Best Avoid the Nest - Charlotte Hornets NBA 1992

[mvp]

i like this

[djp73]

I have gone through the entire league to make sure all "significant" players are represented.

League preview next, followed by a deeper preview on the Hornets then we go.

[djp73]

League Update
1992-93 Season Preview


Eastern Conference
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Philadelphia 76ers
Last Year: 11-71, 14th in Eastern Conference
Starting 5*: C Manute Bol, PF Christian Laettner, SF James Worthy, SG Tony Smith, PG Hersey Hawkins
Key Bench Players: F Armen Gilliam, F Kenny Payne, C Jayson Williams, F Tom Tolbert, G Johnny Dawkins, C Andrew Lang, G Demetrius Calip, G Jaren Jackson
Bottom Line: The Sixers were terrible with Barkley holding out last season. The additions of Worthy and Laettner makes them better and they might even have enough to sneak into the playoffs this season.
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Milwaukee Bucks
Last Year: 37-45, 10th in Eastern Conference
Starting 5*: C Michael Cage, PF Fred Roberts, SF Dale Ellis, SG Alvin Robertson, PG Jay Humphries
Key Bench Players: F Frank Brickowski, G Jeff Grayer, G Harold Miner, C Jeff Ruland, G Lester Conner, F Derek Strong, F Brad Lohaus, C Danny Schayes, F Anthony Avent
Bottom Line: Just out of the playoffs last year the Bucks are hoping the additions of Cage and Miner will be enough to get them in. It won't be.
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Washington Bullets
Last Year: 32-50, 12th in Eastern Conference
Starting 5*: C Pervis Ellison, PF Terry Mills, SF Lionel Simmons, SG Jim Jackson, PG LaBradford Smith
Key Bench Players: F Harvey Grant, F Larry Stewart, F Tom Hammonds, G A.J. English, C Greg Foster, G Doug Overton, G Craig Hodges
Bottom Line: Washington retooled with the additions of Simmons, Mills and draft pick Jim Jackson. They could be fighting for a playoff spot instead of trying to stay out of the basement.
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Chicago Bulls
Last Year: 55-27 3rd in Eastern Conference, NBA Champs
Starting 5*: C Will Perdue, PF Horace Grant, SF Scottie Pippen, SG Michael Jordan, PG B.J. Armstrong
Key Bench Players: G John Paxson, F Scott Williams, G Dennis Hopson, F Stacey King, F Tellis Frank, F Donald Royal, C Reggie Smith
Bottom Line: To be the best you have to beat the best. Indy, New York and Cleveland will be close but not close enough.
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Year: 60-22, 1st in Eastern Conference, Lost to Bulls in ECF
Starting 5*: C Brad Daugherty, PF Larry Nance, SF Winston Bennett, SG Craig Ehlo, PG Mark Price
Key Bench Players: C Hot Rod Williams, G Terrell Brandon, F Danny Ferry, G Steve Kerr, F Chucky Brown
Bottom Line: Cleveland didn't make any significant roster changes, maybe they're just hoping Chicago got worse?
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Boston Celtics
Last Year: 39-43, 9th in Eastern Conference
Starting 5*: C Kevin McHale, PF Larry Bird, SF Reggie Lewis, SG Brian Shaw, PG Dee Brown
Key Bench Players: F Ed Pinckney, F Rick Fox, G John Bagley, F Kevin Gamble, F Joe Kleine, G Anthony Bowie, G Sherman Douglas, C P.J. Brown, C Matt Geiger
Bottom Line: Parrish retired and may thought Bird and McHale would too. The Cs added Bowie for some bench depth along with Douglas and rookie centers Brown and Geiger to take some minutes off Bird and McHale. The aging stars need help from the youth to get back in the playoffs.
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Atlanta Hawks
Last Year: 49-33, 4th in Eastern Conference, Lost to Nets in First Round
Starting 5*: C Blair Rasmussen, PF Kevin Willis, SF Tracy Murray, SG Michael Adams, PG Mookie Blaylock
Key Bench Players: G Stacey Augmon, F Antoine Carr, G Paul Graham, C Jon Koncak, F Duane Ferrell, G Jon Sundvold, F Byron Houston
Bottom Line: Wilkins is gone, one of the biggest losses for any team in the league. Blaylock missed most of the season last year and his return definitely improves the team from where they would be without him and Wilkins. Adams makes for a great back court mate and can run the point if Blaylock goes down again. The additions of Carr and rookie Murray give the team some depth. Still behind Chicago, New York, Cleveland and probably Indiana.
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Miami Heat
Last Year: 45-37, 6th in Eastern Conference, Lost to Bulls in First Round
Starting 5*: C Rony Seikaly, PF Grant Long, SF Glen Rice, SG Steve Smith, PG Bimbo Coles
Key Bench Players: G Kevin Edwards, F Willie Burton, C Sean Rooks, G Vincent Askew, C Mike Gminski, F Jeff Turner, F Billy Thompson
Bottom Line: Rookie C Rooks and former Warrior Askew are the only significant additions in Miami. They'll likely be fighting for a playoff spot this season.
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Charlotte Hornets
Last Year: 40-42, 8th in Eastern Conference, Lost to Cavaliers in First Round
Starting 5*: C Cliff Robinson, PF Larry Johnson, SF Johnny Newman, SG Kendall Gill, PG Muggsy Bogues
Key Bench Players: G Dell Curry, F Kenny Gattison, F J.R. Reid, G Avery Johnson, F Latrell Sprewell, G Hubert Davis, F Popeye Jones, C Oliver Miller
Bottom Line: The Hornets overachieved and snuck into the playoffs last season. They added Robinson and Johnson via free agency and rookies Sprewell, Davis, Jones and Miller. They lack a big presence in the middle and could struggle against the better centers in the East. Should improve from the 8th seed but not by much.
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New York Knicks
Last Year: 57-25, 2nd in Eastern Conference, Lost to Bulls in Second Round
Starting 5*: C Patrick Ewing, PF Charles Oakley, SF Xavier McDaniel, SG John Starks, PG Mark Jackson
Key Bench Players: F Anthony Mason, G Gerald Wilkins, G Greg Anthony, F Kiki Vandeweghe, G Mike Sanders, C Tim McCormick, F Patrick Eddie
Bottom Line: With Mason back in the mix the bench is much improved. Sanders helps with bench depth and the Knicks should be in the top three or four again.
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Orlando Magic
Last Year: 20-62, 13th in Eastern Conference
Starting 5*: C Brian Williams, PF Alaa Abdelnaby, SF Dennis Scott, SG Nick Anderson, PG Scott Skiles
Key Bench Players: F Bernard King, G Sam Vincent, F Tom Gugliotta, C Greg Dreiling, C Bill Cartwright, G Andy Toolson
Bottom Line: Key additions in Orlando are King, Abdelnaby and Gugliotta. Cartwright provides some leadership to a young team. Definitely improved but not enough to keep them from being a cellar dweller once more.
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New Jersey Nets
Last Year: 46-36, 5th in Eastern Conference, Lost to Cavaliers in Second Round
Starting 5*: C Sam Bowie, PF Derick Coleman, SF Chris Morris, SG Drazen Petrovic, PG Kenny Anderson
Key Bench Players: C Chris Dudley, F Rick Mahorn, G Tate George, C Greg Kite, F Rafael Addison, G Rumeal Robinson, F Roy Hinson, G Doug Lee
Bottom Line: Coleman, Anderson and Petrovic are a great trio. Add in a healthy Bowie and Nets could fight their way into the top four this season.
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Indiana Pacers
Last Year: 32-50, 11th in Eastern Conference
Starting 5*: C Alonzo Mourning, PF Detlef Schrempf, SF Chuck Person, SG Reggie Miller, PG Pooh Richardson
Key Bench Players: C Rik Smits, F Dale Davis, G George McCloud, G Vern Fleming, F LaSalle Thompson, G Randy Wittman, F Keith Askins, G Brent Price
Bottom Line: With Miller missing all of last season the Pacers were terrible, allowing them to draft Mourning. Now with Miller back and Mourning in the mix the Pacers should be a top four team in the East. Richardson gives them a PG who excels at distributing the ball and should be a better fit.
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Detroit Pistons
Last Year: 42-40, 7th in Eastern Conference, Lost to Knicks in First Round
Starting 5*: C Bill Lambier, PF Dennis Rodman, SF Orlando Woodridge, SG Joe Dumars, PG Isiah Thomas
Key Bench Players: F Mark Aguirre, G Doc Rivers, F Kevin Lynch, F Brad Sellers, G Lee Mayberry, C William Bedford
Bottom Line: Rivers gives the Pistons a big boost on the bench. Lynch is a nice piece as well. The main players are aging but they should be improved from last year. Not likely to crack the top four though.
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Conference Outlook:
The East still runs through Chicago and it will take a herculean effort to knock off Jordan and the Bulls in a seven game series. Indiana, New York and Cleveland are the only realistic challengers and they'll all fall short again as we expect the Bulls to represent the East in the finals for the third straight year.

[djp73]

League Update
1992-93 Season Preview




Western Conference
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Los Angeles Clippers
Last Year: 41-41, 8th in Western Conference, Lost to Trail Blazers in first round
Starting 5*: C Olden Polynice, PF Danny Manning, SF Charles Smith, SG Doug Christie, PG Ron Harper
Key Bench Players: F Loy Vaught, F Ken Norman, F Ron Anderson, G Elliot Perry, F John Williams, C Stanley Roberts, C Elmore Spencer, G Bo Kimble, F Cliff Levingston
Bottom Line: The Clippers, who went .500 and snuck into the eighth seed, return mostly the same team. Rookies Christie and Spencer were solid picks. Anderson adds some depth on the wings. Expect about the same results this season.
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Utah Jazz
Last Year: 56-26, 2nd in Western Conference, Lost to Trail Blazers in WCF
Starting 5*: C Mark Eaton, PF Karl Malone, SF Blue Edwards, SG Jeff Malone, PG John Stockton
Key Bench Players: F Thurl Bailey, G Eric Murdoch, F Larry Krystkowiak, C Isaac Austin, F Clarence Weatherspoon, G Corey Crowder, F David Benoit
Bottom Line: Utah finished 2nd in the West last season and they largely kept things the same. Rookie Weatherspoon and former Spur Benoit add some depth. Utah should be in the mix at the top of the West.
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Sacramento Kings
Last Year: 35-47, 10th in Western Conference
Starting 5*: C Duane Causwell, PF Wayman Tisdale, SF Cedric Ceballos, SG Billy Owens, PG Spud Webb
Key Bench Players: G Doug West, C Don MacLean, F Anthony Bonner, G Randy Brown, F Ed Nealy, G Jim Les
Bottom Line: The Kings were on the outside looking in come playoff time last season. They grabbed West from Minnesota and Ceballos from Phoenix. Those additions might be enough for them to get into the 7th or 8th seed.
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Los Angeles Lakers
Last Year: 42-40, 7th in Western Conference, Lost to Jazz in first round
Starting 5*: C Vlade Divac, PF Charles Barkley, SF Magic Johnson, SG Byron Scott, PG Sedale Threatt
Key Bench Players: F Sam Perkins, A.C. Green, C Elden Campbell, G Terry Teagle, F Adam Keefe, G Darrell Walker
Bottom Line: A low playoff seed and a first round loss didn't sit well in LA so the made a big splash, swapping Worthy for Barkley and putting themselves in the mix for the top seed in the West. Draft pick Keefe should provide valuable minutes off the bench and Walker adds some depth at PG.
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Dallas Mavericks
Last Year: 24-58, 12th in Western Conference
Starting 5*: C Shaquille O'Neal, PF Terry Davis, SF Rodney McCray, SG Rolando Blackman, PG Derek Harper
Key Bench Players: G Fat Lever, F Doug Smith, C James Donaldson, F Randy White, F Kenny Battle, C Charles Jones, G Albert King
Bottom Line: Minnesota fans, players and the entire front office collectively went wild when they won the draft lottery, allowing them to pick LSU center Shaquille O'Neal. Sure to be a household name soon O'Neal immediately improves the Mavs. Battle is the only other addition so the Mavs are probably a few more pieces away from a deep playoff run.
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Denver Nuggets
Last Year: 30-52, 11th in Western Conference
Starting 5*: C Dikembe Mutombo, PF Greg Anderson, SF Reggie Williams, SG Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, PG Winston Garland
Key Bench Players: G Rex Chapman, G Todd Day, F Marcus Liberty, G Bryant Stith, C Joe Wolf, F Scott Hastings
Bottom Line: Denver drafted Day and Stith and signed Chapman to bolster their bench and depending on how those moves work out they could be slipping into the bottom of the playoffs or trying to stay out of the basement.
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Houston Rockets
Last Year: 37-45, 9th in Western Conference
Starting 5*: C Hakeem Olajuwon, PF Otis Thorpe, SF Walt Williams, SG Vernon Maxwell, PG Kenny Smith
Key Bench Players: G Sleepy Floyd, C Matt Bullard, F Buck Johnson, F Carl Herrera, F Bob Thornton, C Tree Rollins, G Tony Brown
Bottom Line: Houston struggled with injuries last season and missed the playoffs. On paper they're a strong team who should be in the middle of the playoff race. Rookie Williams adds some mid range and deep offense while Thornton helps in the middle.
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San Antonio Spurs
Last Year: 45-37, 6th in Western Conference, Lost to Suns in first round
Starting 5*: C David Robinson, PF Terry Cummings, SF Sean Elliott, SG Willie Anderson, PG Dana Barros
Key Bench Players: G Mario Elie, C Mike Brown, F John Salley, F Robert Horry, G Vinny Del Negro, G Tony Bennett
Bottom Line: The Spurs found themselves bounced out of the playoffs in the first round last season. They aggressively pursued Seattle's Barros to improve their offense in hopes of a deeper run. Elie, Brown and Salley strengthen the bench and rookie Horry is a solid addition as well. Del Negro, back from Italy, adds bench scoring. Expect San Antionio to finish in the top five or six.
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Phoenix Suns
Last Year: 52-30, 3rd in Western Conference, Lost to Jazz in second round
Starting 5*: C Mark West, PF Tom Chambers, SF Dan Majerle, SG Jeff Hornacek, PG Kevin Johnson
Key Bench Players: F Richard Dumas, C Tim Perry, G Greg Grant, G Frank Johnson, G Negele Knight, F Jerrod Mustaf, G Malik Sealy, G Bob Hansen
Bottom Line: Phoenix finished third in the West and took down the Lakers in the first round before running into Utah. After reportedly being close to a deal for Barkley and missing out the Suns return mostly the same squad. Additions Grant and rookie Sealy make them slightly better but it looks like they're still behind the Blazers, Jazz and now the Lakers.
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Seattle Super Sonics
Last Year: 52-30, 4th in Western Conference, Lost to Trail Blazers in second round
Starting 5*: C Shawn Kemp, PF Derrick McKey, SF Eddie Johnson, SG Ricky Pierce, PG Gary Payton
Key Bench Players: G Nate McMillan, F David Wingate, C Marty Conlon, C Benoit Benjamin, F Mark Alarie, F Sidney Green, G Jon Barry
Bottom Line: No big changes for the Sonics. Green was added for depth in the middle and rookie Barry adds outside scoring. Seattle looks to be a middle of the playoffs team once again.
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Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Year: 19-63, 13th in Western Conference
Starting 5*: C Felton Spencer, PF LaPhonso Ellis, SF Tony Campbell, SG Tyrone Corbin, PG Gary Grant
Key Bench Players: F Sam Mitchell, C Randy Breuer, G Chris Corchiani, C Luc Longley, G Steve Bardo, F Jud Buechler, G Chris Smith
Bottom Line: Minnesota was bad last year so the changes were significant. Ellis, Grant, Corchiani Bardo and Buechler are all new additions. If Ellis develops into a solid #2 option the Timberwolves could see a pretty big improvement this season, however, they are still a low seed playoff team at best.
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Portland Trail Blazers
Last Year: 59-23, 1st in Western Conferemce, Lost to Bulls in NBA Finals
Starting 5*: C Kevin Duckworth, PF Buck Williams, SF Dominique Wilkins, SG Clyde Drexler, PG Terry Porter
Key Bench Players: F Jerome Kersey, G Danny Ainge, G Rod Strickland, G Robert Pack, C Mark Bryant, G Ennis Whatley, F Dave Johnson
Bottom Line: One of the biggest free agent moves this offseason was Wilkins to the Blazers. After taking MJ and the Bulls to seven games in the finals the team added the best free agent to an already strong team. Strickland was snagged to help with scoring off the bench. Expect Portland to be one of the best teams in the West. Fans are already dreaming of a Portland vs Chicago rematch in the finals.
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Golden State Warriors
Last Year: 50-32, 5th in Western Conference, Lost to SuperSonics in first round
Starting 5*: C Chris Gatling, PF Tyrone Hill, SF Chris Mullin, SG Mitch Richmond, PG Tim Hardaway
Key Bench Players: G Šarūnas Marčiulionis, F Victor Alexander, F Rod Higgins, G Scott Brooks, G Anthony Peeler, C Alton Lister, F Jim Petersen
Bottom Line: The Warriors are one of the more exciting teams in the league. After a 50 win season and a first round exit the Warriors brought in Brooks and drafted Peeler, bolstering their scoring ability even more. Expect another season around 50 wins and maybe a first round win if they get a favorable matchup.
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Conference Outlook:
The West adds two of the top players in the league in Barkley and Wilkins, making things a bit more interesting at the top. The Blazers remain the favorite but the Lakers, Jazz and Suns will do their best to take them down.

[djp73]

Team News
1992-93 Team Preview



Charlotte finished better than expected last season and snagged the eighth seed in the playoffs, losing to a strong Cleveland team. They made a few splashes in the offseason, landing Cliff Robinson in free agency as well as Avery Johnson. Robinson gives them a strong piece in the frontcourt to pair with Larry Johnson, who won the rookie of the year last season. Johnson is a great compliment to Bogues as the two have similar playing styles that should make the transition smooth when Bogues is off the court.

Gill, Curry and Newman give them great scoring on the wings with rookie Sprewell looking to develop into another option there as well. Davis fits that mold as well.

Gattison and Reid return with Miller and Jones added to the mix up front.

Key Losses:
Rex Chapman left for Denver after the two sides couldn't agree on a price and a role. Center Mike Gminski was traded away.

Additions:
After the surprise retirement of head coach Allan Bristow the Hornets aggressively pursued and hired Wes Unseld, many expect this to be an improvement despite Bristow clearly getting the squad to over achieve.

Robinson, as mentioned above, gives the team another legitimate scoring option in the paint alongside Johnson. The improvement on the offensive end should be significant. Post defense against bigger centers could be a weakness.

Johnson improves the depth at point guard, giving the team a similar player to Bogues who will look to distribute first.

Hubert Davis is a solid all around shooter who can give a bit more depth on the wings.

Latrell Sprewell is a good two way player with a heck of a motor and a high ceiling.

Oliver Miller is a big (280 pounds plus) force in the middle who could definitely be an asset inside on the defensive end as the Hornets do lack some size in that area.

Popeye Jones is a bit undersized at 219 pounds but is also known for post play.

Outlook:
The additions certainly appear to outweigh the losses in Charlotte. If Unseld is able to get the new pieces to gel, develop the young talent and find a way to win the close, defensive games then a 10+ win improvement wouldn't be a shock. Ultimately, Charlotte won't be in the thick of things with the likes of Chicago, New York, Cleveland and Indiana. However, the team is very young and we could start to see some glimpses of what could be a top team in the East in a few years.

Roster:

[mvp]

probably one of the shortest teams in the league right now. but i love cliff at center next to lj

[djp73]

Yeah we definitely lack some height and beef but we do have some lineup flexibility, can move LJ and Robinson to 3,4 and pop Reid, Jones or Miller at the 5 if we need to. Also haven't ruled out a move to get a 7 footer.

[djp73]

Hornets Build Huge Lead, Survive 4th Quarter Scare As LJ Scores 45
October 30, 1992 - America West Arena - Phoenix Arizona





CHA (1-0) | 40 | 30 | 28 | 26 | 124
PHO (0-1) | 32 | 20 | 26 | 35 | 113


LJ celebrates after a first quarter bucket


Johnson and Perry get into it after a hard foul by Perry


Kevin Johnson's putback slam was part of a fourth quarter run by Phoenix

Hornets Key Stats:
L. Johnson - 45Pts, 5Reb, 2 Ast
C. Robinson - 16Pts, 6Reb
J. Newman - 14Pts, 1Reb, 3Ast
D. Curry - 12Pts, 2Reb, 4Ast
M. Bogues - 6Pts, 1Reb, 13Ast

Suns Key Stats:
K. Johnson - 26Pts, 1Reb, 10Ast, 2Stl
M. West - 21Pts, 9Reb
T. Chambers - 20Pts, 6Reb, 1Ast, 2Stl

[Agent]

45 for grandmama

[djp73]

Dude ate in the paint!