Bye Hornets, Hello Pelicans

The most terrifying team name in NBA history

Well, they finally made the name switch. Announced in December by new New Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson, he said he wanted to change the team to one that better represented the state. (remember that the hornets name was carried over from Charlotte when the team relocated to New Orleans in 2002)

Alternate Pelicans Logos

Around this time, many suggested that New Orleans reclaim the Jazz team name from Utah, but as we all know, the Great Salt Lake City state is in no rush to hand that over. So, names like the Brass and Bullsharks were tossed around until the Pelicans name was rumored to be the final choice. From there, there has been hundreds of mocked up logos all over the web. Many questioned if it would be possible to make the Pelican moniker, the least fitting name for a professional sports team full of 6ft+, tattoed covered athletes, intimidating. At first you would think it wouldn't be possible, but believe me, I saw some sweet creations:

This and more great (mock) Pelicans logos here

I even tried my hand at making some logos, but with graduation and job hunting, never quite finished any of them:

I really wish I had more time to really hash a full logo out. I never got past the initial thumbnail stage, unfortunately. It's funny-- originally I thought to make the Pelican into a musical note that acted as the 'N' in New Orleans and I just recently saw somebody do something similar. I even played around trying to make the pelican into the Fleur-de-lis, just like one of their confirmed alternate logos.  It's so difficult to be original, no matter how hard you try!

But, ultimately, today, a final logo was chosen. And while its more certainly not my favorite design, it could be a lot worse. I still don't think it will go over well with NBA fans for quite some time. I feel like eventually, people won't even call them the Pelicans, but possibly the 'Pels' like Pittsburgh does with their NHL team, the Penguins (Proof that a professional sports team can turn a unthreatening bird into a beloved, championship winning juggernaut of an identity for a state)

I loved Chris Paul's response to his former team's name change:

I'm not either, CP3. But, the Hornets name isn't going to be dead too long. Michael Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Bobcats has already said if/when New Orleans changes their team name, he'd explore the possibility of bringing the Hornets back to Charlotte. As an NBA fan growing up in the 90's, that's great to hear. I most definitely don't want to see the Hornets leave the NBA.

I'd much rather see the Bobcats and their terrible logo/jerseys go in the dumpster. Gross.

Pau Gasol Trade Rumor

I stumbled across this article today, and while it's not in any way credible, I found the trade scenario they reported very feasible.

They brought up a 4-team scenario between the Timberwolves, Lakers, Pistons, and Hornets. Big, huh?

The trade breaks down like this:

Lakers Get
Derrick Williams
JJ Barea
Jonas Jerebko
Trevor Ariza

Timberwolves Get
Pau Gasol
Kim English

Hornets Get
Charlie Villanueva
Nikola Pekovic
Chris Duhon

Pistons Get
Emeka Okefor

Obviously the biggest players moved are Derrick Williams and Pau Gasol. From the start, I felt a trade straight up between the two would suffice, but Gasol's massive contract with (2 year/39mill) is the roadblock. The proposed trade gets other teams involved to make it work.

Gasol is intrigued in proposed trade, obviously. 

While the trade is quite out there, I think both Williams and Gasol could be moved by Feb. 21. Gasol because of the new offense D'Antoni is bringing to LA, and Williams because of the return of Love.

I like the idea of Gasol playing alongside fellow Spaniard, Ricky Rubio. Plus, Gasol could slip into the Center position he better excels in.

Just food for thought.

NBA 2k13 Hidden Gem: Austin Rivers

The new face of the New Orleans Hornets

I don't know about everyone else, but I've been putting in an unhealthy amount of time into this year's newest installment in the the NBA 2K series, Association Mode, specifically. I just love the GM aspect of creating the ideal team. I got a pretty amazing group spearheaded by Derrick Rose and Roy Hibbert, but the player that has emerged as the mid season MVP? Austin Rivers.

Austin Rivers, you say? MVP over Rose? The overrated PG from Duke who takes too many shots? The 'Other' selection the New Orleans Hornets made in the 2012 NBA draft? Yes, him.

I don't what it is, but the 10th overall selection this past June is making highlight after highlight every time he comes off the bench. At 6,4" 93 speed, and a strong inside game (He has the Acrobat ability) Austin Rivers is like a poor man's Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook. You feel quite confident driving and getting around the backcourt with him.

Rivers and Waiters helped 2K with Motion Capture for their in-game counterparts.

His ball-handling is superb and it is ridiculously easy to drive to the hoop. He plays so much better that his 67 overal player rating suggests. His hopstep is very nice and leads to great fade aways and layups. Rivers also has a solid 3 pointer and can easily land you a Sprites Slam Cam dunk if you get a lane to the hoop.

I strongly recommend giving him a go, whether it be drafting him in your Fantasy Association, or using the Hornets in a quick game. You'll be saying Anthony Davis who in no time.

-Josh