Scott discusses contract extension, NBA Finals
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
As promised, we're focusing on getting much more audio content and interviews on Hornets.com this summer. Visit our upgraded Audio Archives section for more from Wednesday morning's Byron Scott contract extension press conference, including Scott's opinions on the Lakers-Celtics rivalry and why the team he's rooting for in the NBA Finals is no secret.
Also check out video of the presser.
Hornets mock draft updates
In the weeks leading up to the June 26 NBA Draft, well be periodically scouring the Internet to see which players national websites are projecting the Hornets to choose with their first-round pick. New Orleans will be selecting 27th in the draft, but does not have a 2008 second-round choice. You can provide your opinion on which player would be the best fit for the Hornets by commenting in the Big Easy Buzz blog.About.com: Mario Chalmers, point guard, KansasChalmers could develop into a very serviceable backup at both guard spots and energy player off the bench for the Hornets.ESPN.com: Chris Douglas-Roberts, shooting guard, MemphisDouglas-Roberts would be a great fit for the Hornets if he's still on the board here. He is a big-time scorer who excels at slashing to the basket. He also is an excellent midrange shooter and should be able to step in and contribute right away.Hoops Hype: Ty Lawson, point guard, North CarolinaTrue point guard who might be the quickest end-to-end player in college basketball. A master at igniting fast breaks after made baskets. Has excellent strength, ballhandling skills Loses focus and is still inconsistent as a floor general. Gets in the passing lanes defensively, but lack of size and effort hurts his NBA potential on this end of the floor.NBC Sports: Chase Budinger, shooting guard, ArizonaA shooting guard with explosive moves on offense and good size for the position. Budinger gets off his feet and gets above the defense to release the shot. You could see some Arizona games this season where he wanted to dominate and carry his team and that is the kind of willpower the NBA likes to see. There were times he could give more effort on defense, but an NBA veteran will make sure he plays hard when he gets his chance.Real GM: Chris Douglas-Roberts, shooting guard, MemphisThe Hornets desperately needed a player who could create his own shot off the dribble on the wing and Douglas-Roberts should develop into that player on the NBA level. His combination of skill and length make him a rare prospect, but he clearly needs to strengthen his core.SI.com: Kosta Koufos, center, Ohio StateA versatile center who could affect the Hornets rotation as a rookie. He can score inside and from the perimeter, but hell never be an elite athlete.Sporting News: Courtney Lee, shooting guard, Western KentuckyHe occasionally struggled in big games, but that changed during WKU's Sweet 16 run. His body is better than his game.The Sports Xchange (A): Robin Lopez, center, StanfordLesser of the Lopez twins would be a perfect backup for Tyson Chandler.The Sports Xchange (B): Marreese Speights, power forward, FloridaAn upside pick. Hes not Al Horford. But Speights can bang and defend power forwards and centers with his strong base and long arms. Hell be a better NBA scorer than many believe.Just the picks Draft Express: Ty Lawson, point guard, North CarolinaHoops World: Bill Walker, small forward, Kansas StateMy NBA Draft: Courtney Lee, shooting guard, Western KentuckyPro Basketball News: Brandon Rush, shooting guard, Kansas