saturday, beating Phoenix. In an exact opposite
finish to Thursday's fold against the Clippers, the Hornets held the
lead. Good effort by the bench, especially Antony Frederick.

The Hornets now have to deal with Tuesday's deadline: anyone on the team
at that time gets a guaranteed year's contract. At risk/interest are
Frederick, Elliot Perry (who also played well Saturday) and Kevin Lynch.
Massenburg and Grandison will be gone.

TTom

What's the deal with Rex Chapman?  Is he hurt?  I didn't notice
him being put on the injured list.

Mike

He has an injured foot. They tried to rest him a couple of games: no
help. They put him on IR: no help. Latest effort is to put the foot into
a cast to try to get him some relief. Earliest return is mid February.

TTom

Hornets news:

o This week, NBA teams must cut players or guarantee their contract. This 
means that a lot of players will be put on waivers. These could be signed 
to 10 day or other short term contracts after this week.

o The Hornets plan on keeping Elliot Perry and Anthony Frederick, which 
meands their salaries are guaranteed for the rest of the season. Keeping 
Perry puts an end to the Hornet's search for another backup point guard.

o Gone are Tony Massenburg and Ron Grandison. They could be picked back
up but this avoids their guaranteed salaries.

o The Hornets have expressed interest in Jerome Lane, most recently cut 
by the Denver Nuggets. This is a combination of needing some help on the 
boards and the Denver Connection. Bristow was an assistant coach at 
Denver when Jerome was signed.

o The Hornets are considering placing one of their three injured players 
on the long term injury list. This would be Rex Chapman (heel), Mike 
Gminski (back) and JR Reid (back). The advantage of doing this is that it 
allows the Hornets to use 1/2 of any one of their salaries to sign 
someone else by next June 30. This money could be used to sign a draft 
choice. It's another exception clause to the salary cap.

TTom

  Where is the immortal Scott Haffner playing now?

  Kath

In the void?

    How's Kevin Lynch doing lately?  Seems like whenever I see his name in
    the boxscores, he does alright for the PT he gets.
    
    Thanks,
    
    
    Spud

I think Lynch is playing fine but he's only given intermittent chances,
usually when someone is ailing or the Hornets are doing exceptionally
bad. 

To his credit, he plays better D than any of the other 2-3 players.
Kendall Gill has been especially slow in developing on defense. Dell
Curry is fairly bad. Johnny Newman prefers to stay down on the offensive
end which is better than when he comes down and gets in the way.

The thing hurting Lynch is the Hornets have a lot of people at his
position. When Rex Chapman comes back it will interesting to see who
goes.

The one big blunder that Lynch made was holding out during contract
talks. Had he signed the original offer he could have had some of the
money that Larry Johnson got. In fact, his hold out hurts his chances for
staying with the team and cost him about 1/4 mil this season.

I'd like to see him stick.

TTom

- The one big blunder that Lynch made was holding out during contract
- talks. Had he signed the original offer he could have had some of the
- money that Larry Johnson got. In fact, his hold out hurts his chances for
- staying with the team and cost him about 1/4 mil this season.

If I were Kevin Lynch, I'd seriously consider suing my agent.   The Hornets 
offered Lynch two years of *guaranteed* money but Lynch's agent advised 
against the offer.

Lynch ended up with a non-guaranteed, rookie minimum salary that was 
pro-rated down for the time he missed holding out.

Dumb, dumber, dumbest ...

Bob Hunt

Add Eric Leckner to the list. Essentially, he did the same thing, holding
out, rejecting an offer for about 800K for 2 years and ending up signing
for 1 year at about 600K.

In Leckner's case it may work to his advantage if he can continue to
improve and show that he can play good minutes as a backup on almost
anyone's team.

TTom

    The Horn-heads did it!  Their victory over that great Sacramento
    team last night gave them two wins in row - and more importantly -
    got that clown down off the billboard.  He had been up there for 30+
    days waiting for back-to-back wins.
    
    Gill, Johnson, and Newman all had big games offensively.  Johnson
    also had 16 rebounds.  Heard part of the game on the radio - did
    the Hornets really block nine shots?
    
    The Hornets signed Michael Ansley and Ron Grandison to 10 day
    contracts.  Ansley was recently cut by the Sixer's.
    
    Speaking of the Sixer's, ESPN reports this morning that several teams
    are talking to Philly about a Charles Barkley trade.  Names/teams
    mentioned were Worthy/Lakers, Wilkens/Hawks, and unknown(s)/Clippers.
    Are the Sixers finally going to move Mr. Mouth?  Hope they throw
    in Dave Hoppen to keep these two friends together.
    
    Pat

    With .7 seconds left in overtime in Seattle lasted night, Larry Johnson
    took the inbounds pass and hit a turn around jumper to beat the Sonics
    117-116.  Game should have been won in regulation as Johnson took the
    ball to the hoop twice and got hammered only to have the refs give the
    home team the nocall.
    
    Hornets have won 3 of their last 4.
    
    	--dan'l
    
    

Great win by the Hornets over the Supes lasted night.   Larry Johnson, 
Larry Johnson, Larry Johnson.   As Dan'l said, he hit the game-winner in 
heavy traffic with 0:0.7 seconds left in overtime.

Hornets did everything they could to blow it in the late stages.   Stood 
around on offense, took a 24-second violation, dumb turnovers, missed free 
throws, you name it ...

But they milked the clock dry in the final moments and when Sean Kemp laid 
two bricks at the charity stripe, the stage was set for Sir Larry's heroics.  
Close to 1:00am here in the East and I was *pumped* !!!   Yeah !!!

JR Reid can store any thoughts he has about reclaiming his starting power 
forward slot in the Fantasy File.   Johnson is simply relentless inside and 
has some gorgeous power moves to the hoop.   

We got the right one, baby, uh-huh !!!

Bob Hunt

P.S.  Any of the Seattle crew go see this one ???

    
    Larry Johnson finished with 24 pts and 13 rebounds.
    Kendal Gill had 22 points.
    
    

    But, how can you two (Dan'l and Bob) IgKnoor the Fack(TM) that Motumbo
    woulda been the much better pick!
    
    
    JD

    Hornets lost a squeaker to the Lakers lasted night.  After fighting
    back from 14 points down (with Larry Johnson demanding the ball and
    scoring down the stretch) the Hornets had it tied (at 93 I think) with
    17 seconds left.  The Lakers clanged one off the rim and a long rebound
    went right to an out-of-position Sam Perkins who turned and dropped a
    fall away at the buzzer.
    
    	--dan'l

 Well, Portland stomped all over the hapless Hornets lasted night.  Thus,
 the Blazers are *still* the only team the Hornets have never beaten in
 their short 4-year life.   And, unless the Hornets and Blazers make it to
 the NBA Finals this year, we'll have to wait until nexted year for another
 crack at them.   Yeah, me too, I think that's a safe bet. :-) :-) :-)
 
 Only one play really worth mentioning from last night's loss ... early in
 the 3rd quarter, the Hornets turned it over and one of the Blazers flipped
 a beautiful outlet pass out to an all-alone Clyde Drexler.   Drexler had
 one man to beat to the hoop ... 5'-3" Tyrone "Muggsey" Bogues who was
 backpedaling furiously and had a "Help!" look in his eyes,
 
 It was not pretty.   Drexler's broad smile as he came back downcourt was,
 however.  It was all he could do to keep from rolling.
 
 One other item of note ... the Hornets have devised a new play (well, it's
 new for them) to take advantage of the skills of one Mr Larry Johnson.  
 The play is called "Dallas" after Johnson's hometown and it's very very
 simple.  Johnson is given the ball alone at the top of the key, two other
 Hornets head for the corners and the remaining two head for the wings.
 
 The defender confronting Johnson is basically stripped naked.  If he comes
 up to guard Johnson tightly, Larry goes around him and to the hole with
 oomph.  If he drops back too far, he risks an illegal defense call.   If
 he offers token resistance, Johnson can shoot an easy J.   If he calls for
 double-team help, Johnson has an open cutter to dish it to.
 
 This play killed Seattle the other night and it gave James Worthy fits in
 LA the nexted night.   There are two items of significance in this ... 1)
 This, in my mind, firmly implants the rookie as the team's "go to" guy. 
 We're close to the mid-season mark and the rock is in LJ's hands with the
 game on the line.   Good enough for me.  You pay him $3 mill, you give him
 the rock.
 
 And 2), is this the beginning of the end of Bristow's "motion offense"
 with this current collection of players ???  We haven't heard this term
 mentioned much lately as the Hornets have been playing a lot more
 half-court O these days.  And this "Dallas" play is 100% half-court.  it
 could be the injuries have forced Bristow's hand but it could also be the
 "system" wasn't right to begin with.
 
 Bob Hunt

These are the worst of time and the worser of times...

The Hornets led virtually the whole game only to lose at the end to the
Bulls, 115-112. The crushing blow was a turnover with 8 seconds left that
landed in the hands of Jordan who scored and and made the following foul
shot.  

The one bright spot continues to be Larry Johnson who had 31 points and 8
boards and otherwise dominated Horace Grant.

Kendall Gill hit a scorching 3-for-16. He was so bad that at the end of
the game LJ seemed to be playing point gaurd, dribbling at the top of the
key looking for something to do.

TTom

    This damn game cost me 2 whole bucks lasted night.  First I get 
    this guy to bet on the Hornets so I give him 5 pts.  Then when it
    looks like the Bulls are gonna lose he maks me a offer for double or
    nothin that they pull it out.  Stupid me I take it and lose 2 bets
    on the same darn game

    Trading deadline gots to be approaching (mid Feb?).  Any speculation
    on what the Hornets will do/should do/could do?
    
    The two names that I keep hearing on sports talk radio are
    Mookie Blaylock and Derek Harper.
    
    RE: Mookie - whenever the Nets decide that they must play
    Kenny Anderson for what they're paying him, then Mookie becomes
    expendable.  Have heard that the Nets ain't offering Mookie (yet),
    but are offering Tate George.
    
    RE: Harper - Sounds like Dallas wants to deal him, but can't get
    what they want from the Hornets (Gill, Johnson, or nothin').  [Actually,
    we can give them a whole bunch of "nothin"]
    
    IMO, Curry or Chapman are available, as is Newman, JR, and Leckner.
    	
    Would like to see the Hornets trade for a legitimate point guard that
    ain't a senior citizen, or for a multi-faceted sixth man (Schremf,
    Majerle, AC Green) that could start for us.
    
    PE

Hornets desperately need a point guard, that much is obvious.  Bogues plays 
his best off the bench.   Whether they will get one in a trade is doubtful, 
I believe.   Most teams don't trade to help your obvious weaknesses unless 
you give up an obvious strength.

Paper here also speculates that Rex Chapman may be out for the year.  His 
bruised heel is going back into a cast for another month after an MRI 
showed more swelling.

JR Reid is back ... played fairly well against Da Bulls the other night.  
He'll see most of his limited minutes at center.

Bob Hunt

    We'll trade you Negele Knight for Larry Johnson!

we'll trade you Gary Peyton for Larry Johnson...


Metz

    
    Who is Gary Peyton?

    He's the Sonic guard on your DECball roster.

    
    > He's the Sonic guard on your DECball roster.
    
    Ouch!
    
    

    Actually, it's Payton, but close enough... we knew who you meant...
    
    Why didn't they look at Avery Johnson when he was on waivers?
    
    

>    Why didn't they look at Avery Johnson when he was on waivers?
    
    they did but they couldn't see him!

    You mean they could see Muggsy and not Avery?

    re: .577
    
    Check again pal, I don't have anyone named Gary Peyton on my DECball
    roster.
    

    That's right Paul.  I forgot you traded him a couple weeks ago.

    
    Hey, it was a good trade... Peyton for Ralph Simpson.

       Is Ralphie still playing in Spain?
                                      Denny

    
    I don't remember Simpson playing in Spane...

       Oops, thought it said sAmpson.
                               Denny

    Yesterday's paper said Bickerstaff wants to get Sampson to give Mutombo
    some backup support.  Ralphie is in Spain at the moment with all the
    other NBA wannabes.

In the continuing saga of LJ vs Mutombo, here's the current stats:

              LJ   LJ/game        DM   DM/game
         -------   -------   -------   -------
G             42                  41
Min         1549     36.88      1631     39.78
Fg           285      6.79       279      6.80
Fga          587     13.98       560     13.66
Fg%        0.486               0.498
Ft           180      4.29       200      4.88
Fta          225      5.36       309      7.54
Ft%        0.800               0.647
3Fg            3      0.07         0      0.00
3Fga           9      0.21         0      0.00
Orb          175      4.17       190      4.63
Reb          485     11.55       544     13.27
Ast          134      3.19        97      2.37
Stl           42      1.00        28      0.68
To            76      1.81       154      3.76
Blk           28      0.67       108      2.63
Pf           123      2.93       161      3.93
Pts          753     17.93       758     18.49
Ppg         17.9                18.5

As an aside, how about someone out there in a "rotisserie" league put
these through the stats and compare. Just curious.

TTom

              LJ   LJ/game        DM   DM/game		Edge To
         -------   -------   -------   -------		-------
G             42                  41
Min         1549     36.88      1631     39.78
Fg           285      6.79       279      6.80
Fga          587     13.98       560     13.66
Fg%        0.486               0.498			Mutombo
Ft           180      4.29       200      4.88
Fta          225      5.36       309      7.54
Ft%        0.800               0.647			Johnson
3Fg            3      0.07         0      0.00
3Fga           9      0.21         0      0.00
Orb          175      4.17       190      4.63		Mutombo
Reb          485     11.55       544     13.27		Mutombo
Ast          134      3.19        97      2.37		Johnson
Stl           42      1.00        28      0.68		Johnson
To            76      1.81       154      3.76		Johnson
Blk           28      0.67       108      2.63		Mutombo
Pf           123      2.93       161      3.93		Johnson
Pts          753     17.93       758     18.49
Ppg         17.9                18.5			Mutombo
 
 That's about as evenly matched as you can get.   And considering that
 the 6'-6" Johnson does his work from the power forward position in an
 offense not especially geared to funnel the ball right to him in the
 low post, his numbers look even better stacked against the 7' Deke's.
 
 Bob Hunt

Injury report:

Rex Chapman is on the 5 game IL with a bruised heel. He went on IL on Dec
30 and is tentatively scheduled to come back sometime in February. He's
going to get another doctor's opinion and there's stories circulating
that he may miss the entire season.

Mike Gminski is on the 5 game IL with a herniated disk/back. He went on
IL on Dec 10 and is expected back in mid February. Gminski was activated
as a procedural event becuase the Hornets didn't have enough active
players on their roster.

TTom