Shootaround: vs. Jazz
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com, @Jim_Eichenhofer
Updates from Wednesday’s shootaround at the New Orleans Arena:
• After last Wednesday’s overtime loss in Indiana, Hornets head coach Monty Williams elected to move Roger Mason to the starting lineup at shooting guard, while shifting Austin Rivers to the backup spot. Williams said that change is not necessarily permanent, as is also the case with some of his other recent rotation alterations. “I don’t think anything’s written in stone when you have as many injuries as we have,” Williams explained. “Part of my job is to try to create some kind of synergy between the two lineups (starters and second unit). We’re trying to give guys a rhythm. It could change.”
• One unconventional option Williams has considered is starting Al-Farouq Aminu at shooting guard, to give New Orleans a super-sized first string that would include four players at 6-foot-8 or taller.
• Williams on the impact of Rivers coming off the bench: “It’s good for Austin, because it allows him to survey what’s happening out there (on the court), and learn from the bench. At about the five-minute mark, he can come in and be aggressive.”
• Williams on facing the Jazz (8-7) tonight: “Tonight’s a tough game coming back from a road trip. We really want to make sure we bring our energy in front of our fans.”
• Greivis Vasquez on carrying over the performance against the Clippers: “We played hard. We played well. Tonight’s going to be a great chance for us to go out and try to get a win at home, and build good momentum. We’ve just got to do the same things. I thought we played extremely hard and competed for 48 minutes.”
• Anthony Davis participated in shootaround, but when asked specifically about Davis’ status, Williams said: “Nothing’s changed.”
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