Finally the drama that is Chris Paul has come to an end. The New Orleans Hornets having shipped the four time All-Star PG to the Los Angeles Clippers. Fan forums are filling up with posts of nervous and excited fans giving their opinions of the future of the currently league owned Hornets. Nervous minds are to be expected when you trade away the center piece and face of the franchise for the past six years, but there are plenty of good things to look forward to. Here is a breakdown of what the Hornets got in the blockbuster trade with the Clippers starting from the least valuable to the most:
4. Al-Farouq Aminu SF/PF
Aminu is long and very athletic player who runs the floor well and has shown he can play average or better defense at times. Coming off the bench for the Clippers last season Aminu averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds. He will compete with Quincy Pondexter for reserve minutes but Pondexter has a year under Coach Williams already and that could help him in the competition. Aminu's contract is under the Hornet's control through the 2015 season and he is due to make $3.0 million in 2011-2012. Player grade- C+
3- Chris Kaman C
Kaman is an established big man who will always play hard and plays with passion. This to many people is an upgrade to the Center position on the Hornet's roster. Kaman is a good rebounder and will play defense in the paint better than anyone already on the Hornet's roster. In eight NBA season Kaman has averaged 11.8 points and 8.3 rebounds. The downside to Kaman is he is injury prone. He missed 50 games last season and has not played a full season since his rookie year. Kaman is due to make $12.2 million this upcoming season and could be used as trade bait with an expiring contract for younger players. Player grade- B-
2. Eric Gordon SG
Possibly one of the most promising sharpshooters on the rise in the NBA this was a great asset included in the trade for the Hornets. Gordon will be under contract for two years in New Orleans and I have no doubt Demps will persuade him to stay and be a face for the franchise in the coming years. Gordon is the big time dominant two guard that the Hornets have been searching for and will not disappoint in personality and off court life either. Gordon will also allow Marco Bellineli to come off the bench and be the Hornets consistent sixth man like he was meant to be. Gordon comes to Hornets due to make $3.8 million this coming season. Player grade- B+
1. 2012 unprotected first round pick (Timberwolves)
Dell Demps will have all of the shortened NBA season to think about what he wants to do with this pick. The Timberwolves are known for being terrible year in and year out and the first round pick could give the Hornets a chance to bring someone in that will make it seem like Chris Paul never even played for the Hornets. This gives the Hornets two first round picks next year and that could bring a winning tradition to the city of New Orleans quicker than some may think. Player grade- A+
My Prediction for the Hornets upcoming season is in the 30-35 wins region. Hornet’s fans should not be saddened to hear those numbers due to the fact that they could possibly end up with two top 8 first round picks and a very bright future. The week that has made David Stern and the NBA look weak and ridiculous could end up saving his job for a few more years.
-Brittan
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