How are the Hornets "Feeling" to You?

I think it’s pretty clear that we operate on the “feel” test here at Le Basketbawl, so we’re wondering how everyone is “feeling” about the Hornets at this point?

They have definitely put on quite the show this year and even though I wasn’t sure if they were for real, they continue to prove me wrong. I’m still not getting the “feeling” that they can win it all though.

They almost “feel” a little bit like the Mavericks of 2 years ago. You know, the team that surprisingly rolled to the Finals to face the big dog Miami Heat only to fall short somehow with the series in hand. They have this young core group of players that have gotten really hot lately and everything is flowing so nicely, but in the East we have those cagey veteran Celtics that would love to abuse their lack of experience in an NBA Finals setting.

Now, in no way am I comparing Chris Paul to Dirk because I would expect a fat double slap to the face from every one of you, but I do “feel” like something is missing. I think it has to be experience…oh and they’ll have to go through a certain Laker player.

Let me have your thoughts!

2500 'NBA Family' Members Rebuild New Orleans

After last year's debacle in Las Vegas, the NBA for whatever reason decided to take on New Orleans for the All-Star game. Many players and fans were concerned that New Orleans might not be ready for such an event with Hurricane Katrina still fresh in our hearts and minds.

Las Vegas was a disaster for the league, so this year David Stern wanted to erase those frightening Vegas memories and make a positive statement. He has surely done exactly what he set out to do. This year in New Orleans, the NBA has brought together 2500 people to take part in the rebuilding of this great city.

For those who had concerns, be aware that the NBA has partnered with the state of Louisiana to create a season long rebuilding effort to assist over 30,000 children and build 40 places where families can learn, live and play.

NEW YORK AND NEW ORLEANS, February 7, 2008 – More than 2,500 people attending NBA All-Star 2008 will roll up their sleeves to participate in one of 10 service projects throughout New Orleans on Feb. 15, marking the largest single-day effort by the NBA Family in its ongoing support in rebuilding the city. The All-Star Day of Service, which will highlight a week-long schedule of community events impacting more than several thousand New Orleans-area residents, will include NBA All-Stars and participants, former players, NBA business and media partners and guests.

Over NBA All-Star week you can expect to see 25 community services events including reading rallies, hospital visits and new basketball court dedications. This will be an amazing event that everyone should try to find some time for.

“This season has given the NBA a great opportunity to support the revitalization of a great American city. With our NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service the entire NBA Family along with our marketing and media partners, players and guests are ready to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand. There is nothing more important to the league than helping this city and its people rebuild,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern.

If you will be in New Orleans during this week, here is a list of locations for events:

City Year School Revitalizations Laurel Elementary School 820 Jackson Avenue

McDonogh 35 High School 1331 Kerlerec Street

Rebuilding Together Home Refurbishments Holy Cross Neighborhood 900 Lizardi Street

KaBOOM! Playground Build Mahalia Jackson Center 2102 Freret Street

Hands-on New Orleans Supply Kit Assembly Marriott Hotel 555 Canal Street Hands-on New Orleans School & Home Refurbishments Capdau School 3821 Franklin Avenue

Fairmont Neighborhood 3531 Mandeville Street

Habitat for Humanity Home Builds Musician’s Village 4000 North Roman Street

New Orleans East 4733 Wilson Avenue

Central City 3627 1st. Street

Please read the rest of the article here.

Mark Cuban Takes on the Hornets

Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks is opening his mouth about the horrible situation in New Orleans. The Hornets are on the verge of moving for the second time in a decade and Cuban is not happy about it. In fact, he's taking direct aim at New Orleans owner George Shinn. The Hornets need to average over 14000 fans a night through the 2008-09 season or they may be leaving New Orleans.

"Somebody's got to get off their ass and sell tickets," Cuban said earlier this month. "They've got the best record in the Western Conference and they can't get people to come? That's not New Orleans, that's effort. There's enough people. There's enough basketball fans to get 16, 17,000 people to come, even if they're weekend games. So they have bad nights Monday and Tuesday."

Cuban turned around the Dallas Mavericks by working his tail off and thinks that the Hornets can be saved if someone down in the bayou actually took control. I got to think when Cuban speaks his mind, he's usually got a great point to make. You might want to pay attention New Orleans fans!

The rest of the article can be read here.