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.

Fantasy Deal: Dwight Howard for Brandon Jennings

Damn. I've been away wayyyy too long. I promise I will never do that again. I recently graduated college and landed my first big boy job in Chicago, IL. It's been super busy since December. But, alas, I'm back....and there's a lot of catching up to do!

Something I want to get off my chest is a trade scenario that I've been drawing up for the last few days. It involves these three, beautiful faces:

                                         Al Horford                                 Dwight Howard                             Brandon Jennings

But, before I get into it, let's look at some backstory to the deal.

Okay. Unless you've been living under a rock, you know full well that the Los Angeles Lakers are playing horribly. They made the coaching change last month, bringing in D'Antoni (instead of Phil Jackson) with hopes that the energetic coach good bring life to their dying offense. D'Antoni was responsible for the offensive juggernaut that was the Phoenix Sun a few years back with Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire; he also had a good thing going in New York, prior to the Carmelo Anthony Trade.

D'Antoni has to get the Lakers back on track.

Well, long story short, it hasn't been working. The Lakers are losing left and right. The combination of Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and Kobe Bryant (and Pau Gasol) is not gelling. Sure, Kobe is putting up almost 30pts. a game (Durant may catch him for points leader) but that may be the only positive. If Nash isn't hurt, he's a defensive liability on the court and if Howard isn't hurt, he's not finishing at the hoop, constantly taking lay-ups, instead of dunks. (to which he then gets fouled and misses his free throws.)

Just a short sidebar...what the hell has happened to Dwight Howard?!? There is no way one of the top 5 best players in the league can fall off so far. Mentally, something is off. His game has been in shambles since coming to La La Land. Howard is putting up about 17pts/12reb/3blks a game, but those numbers are drastically misleading. He is missing screens, missing free throws, and drastically failing in the paint; his FG% is so low. For some reason, he has lost all agression and presence under the hoop.

Any hoo, the Lakers have been just god awful (outside of excellent play from Metta World Peace, Earl Clark, and Kobe Bryant) The big question is how do you solve the problem? Well, for the last month or so, people have been SCREAMING to trade Pau Gasol. Poor Pau Gasol's has been the scapegoat for this disastrous Lakers season thus far; If I had a nickel for everytime I heard that trading Gasol would turn this team around, I would have enough money to buy Steve Nash a Life Alert....and a wheelchair encrusted with diamonds.

Property of Steve Nash

But, Gasol isn't the answer. Hell, what of Gasol has been seen to even suggest trading him would help the team? He barely gets minutes; he comes off the bench and has rarely a play called for him. The only time he sees the ball is if he rebounds it. I'm confident is the 32yr. PF/C was given the opportunity, he would put All-Star numbers on the board.

But, alas, they refuse to give them to him. So, the logical answer is to move him, right? Why not move him to get younger assets? Well, because he currently makes $19mill/year and has 2 years left on his deal. That contract is Joe Johnson big. Who the hell will absorb that cap hit for the next few seasons?

No one that I can think of.

But, you know who is tradable? Dwight Howard. (He's probably the only player they can trade)

I know, I know. Didn't they make the blockbuster of a deal to bring in Howard? Didn't they break up their championship-caliber roster and ship out Bynum in order to bring this franchise cornerstone to LA? Isn't Howard supposed to be the new King of LA once Kobe retires? Well, that was the plan. But, Howard is shrinking in the Los Angeles spotlight faster than Neil Patrick Harris's Penis at a Victoria's Secret fashion show.

I love you NPH

It's just not working. Dwight's personality isn't made for LA. It's obvious he cannot take the heat. He is a great player. A PHENOMENAL player. Better yet, he's a great person. It's not fair to the him and the Lakers to drag this out any more. Jim Buss and the Lakers organization need to admit that they epically fucked up (Phil Jackson is laughing his ass off right now). Once they do that, they can start fixing the franchise.

First thing they should do is move Howard. I propose they move the big man to Atlanta.

Atlanta? Why? Why did you put a picture of Brandon Jennings at the top of this post? Does your dumbass think Jennings is on the ATL roster?

Nope. I think in order to get Howard to Atlanta, a third team is necessary; a team that has assets that LA covets. I'm referring to the Milwaukee Bucks. The thing LA obviously lacks is youth and speed at the permitter. Nash can't keep up and Kobe is doing everything he can-- but it's not enough. I think if they move Nash to 6th man and bring in Brandon Jennings, the team would come alive! Jennings, a LA boy, will fit right into the spotlight he's been born to play in. Sadly, the flamboyant PG has been in the boring Wisconsin of all places. A move to LA would be electric for his career.

Jennings would love the LA Spotlight

A trade of Howard for Jennings wouldn't work however, because there is no chance in hell Howard would sign an extension with MIL....but he would resign if he was traded to his hometown team, ATL (with best bud, Josh Smith still there)

Here's how the trade shakes down:

Los Angeles Lakers Get:
Brandon Jennings (sign and trade, $11mil or so/yr)
Ersan Ilyasova ($8mil)

Milwaukee Bucks Get:
Al Horford ($12mil)
Devin Harris ($8.5mil) Expiring Contract
Kyle Korver ($5mil) Expiring Contract
1st Rd. Pick (ATL)

Atlanta Hawks Get:
Dwight Howard ($19mil)
Drew Gooden ($6mil)

I think the move would be a slam dunk for all 3 teams:

The Lakers get an electric, young PG to lead their team for the next 6+ years. They get a young PF that can shoot from all over the court. This trade allows Gasol to move into his natural position at C and get the touches he needs. Moving Nash to 6th man immediately makes the 2nd unit stronger.

Howard and Smith could excel together in Atlanta

The Bucks get a legitimate big man they need. The 2 Guard play of Ellis and Jennings is exciting, but hurts the team inside. Horford, while not a defensive stalworth, is a credible threat to opposing teams; he's a scorers, too. Devin Harris replaces Jennings at point, which in theory only means he'll feed the ball to Ellis, who will more than likely run the the team. In addition, the Bucks gain financial flexibility by bringing in Harris who's contract is expiring. Kyle Korver's contract is also expiring (the Bucks lack good 3pt SG, other than Ellis, so he's a good fit regardless) Throwing in 1-2 1st Rd picks only sweetens the deal. Gooden (who is very far down the Bucks bench) saves the team even more money.

The Atlanta Hawks get Superman himself, Dwight Howard. He can be their new franchise player. His presence will more than likely trigger Josh Smith to resign. Smith and Howard, plus Teague at PG is a solid foundation for the franchise. Howard should thrive in his return to the Eastern Conference, especially to a franchise much smaller than LA and more similar to Orlando. I wouldn't be surprised if Atlanta made a move to secure a 3rd star player to create their own super team. By trading Joe Johnson last summer, they definitely have some flexibility.

Whew. I'm outta breath. Good to be back!!!

Josh

NBA Dark Horse: Lou Williams

     Probably my favorite under the radar player, for years, not just this season, has been Sweet Lou Williams.  Williams is an offensive onslaught.  The man has a silky smooth jump shot and the speed of a beautiful jungle cat.  His handles and quickness allow him to carve through defenses for easy points, despite only averaging 25.4 minutes per game.  In this short amount of playing time, he has averaged 13.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, all on 43% shooting, which is staggering for a pure scorer.  

     Plus, he has laid down some hammers, including this one on Tyler Hansbrough, which defies his diminutive size.  Williams has earned a name as being one of the purest scorers in the NBA but to me has been underutilized and has come off the bench for his entire career.

        

   

Summer in December: Flips and Flops

   
     Well, we are a quarter of the way through the NBA season, and there have been some eye opening wins for teams and players, as well as some crushing defeats.  The Flips are those who have surprised the NBA thus far, and the Flops are, obviously, the biggest disappointments.
   

 Flips:  

     The Portland Trail Blazers: After many people (including me) doubted the strategy of the Trail Blazers in raffling off most of their players except Aldridge, they have made a name for themselves as a mid class team with an 11-12 record.  Damian Lillard, my pick for ROY since day one, is playing out of his mind with the maturity of a senior player.  Blazers be blazin.
             
     The Orlando Magic: Another ringer! Most people slammed the Magic for their lack of depth, but damn! This team, with absolutely no star power, has managed to put up an 11-13 record with their sturdy defense and complete unselfishness.  And I don't think i could put it any better than BoB, these guys definitely have the magic in them.
             
     The Black Mamba: Eh, I'll admit it, he's playing pretty well right now.  I still say that his percentages and points per game all drop off soon.  Kobe cannot continue to carry teams with his run and gun play, even if he is wrecking it out on the court now.

     The New York Knicks: Nobody doubted the validity of the Knicks at the beginning of the season, but NOBODY thought they'd be at the top of the East right now.  I'm still convinced that the Heat are a better all around team, but the Knicks are for real with Melo playing like a different player.

     The Atlanta Hawks: The screech that the other teams in the East are hearing from above is most definitely the Hawks.  Thought to be a faltering team, Atlanta has turned out to be a dark horse team that has been anchored by two big men, Horford and Smith, who are playing at All Star level.  The addition of the dangerous Lou Williams and some defensive players has solidified them in the East.
             

     Flops:  

     Blake Griffin: Ol' Blake is having the worst year of his career so far, probably because teams have realized that his game is very one dimensional.  He can dunk.  Despite his superhuman athleticism, Blake Griffin has not expanded his game beyond that.  His post game is weak and on the defensive end it is almost laughable sometimes.

     The Washington Wizards: Nuff said.

     The Los Angeles Lakers: I said at the beginning of the season that the Lakers would have some problems.  And that happened.  The same thing happened with Miami last year when The Big Three started learning to work together.  But this seems to be a bit worse.  The Lakers refuse to play defense, and as much as people are saying it will be fine when Steve Nash comes back, he has never been an asset on defense.
   

   
 The Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets have been one of my must see teams for years now and they have always played some amazingly entertaining ball, but this year, they still haven't clicked.  Andre Iguodala has not figured out his place in this system yet, but that is not helped by the fact that Danilo Gallinari and Ty Lawson are having one of the worst seasons in their careers.

   

   
  
   

Dunkadelic Vol.2, Dec. 4

Holy mother of hell did Mullens throw it down last night!

If you didn't see the highlight, here it is!

LaMarcus Aldridge, on one of the rarest occasions, was posterized by Charlotte Bobcat Center, Byron Mullens. BJ attempted a 3-pointer, missed, got his own rebound and dunked from the foul line. It was HUGE. The crowd (what crowd was there) roared.

Dunk of the year?

LaMarcus wasn't all that impressed, saying after the game:

"He dunked on me, but I think I had 25, 13, five and three. So you want to dunk on somebody or do you want that? I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve been in the league long enough to not be bothered by that."
The 25, 13, 5, 3 was referring to his stat line: points, rebounds, assists, blocks. 

Someone's salty.

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.

Poor Paul Pierce

Did you guys see Paul Pierce fall to his knees after Joe Johnson crossed him up? It was brutal. It was eerily similar to how Kevin Hart described Shaq falling down.

This is the latest in Pierce's growing resume of being victimized by opposing guards:

Jameer Nelson infamously knocked Pierce down awhile back.

The 35yr old SF is still throwing it down this season, leading the team in ppg (19.7), his most since 08-09. His stroke from outside the 3point line has been especially nice.

The Celtics aren't doing so hot thus far, sitting at 8-7. Pierce is going to have to play even better with Rajon Rondo suspended the next 2 games because of his fight with Kris Humphries of the Brooklyn Nets last night.