Conference 7.286::sports_90

    The Hornets have signed New York Knicks small forward Johnny Newman a
    $5 million offer.  The Knicks are expected to match that offer.
    
    Newman has said he wants out of New York and that he'd love to play for the
    Hornets.  One reason behind this is he is from Danville, Virgina which
    is about a four or five hour drive from Charlotte (unless you're J.R.).
    
    

    In other news, ...
    
    The Hornets blew an opportunity to get diamond-in-the-rough Scott
    Williams by refusing to offer him guaranteed money if he made the team.
    Williams, who had an up-and-down career at the University of North
    Carolina (favorite college team of most Hornets fans) has proven
    he can play with the big boys - sometimes.  Foul problems and
    inconsistency are his main problems, but when you're the Charlotte
    Hornets and you've got a chance to get a guy alot of people thought
    would be a first round pick, well, ...
    
    One theory on Williams failure to be drafted (the personal view of
    yours truly) is that, in an effort to graduate on time, he was unable
    to attend many of the plethora of NBA mini-camps that suddenly seem
    oh-so-important.  The NBA seems to have reacted spitefully, apparently
    not liking the competition presented by things like books, studying,
    classes, and batchelor degrees.
    
    In any case the Chicago Bulls quickly scoffed up Williams, apparently
    satisfying his minimal contract demands with no difficulty.
    
    
    - ACC Chris
    
    
    BTW - thanks for opening this topic Mr. Medvid.  Long overdue!

    � One reason behind this is he is from Danville, Virgina which is about
    � a four or five hour drive from Charlotte (unless you're J.R.).
    
    Or MrT, too, of course.  And in that case, who the hell knows where
    Danville, Virginia might be.
    
    Actually, Danville is closer to about 3� hours from Charlotte.  When we
    relocated from "up Nawth" this past winter, we went down US 29 through
    Charlottesville (sigh!), Lynchburg, Danville, and Greensboro before we
    picked up I-85 into the Queen City.  The Danville-Charlotte leg was the
    last significant segment of the trip.
    
    You ain't lived until you've driven three small kids 500 miles ...
    
    Bob Hunt

�    The Hornets blew an opportunity to get diamond-in-the-rough Scott
�    Williams by refusing to offer him guaranteed money if he made the team.
    
    Seeing as how the Hornets already have 15 players signed to guaranteed
    contracts of one form or another and that NBA teams still only allow 12
    roster slots, I think they made a rather simple decision not to give an
    undrafted player such a deal.
    
    �    ... the University of North Carolina (favorite college team of
    � most Hornets fans) ...
    
    Dream on, pal ...
    
    � Foul problems and inconsistency are his main problems ...
    
    Just the kinda guy whooughta be given a guaranteed deal, right ???
    
    � but when you're the Charlotte Hornets and you've got a chance to get
    � a guy alot of people thought would be a first round pick, well, ...
    
    Let me finish this for you ...
    
    "it's probably a smart idea not to give into his demands for a
    guaranteed deal since 1) he wasn't drafted, 2) the other UNC big man
    you took last year is in 'summer school' this year to learn NBA big man
    moves that he should have learned in college, and 3) you drafted a big
    man (Scheffler) wth your No. 2 pick so let's see how he works out
    before we throw guaranteed money at someone else."
    
    
    � One theory on Williams failure to be drafted (the personal view of
    � yours truly) is that, in an effort to graduate on time, he was unable
    � to attend many of the plethora of NBA mini-camps that suddenly seem
    � oh-so-important.  The NBA seems to have reacted spitefully, apparently
    � not liking the competition presented by things like books, studying,
    � classes, and batchelor degrees.
    
    So what are you saying, that Williams should have punted class to go to
    the mini-camps ???  That he jeopardized his NBA career by studying
    instead ???  Guess again, Soup.    Williams wasn't drafted because
    medicrity doesn't get picked inside of 2 rounds.
    
    Those NBA mini-camps are for draft slotting, period.  People like
    Willie Burton were going to get drafted regardless of what mini-camp
    they attended.  Burton improved his slot by excelling at the camps. 
    There were very few surprises in the draft this year.
    
    If Williams or any other undrafted player wants to get noticed, my
    advice is to play in the Southern California Pro Summer League.  This
    is the famed "Marc Iavaroni" theory.  Iavaroni showed up in SoCal in
    the summer of 1982 and slept in his car for two or three weeks while he
    played for one of the league teams.  The Sixers signed him and 9 months
    later, he had an NBA World Championship ring on his finger.
    
    Bob Hunt

>    You ain't lived until you've driven three small kids 500 miles ...
    
    From what I've read, Giantsmania might rival this
    
    	--dan'l

    
>    Seeing as how the Hornets already have 15 players signed to guaranteed
>    contracts of one form or another and that NBA teams still only allow 12
>    roster slots, I think they made a rather simple decision not to give an
>    undrafted player such a deal.

Williams wasn't seeking a guarantee that he make the roster.  Rather, he
wanted his monetary contract to be determined IF HE MADE THE TEAM.  The
reason he'd want this are obvious.  Why work your butt off to make the
team only to have GeorgeSteinbrenner-wanna-be give you a minimum wage
salary.  Seems like a smart move by Scott, given your owners cheapskate
behavior.  
    
>    �    ... the University of North Carolina (favorite college team of
>    � most Hornets fans) ...
>    
>    Dream on, pal ...
    
Hate to disapoint you Bob, but even you must recognize this as Truth.
The fact is the Charlotte fans *LUV* Carolina.  We sell out EVERY TIME
we play in the Coliseum.  The past year a mediocre Kansas State team
played UNC in Charlotte at a horrible 12:00 noon tip-off time.  The game
was carried by ESPN Live.  And the place was *jammed*.  You can't tell
me there's another college team that could pull this off in Charlotte.

    
>    Just the kinda guy whooughta be given a guaranteed deal, right ???

Read above.

    
>    "it's probably a smart idea not to give into his demands for a
>    guaranteed deal since 1) he wasn't drafted, 2) the other UNC big man
>    you took last year is in 'summer school' this year to learn NBA big man
>    moves that he should have learned in college, and 3) you drafted a big
>    man (Scheffler) wth your No. 2 pick so let's see how he works out
>    before we throw guaranteed money at someone else."

Again, the type of "guarantee" is the key here.  They were NOT 
guaranteeing him a roster spot.
    

>    So what are you saying, that Williams should have punted class to go to
>    the mini-camps ???  That he jeopardized his NBA career by studying
>    instead ???  Guess again, Soup.    Williams wasn't drafted because
>    medicrity doesn't get picked inside of 2 rounds.

Partially correct.  I think it's clear he could've helped himself by
punting classes instead of going to the mini-camps.  (Couldn't have hurt,
now could it?  The guy wasn't drafted!)
    
>    Those NBA mini-camps are for draft slotting, period.  People like
>    Willie Burton were going to get drafted regardless of what mini-camp
>    they attended.  Burton improved his slot by excelling at the camps. 
>    There were very few surprises in the draft this year.

Wonder if Willie Burton graduated.  Wonder how many 2nd semester classes
he passed.  (BTW - Scott graduated with honors on time with a BS in 
Communications.)
    
>    If Williams or any other undrafted player wants to get noticed, my
>    advice is to play in the Southern California Pro Summer League.

Possibly good advise, but what I don't understand is why it's necessary
for a kid to "get noticed" in a summer league, all-star game, or NBA 
mini-camp when he's been playing against top-notch competition for 4
years.  I'm not talking about Williams specifically here.  Perhaps
Scott's just not good enough, but why the hey does Willie Burton's stock
go up dramatically based on mini-camp performance.  Didn't these same
scouts watch him play in college against similar competition??


- ACC Chris
    

    Can we please, Please, PLEASE, *PLEASE* not have this degenerate into
    another rathole note about the TarHeels, the ACC and so on?  Can we
    please try to confine it to the merits (or lack thereof) of the
    Charlotte Hornets?  I'm afraid it's going to degenerate also into more
    discussion of the ACC vs the Big Ten and I think we get enough of all
    these subjects elsewhere.
    
    Thank you.
    
    John

    Hmmm...  Junk notes are okay, but a discussion of hoops ain't.  I don't
    get it.  
    
    As far as I can tell, all the notes I've entered here have been about the
    Charlotte Hornets.  Furthermore, any discussion of the ACC vs. the Big
    Ten has been confined to the appropriate topics.
    
    In short, I don't understand your beef.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

	I haven't heard any news on if the Knicks plan to match Johnny
Newman's offer. When is the 15-day period up? It must be some day this week.

JimH

    Chris, 
    
    I find some of the junk notes rather funny actually.  If you read .4
    and .6, there are definite elements of UNC being the favorite school of
    the Charlotte fans, UNC big men needing remedial work and so on.  To
    me, this all smacks of reviving the battle between various factions of
    the ACC and it seems like we get enough of that in other discussions
    here in SPORTS.  I see it in the discussions of whether JR Reid was
    adequately prepared for the NBA and why, who's a better coach (Dean or
    Knight) and I don't necessarily think those arguments are relevant to
    discussions of the Charlotte Hornets.  I have no problem with this note
    being started as long as we don't wander off into ACC LDUCs.
    
    And the junk notes, while they do provide comic relief, do get tiresome
    after a while.
    
    It may be me.  Yesterday was the anniversary of a bad day in my life, I
    go on vacation at the end of the week and I'm getting more and more
    swamped with work as the week goes on, my 35th birthday is tomorrow and
    that may be bothering me and football season is just around the corner
    and I'm getting anxious for it to start.
    
    Sour Grapes

    The Knicks have until Saturday.  An inside source told the Charlotte
    Observer they were planning on matching the offer.  And Stu Jackson
    said to the NY Daily News, "It's still under consideration, but if I
    were to guess, I'd say we'll match it."
    
    Could be the best news Kelly Tripuka has heard all year.
    
    	--dan'l

    Congrats, JohnH, on your 35th birthday!
    
    Hawk  (35 in 2+ months)

    I echo John's comments about digression into the ACC blah-de-blah, but
    at the same time, let's not clutter up this note with birthday wishes
    to our buddy, OK?
    
    	--dan'l

    Happy birthday to you
    Happy birthday to you
    Happy birthday, dear John Hendry
    Happy birthday to you
    

    I agree not to clutter it up with birthday wishes and besides Dan
    Schneider should get equal time since his birthday is also tomorrow.
    
    I just gotta get out of here for two weeks.  I'm making the trip to
    Montreal with the team in two weeks so that'll be a nice way to cap off
    vacation and I am going to Tiger Mania.  Work has gotten to me big
    time.
    
    The one thing I'll miss about vacation is OURGNG::SPORTS.
    
    The 'Police

>>    The one thing I'll miss about vacation is OURGNG::SPORTS.

If you send me about $75,000 per day you'll be out, I'll mail you hardcopy.  If
that doesn't cover the postage, I'll spring for the difference.

And have a very happy birthday, you old fart.

j.

    John Hendry and Dan Schneider?  Are you sure your names aren't Jos� and
    Ozzie?
    
    Outa here!
    
    	--dan'l

    July 26 is a famous day for sports birthdays.  Besides Dan and me, Jody
    Reed, Hoyt Wilhelm and Bob Lilly were also born today.
    
    John

>>    Reed, Hoyt Wilhelm and Bob Lilly were also born today.

Funny, I thought Hoyt Wilhelm was much older.

j.

    Can we *PLEASE* keep this discussion to the Charlotte Hornets?!
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    I'm not going to mention anything but the Charlotte Hornets anymore is
    this particular note.
    
    John

George Shinn, honorary Tar Heel. Enough said.

The Tar Heel connection that intrigues me with the Hornets is the
possibility of getting Kenny Smith from Atlanta. He still has not
approached the potential that he showed as a college freshman. He'd be
great for a point for the Hornets.

Another possible at point is Nate MacMillan, from NC State. He's being
groomed to ride the pine at Seattle with the Gary Payton 1st round
selection. The rap against Nate is his lack of offense. Everything else
is very solid..

On the injury parade, Brian Rowsom is coming around very slowly from his
back/spine injury that almost paralyzed him. He would have a hard time
making the team anyway. Michael Holton, whom the Hornets went after in a
big way and signed to a multiyear guaranteed contract looks like he is
through with his back injury. In the most unfortunate news of all, Dave
Hopsen looks like he'll be coming back from his injury. He's guaranteed
for this year: guaranteed to get the paycheck and guaranteed to stink the
place up.

It looks like Newman will get the nod from the Knicks. That's good news
for Randolph Keys who would have been in the world of hurt. George like
Kelly Tripucka.

And despite the obvious and complete lack of NBA class talent, the
Hornets are reporting that 97% of their season tickets holders, including
yours truly, renewed this year.

TTom

    Reg .23 Who would the Hornets give up to get Kenny Smith. There has
    been no word here in Atlanta of any possible trade with the Hornets.
    Some time ago there was rumor that smith might be going to the pacers
    but have heard nothing lately.
    
    Mike
    

They'd have to dangle cash in combo with draft picks. On August 1, the
Hornets cap increases dramatically. First of all, every NBA team gets a
big increase from the major TV $s. Secondly, the Hornets were only at the
3/4 cap mark last year, as required of them since they are an expansion
team: 1/2 cap first year, 3/4 cap second year, full 3rd year.

The only player, in my opinion, that they have that might have some
market value is Dell Curry and Atlanta could use a 2 guard.

TTom

Hornets schedule:

	Fri	Nov  2	vs	New York	 7:35
	Sat	Nov  3	at	Orlando		 7:30
	Tue	Nov  6	vs	New Jersey	 7:35
	Wed	Nov  7	at	Cleveland	 7:30
	Fri	Nov  9	at	Minnesota	 8:00
	Sat	Nov 10	at	Chicago		 8:30
	Tue	Nov 13	vs	Washington	 7:35
	Wed	Nov 14	at	Boston		 7:30
	Fri	Nov 16	at	Atlanta		 7:30
	Sat	Nov 17	vs	Cleveland	 7:35
	Mon	Nov 19	at	Philadelphia	 7:30
	Tue	Nov 20	vs	Atlanta		 7:35
	Fri	Nov 23	vs	Miami		 7:35
	Sat	Nov 24	at	Miami		 7:30
	Wed	Nov 28	vs	Milwaukee	 7:35
	Sat	Dec  1	at	New York	 7:30
	Thu	Dec  6	at	Houston		 8:30
	Sat	Dec  8	vs	Denver		 7:35
	Tue	Dec 11	at	New Jersey	 7:30
	Wed	Dec 12	vs	San Antonio	 7:35
	Sat	Dec 15	vs	Houston		 7:35
	Tue	Dec 18	vs	Utah		 7:35
	Thu	Dec 20	vs	Boston		 7:35
	Fri	Dec 21	at	Indiana		 7:30
	Wed	Dec 26	at	Detroit		 7:30
	Thu	Dec 27	vs	Portland	 7:35
	Sat	Dec 29	vs	Orlando		 7:35
	Wed	Jan  2	vs	Milwaukee	 7:35
	Thu	Jan  3	at	Washington	 7:30
	Sat	Jan  5	vs	LA Clippers	 7:35
	Tue	Jan  8	vs	Detroit		 8:00	TNT
	Thu	Jan 10	vs	Sacramento	 7:35
	Sat	Jan 12	vs	Chicago		 7:35
	Tue	Jan 15	at	LA Lakers	10:30
	Wed	Jan 16	at	Denver		 9:30
	Fri	Jan 18	at	San Antonio	 8:30
	Sat	Jan 19	at	Dallas		 8:30
	Tue	Jan 22	vs	New Jersey	 7:35
	Thu	Jan 24	vs	LA Lakers	 7:35
	Sat	Jan 26	vs	Philadelphia	 7:35
	Tue	Jan 29	at	Cleveland	 7:30
	Wed	Jan 30	at	Indiana		 7:30
	Fri	Feb  1	vs	Boston		 7:35
	Sun	Feb  3	at	Milwaukee	 2:30
	Mon	Feb  4	vs	Seattle		 7:35
	Wed	Feb  6	at	Boston		 7:30
	Thu	Feb  7	at	Atlanta		 7:30
	Tue	Feb 12	vs	Dallas		 7:35
	Fri	Feb 15	vs	Milwaukee	 7:35
	Sat	Feb 16	at	Miami		 7:30
	Tue	Feb 19	vs	Indiana		 7:35
	Fri	Feb 22	vs	Detroit		 7:35
	Sat	Feb 23	at	Chicago		 8:30
	Mon	Feb 25	at	Phoenix		 9:30
	Wed	Feb 27	at	Sacramento	10:30
	Fri	Mar  1	at	Seattle		10:00
	Sat	Mar  2	at	Golden State	10:30
	Mon	Mar  4	vs	Phoenix		 7:35
	Tue	Mar  5	at	Indiana		 7:30
	Sat	Mar  9	at	Milwaukee	 9:00
	Tue	Mar 12	vs	Washington	 7:35
	Wed	Mar 13	at	Detroit		 7:30
	Fri	Mar 15	vs	Chicago		 7:35
	Sun	Mar 17	at	New Jersey	 7:00
	Tue	Mar 19	vs	New York	 7:35
	Thu	Mar 21	at	Utah		 9:30
	Fri	Mar 22	at	LA Clippers	10:30
	Sun	Mar 24	at	Portland	 8:00
	Tue	Mar 26	vs	Golden State	 7:35
	Thu	Mar 28	vs	Philadelphia	 7:35
	Fri	Mar 29	at	Philadelphia	 7:30
	Sun	Mar 31	at	Washington	 1:00
	Tue	Apr  2	vs	Detroit		 7:35
	Thu	Apr  4	vs	Atlanta		 7:35
	Fri	Apr  5	at	Cleveland	 7:30
	Sun	Apr  7	vs	Cleveland	 2:05
	Tue	Apr  9	vs	Indiana		 7:35
	Fri	Apr 12	vs	Minnesota	 7:35
	Tue	Apr 16	vs	Miami		 7:35
	Wed	Apr 17	at	Atlanta		 7:30
	Fri	Apr 19	vs	Chicago		 7:35
	Sat	Apr 20	at	New York	 8:30

TTom

    Sorry to jump off da subjek,.. but rumor has it that Charlette will
    be one da lucky ones ta get a NFL expansion franchice.  Is there a
    note that discusses this topic?
    
    Ducky

    Ducky,
    
    DIR/TITLE=NFL says that the offical NFL topic is #5.

    Hey Mac, don't be too hard on "Ducky"...he drafted Troy Aikman as his
    starting QB last year in our FFL league. Obviously he's not playing
    with a full deck.
    
    In fact, the only two teams that failed to make the playoffs in our
    league last year were Ducky's and Devil Dog's...
    
    
    JoJ

    Re: .29
    
    >Hey Mac, don't be too hard on "Ducky"...he drafted Troy Aikman as his
    >starting QB last year in our FFL league. Obviously he's not playing
    >with a full deck.
    
    Why Waddle, you New Jersey swamp scum. If I remember correctly,..I
    drafted Boomer Esiason, and you had Girly Kosar, the side armed
    zoozak. Yeah, maybees me and da Devil Dawg didn't make da playoffs,
    but out teams did have "some" talent, unlike yo "Nads" franchise.
    check it out...
    
    Sacramento Steroids         Colorado Nads
    
    Boomer Esiason              Berntup Kosar
    Jim Kelly                   Rotten Peete
    Christian Okoye             Timid Spencer
    Herschel Walker            *Bobby "Hump-dis" 
    Eric Metcalf                Eric Bickerson
    Tim McGee                   Al needs a Toon-up
    Eddie Brown                 Kmarkt Duper
    Curtis Duncan               Paul "wanna be large-nt" Skansi
    Anthony Miller              Jo Jo White...uh, I mean Townhouse
    Clarence Verdin             Anthony Brownstain, who's he??
    Mark Bavaro                 Keith Jackndabox
    Tony Zendejas               Mark "Bahr him he's drunk"
    Philidelphia Defense        Jets "bend but don't win" Defense
    
    
    Ha! Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
    
    Get a real team, the guys in Jersey are gonna have fun with you in
    their league brotha'.
    
    The Duck
    
    
    

    RE: last few 
    
    Is it too late to sign up for FFL and where can we get information
    about the different teams and how they are doing.  I am sure interested
    in joining if there is still room, or watching how y'all do this year.
    
    Enquiring minds want to know.
    
     

    Not to play policeman, but FFL has nothing to do with the Charlotte
    Hornets.
    
    John

    Hey Stevie...your lineup may be awesome on paper, but you never beat my
    team head to head.
    
    In fact, you were consistenly last in the Wardle_Index Power Ratings.
    
    JoJ

    Re: .33
    
> In fact, you were consistenly last in the Wardle_Index Power Ratings.
    
    JoJ, your Power Rating Index had about the same amount of credibility 
    as the Jet's offensive line last year.  Does "goose egg" ring a bell??
    Lets, continue dis de-scussion in da O-fissall Jets note.
    
    Sorry Hornet Noters...
    
    Das Duck

    The Knicks decided not to match the Hornets offer for Johnny Newman. 
    He therefore becomes a Hornet with a $1.25 million per year contract.
    
    New York wanted to match the offer, but decided it would push their
    salary cap too close to the limit.  If Kiki Vandeweghe can't make the
    grade like he did at the end of last year, it's a big loss for the
    Knicks.
    
    	--dan'l

Gotta give the Hornets some credit.  

They made the offer sheet to Newman so that it would just barely tip over the
Knicks' salary cap structure and they timed it so that it would expire just
days before the NBA teams all get a big boost in their cap ceiling.

All's fair, I guess ...

Bob Hunt

P.S.  Kelly Tripucka is on thin ice.

I thought that teams were allowed to go over the salary cap when
matching an offer to a restricted free agent.  Anybody up on this
salary cap mumbo jumbo?  Maybe I should place a call to Jan Volk
since apparently that's all he's good for these days.

Knicks are really hurting now.  They've got holes at the 2 and 3 
spots.  They would have been better off drafting Willie Glass to
fill the 3 spot instead of taking a chance on Mustaf who apparently
is more suited to power forward.

Laker_Ken

 Yes Laker_Ken, you can go over the salary cap to resign your own players,
 but once you're over it inhibits you from dealing for new players. Given
 that all teams will get a million plus boost this week to the salary cap
 possibly the Knicks felt hey we save 1.2 million here with Newman, we get
 the boost next week of a million and then we offer HotRod Williams 2.5+
 million to play for us.

 I'm not saying this is going to happen but obviously the Knicks are looking
 to do some dealing and decided to save the bucks and make an offer to another
 player...

 Knicks' management seems to know what they are doing. I thought that they
 were crazy when they signed Ewing to 30 million for 10 years but with the
 way things are going, the last 4 years or so Ewing's contract will be a
 bargain for the Knicks....

 but then again he'll probably reneogiate....

mike
 

    Mustaf has been compared to John Williams of Washington, only
    because he's as fat as him!  ;-)
    
    How many guys do the Hornets have now in the 6-5 range who can
    play the 2 or 3 position?  I count five - Tripucka, Newman,
    Chapman, Gill, and Curry, plus two other small forwards in Keys
    and Gattison (who signed a multi-year contract).  And if J.R.
    Reid plays power forward, that may move Gilliam to small forward!
    
    Quite the logjam!!!
    
    NAZZ

    Yes, for the first time in their brief history, the Hornets can
    actually say the word "depth" and not evoke snickers around the league.
    
    They are now deep at every position except point guard.  They have 3
    players at small forward in Tripucka, Keys, and now Johnny Newman. 
    Plus three players at shooting guard in Gill, Chapman, and Curry.
    
    The competition for jobs should be fierce.  As it should be.  Tripucka
    better put away his crying towel and get his butt moving.
    
    The Hornets will most likely make a trade or two to help ease the
    logjams at a few positions.  I would prefer that they trade for draft
    picks so they can keep improving their depth.   Dell Curry is the most
    logical trade bait.   I'd hate to see him go but, if he does, the
    Hornets should try to get a future No. 1 pick for him.
    
    Bob Hunt

Re. Hornets' depth --

What do they have at center besides J.R.?  And is the feeling in
Charlotte that J.R. is their center of the future?

    As a Knicks fan, I'm tickled pink that Johnny Newman is gone.  Good
    riddance, and hey, Johnny, don't let the door hit yer butt on the
    way out.
    
    The guy couldn't cover Bing Crosby...and he's a ball hog.
    
    JD

    
    Charlotte is loading up with ex-Cavs... Curry, Keys and now Newman...
    maybe they'll go after Turpin next!
    

    The Hornets have J.R. Reid at center and they drafted Steve Scheffler,
    Purdue's Big Ten Player Of The Year, in the 2nd round.
    
    Admittedly, Reid is out of position and needs work to learn the pro
    pivot game.   Scheffler is perhaps short on spectacular skills but he
    is solid in the fundamentals and bulk departments.  Hey, Mike Gminski
    has made a 10-year career for himself with solid fundamentals and a
    decent outside shot.   True, Scheffler may not have the outside J but
    I'll take a big man with an inside game any day.  Hell, Manute Bol has
    lasted half a dozen years with no offensive game at all.
    
    If Scheffler can deliver more than just backup minutes, Reid can split
    time with Gilliam at power forward and, more importantly, Reid can face
    the basket and not have to worry about his weak inside game anymore.
    
    Somebody runs a yearly camp in Southern California just for big men.  I
    forget the guy's name.  Pete somebody.   Apparently, this camp is just
    for pivot men so they can practice and learn against each other.  J.R.
    Reid is supposed to attend this camp later in August.   Again, further
    fuel to the fire that he came out of school somewhat less prepared than
    he perhaps should have.
    
    Bob Hunt

>    If Scheffler can deliver more than just backup minutes, Reid can split
>    time with Gilliam at power forward and, more importantly, Reid can face
>    the basket and not have to worry about his weak inside game anymore.
 
I would position Scheffler as an Ed Nealy-type with a little better athletic
skills and offensive game.   He has the ugliest shot this side of Walter Berry,
but it went in more often than anyone else's in the Big 10.   If they use
him for 10-12 minutes a game, he'll probably put up a line of 3-5 FG, 2-2 FT,
4 reb., 1 block on a regular basis.... For him to even achieve that is a 
great accomplishment considering where he has come from.

>    Somebody runs a yearly camp in Southern California just for big men.  I
>    forget the guy's name.  Pete somebody.   Apparently, this camp is just

Pete Newell... I think he was a college coach out west for a long time.

His camp will soon be replaced by Kevin McHale's as the hot spot... No joke.
McHale appears to be an able and willing teacher of the inside post game.

    � He has the ugliest shot this side of Walter Berry, but it went in
    � more often than anyone else's in the Big 10.
    
    Scheffler himself admits this.  But he also insisted that he
    concentrated on working himself free to get a crack at only the highest
    percentage shots.   Which helped him set the NCAA record for career
    field goal percentage at .678, I believe.   Not to disagree with you,
    Doug.  I think he's got "journeyman" written all over him.   However,
    I'm not unhappy with the Hornets' drafting of this guy's work ethic.
    
    � If they use him for 10-12 minutes a game, he'll probably put up a
    � line of 3-5 FG, 2-2 FT, 4 reb., 1 block on a regular basis.... For him
    � to even achieve that is a  great accomplishment considering where he
    � has come from.

    Agreed.   Anything above that is a bonus.  I hope he can deliver.
    
    � Pete Newell

    Thanks. that's the guy.  I hope J.R. takes notes.
    
    � His camp will soon be replaced by Kevin McHale's as the hot spot...
    � No joke. McHale appears to be an able and willing teacher of the inside
    � post game.

    I can think of a helluva lot worse pivot game teachers than McHale. 
    See that ???  I can even compliment a Celtic.   Must be getting weak in
    my old age.  But, you gotta admit, he is not going to appear on the
    cover of GQ any time soon.  The guy is a lifetime member of the
    All-Ugly team.
    
    Bob Hunt
    

    re McHale
    
    FrankenHale will forever make my All-Ugly Hall Of Fame (1st Ballot),
    and he's a Septic, but he also probably has the best post moves in the
    game... anybody from 8th grade to pro can pick up something by watching
    him move in the low blocks. He's incredible.
    
    Pete Newell is still the man though. What he did with guys like Kermit
    Washington is sometimes nothing short of amazing.

    Re: Bob Hunt
    
    I really think that Charlotte will switch Gill to Point Guard, he's
    played the position before and definately has the tools and smarts
    to be succesful there.  That would open up the shooting guard/small
    forward position and maybe reduce the logjam that has been created....
    
    Cap

Word from the Hornets' rookie camp is that Keith Smart from Indiana will get an
invitation to attend the Hornets' pre-season camp.

He apparently is impressive enough at point guard to get another peek with the
big boys.

I still think Kendall Gill is a 2 guard and that Dell Curry is on the trading
block.

Bob Hunt

    If Keith Smart couldn't start for the Worcester Counts, I don't
    see how he could make an NBA team!
    
    As for Gill handling the point, handling is the key word.  Can he 
    handle the ball well enough to become a point guard?  Maybe eventually,
    but that would be a lot to ask a rookie to run the offense when he
    wasn't even used to doing it in college.
    
    NAZZ

>    If Keith Smart couldn't start for the Worcester Counts, I don't
>    see how he could make an NBA team!
    
    Take a look at the title of this topic and that should clear all
    confusion. ;-)
    
    	--dan'l

Don't look for Gill at the point. He'll pull more time at 3 and mostly
will be a shooter.

TTom

    I think he'll be a surprise, he played the point at times at Illinois
    and did the same at the NBA trials, showing Charlotte brass that
    he could handle it if needed....  Charlotte will not be a strong
    team, until they get someone competent on both ends of th court.
    
    Bougues is not the answer.....
    
    Cap

    George Shinn(brenner), Hornets owner, met with MLB commissioner Vincent
    to express his interest in owning a baseball team.  He owns the
    Charlotte Knights (AA Cubs) who actually play in York County, SC.
    
    The joke I heard is that Shinn would buy the Yanks, move them to SC,
    and call them the N�w York Yankees.
    
    	--dan'l

    Have the Hornets signed Kendal Gil yet?  Are they even close?

No they're about 1/2 mil apart. Kendall wants 2.3, based on what Dennis
Scott signed for with Orlando - 2.4 - and the Hornets have offered him
1.7 to which Gill declined. I don't think that it's gotten "bitter" yet,
but I know that the Hornets want it resolved in time for him to show up
in camp.

On a related front, the Hornets signed Andre Turner and a widebody
McCants just to keep things honest in camp. Without Gill, the Hornets
look about the same as the last couple of years. Muggsey and Jim Les at
the point, Rex Chapman and Dell Currey at 2, Kelly Tripucka and
Randolph Keys at small forward, JR Reid and Armond Gilliam at power
forward and the designated center/stiff, Dave Hoppen.

TTom

Oh yeah, the Horents added Johnny Newman from the Knicks.

TTom

It's official: the Hornets start camp today at Appalachian St (Boone,
NC), without 1st round draft choice Kendall Gill. Supposedly his demand
has come down to a mere $2M which puts him and the Hornets about 1/4 mil
apart.

TTom

    Charlotte signed Kendall Gill this morning.  The contract is around
    $1.8 million a year.
    
    In other news, Hornets VP Allan Bristow apologized to Gill's agent, Arn
    Tellem (who is also Eric Dickheadson's agent) after Bristow on Thrusday
    shoved Tellem during negotiations in Charlotte.
    
    Here's the funny thing: Bristow drove Tellem to the airport and
    apparently everything was fine.  Then suddenly the NBA gets a letter
    from Tellem demanding that Bristow be fined, suspended, or fired. 
    Bristow then removed himself from the negotiations.
    
    In Bristow's NBA statement he says: "I deeply regret that this incident
    ever took place and I never should have touched Arn.  We were
    negotiating hard on behalf of our clients and I guess I just got
    carried away.  Arn conducted himself professionally at all times, and I
    know that I was wrong and I am sorry."
    
    Bristow also offered to pay Tellem's medical bills.  
    
    In return, Tellem will not seek legal action.
    
    Now, how much of Bristow's statement do you believe?  An agent
    conducting himself professionally?  Isn't that a contradiction?  Right,
    Bristow is so hot tempered that he just looked at ol' Arn and decided
    to t-off on him.  What a joke!
    
    	--dan'l

It almost seems that the Hornets accepted the terms that Tellem was
demanding for Gill. I mean the scenario went from impass to punch-out to
settelment of same to signing the contract.

Not a bad negotiating techinique: get the other guy to punch you and then
threaten to sue unless they sign your man.

TTom

    With Gill and Chapman in camp, where does Muggsy Bogues fit in?
    
    _Walt

   � With Gill and Chapman in camp, where does Muggsy Bogues fit in?
    
    Underneath them, obviously ...  :-)   Bogues is 5'-3", the shortest
    player in the league.
    
    Walt, you're missing something here.   Rex Chapman and Kendall Gill are
    shooting guards, or "2" guards.   Muggsey Bogues is pure point guard,
    or "1" guard.  There's no contention between the "1"s and "2"s on the
    Hornets.
    
    The better question is what do the Hornets do with THREE 2 guards,
    namely Chapman, Gill, and Dell Curry.
    
    Smart money says Curry is trade bait since his value is higher than
    Chapman's and Gill is the new kid on the block.
    
    Bob Hunt

    
    Where does Mugsy Bogues fit in?
    
    How about a guitar case! 8^)
    
    
    
    Steve

The Hornets are very crowded at both 2 and 3. Curry, Chapman and Gill
will all compete for 2. At 3, there's newly signed Johnny Newman, up and
comer - hopefully - Randolph Keys, and leftover Kelly Tripucka. If and
when the Hornets get a center, JR Reid would move to full time power
forward possibly moving Armon Gilliam and his noted lack of wanting to
mix it up in the middle as another small forward candidate.

The only good news is that with Gill and Newman, the Hornets have more
talent than last year.

TTom

    I didn't know if there were plans to start Gill and Chapman together.

    Dick Vitale's basketball mag had a great quote abotu Rex Chapman -
    
    	"All of the other coaches in the NBA fear Rex Chapman the most.
         They fear he might play FOR them someday."
    
    Rex is a bust.  Two more years at Kentucky would have made him a
    second round pick this year.   Your shooting guard has to shoot
    better than 42%... and he's already started off this preseason like
    he ended last year with a FG% around 30%.   
    
    I remember once two years ago in his rookie season comparing him 
    to Danny Ainge.  I apologize to Ainge.   Maybe the Hornets could 
    sucker the Celts into taking him and Armon Gilliam for McHale.

    FWIW, Chapman spent the winter adding some muscle.  That doesn't
    necessarily improve his shooting ability, but it makes him more
    "NBAish" and in a few of the charity games over the off season he was
    filling it up.
    
    	--dan'l

In Camp news, it looks like the next 2 Hornets to go will be Jim Les,
from Utah, and perennial camp player Andre Turner.

In the battle for the who shows up in the middle. That looks like either
Hoppen or Scheffler goes.

TTom

    The Hornets should keep Steve Scheffler and boot Dave Hoppen.   Might
    not happen, though, since George Shinn hates to eat guaranteed
    contracts like the one Happen has.
    
    Scheffler is short on NBA talent but he's a widebody and he hits hard. 
    Hoppen is a geek.
    
    What about Richard Anderson ???  Isn't he on the bubble, too ???
    
    Also, it looks like J.R. Reid took good notes in class this summer.  
    He scored at will against the Sixers on Saturday night when they put
    Manute Bol on him.   Bol stayed low in the paint and J.R. took
    advantage of it and hit a bunch of high-post jumpers.
    
    And Johnny Newman has made a *huge* impact so far.  The Hornets ran the
    Mavericks right out of the building.  They got more transition points
    in one quarter than they would have gotten in a week last year.
    
    Kendall Gill looks impressive, too.   The Hornets could surprise a lot
    of people this year.   They could win 30 games and be one of the last
    lottery pick teams.   Remember that they're back in the Mideast
    Division this year where the teams are tougher (Pistons, Bulls, ...)
    but the travel is *MUCH* easier now.
    
    Bob Hunt

    Carolina was one of the finalists for the services of Rex Chapman and,
    in hindsight, I'm glad we never signed him.  Granted, his game would've
    improved dramatically under Dean (like, maybe he would've developed a
    conscience when it comes to shot selection) but he's a shooter, and an
    erratic one at that.  
    
    FWIW I put Hubie Davis in the same category, except Hubie's shown a
    determination to play "D".
    
    
    - ACC Chris
    

Give me a call when Hubie becomes a first round draft choice, Chris.

As far as Anderson goes, he is on the bubble. The issue may revolve
around whether or not Michael Holton makes the team. One scenario has
Anderson being waived, having Holton on the team to start the year and
then placing him on IR and bringing back Anderson. Littles likes
Anderson, who at 6'10" has good speed and seems to be willing to play
team ball.

TTom

    Someone previously mentioned that they could win 30 games and be
    one of the last lottery teams to pick.  Theoretically they could
    win 0 games and be the last lottery pick.  Remember, it IS a lottery,
    or luck of the draw.
    
    The Wizard

Not exactly.  If they won 0 games, they could pick no worse than 4th.
There could miss drawing 1, 2, or 3, but they would come next, assuming
no one else finishes with 0 wins. The lottery assures that the team with
the worst record picks no worse than 4th.

TTom

    At any rate, you missed my point ...
    
    If the Hornets win 30 games, they will most likely still be one of the
    teams that gets a lottery pick.  And, yes, they could get the No. 1
    pick of the draft if they win the lottery.
    
    However, if they win 30 games, they will be one of the last teams to
    *qualify* for a lottery pick.  As opposed to a team that might only
    15-20 games and be one of the first to qualify.
    
    Bob Hunt

    How does Kendall Gill look so far?  I just drafted him today.
    
    Mike

    Gill has played well in the first two preseason games.  Rex Chapman is
    sweating, believe me.  In the third preseason game against NJ last
    night Gill played 15 minutes and scored 5 points.  
    
    If you're going to draft anyone from the Hornets, though, you might
    want to go for Johnny Newman.  He has led the Hornets in scoring in all
    three games.
    
    	--dan'l

    Newman is gone already.  Hopefully Gill will add to my bench.
    
    Mike

Mike, you shoulda took Kelly ;-)

TTom

>    How does Kendall Gill look so far?  I just drafted him today.
 
    Hey, Mike, for future reference, it is sometimes more effective if you
    find something out about a guy BEFORE you bid on him! :-)
    
    ML, who should talk :-)
 

I'll report on Kendall Gill and the rest of the team after this weekend.

Tonight is the start of what they're calling The Future Four: Orlando and
Charlotte play tonight, as does Miami and Minnesota. The winners play
Saturday night, as to the losers.

I don't know everyone else schedule of cutting players - nor the leagues
dates - but the Hornets will definitely be cutting some of these players
Monday morning. Jim Les has earned his way off the "Certain to cut" list
with his play the other night against the Nets. Andre Turner is still
gone. The issue of who will be occupying space in the middle when the
season starts might also be settled. There's a decent chance that there
might be a god and Dave Hoppen may be let go. Almost everyone left has
some guaranteed money so that won't be a big factor.

Later
TTom

>    Hey, Mike, for future reference, it is sometimes more effective if you
>    find something out about a guy BEFORE you bid on him! :-)
    
    I did, I watch some college ball ;-)  At least he'll get PT in
    Charlotte ;-)  Besides this wasn't in the league we're in together.
    
>    ML, who should talk :-)
    
    Really!  Don't you have over 50% rookies on your team?  You're gonna
    get wailed on my friend ;-)
    
    Mike

Kelly Tripucka is threatening to leave the Hornets. They should be so
lucky!

He's miffed at the move to start Johnny Newman at small forward. I mean
just becuase Newman is faster, quicker, jumps higher, shoots better,
plays better D and plays team ball, is that any reason to not start
Kelly? 

He's quoted as saying that he could understand riding the pine for a good
team - like he did at Utah before the Hornets rescued him - but not with
a bad team, which is his opinion of the Hornets. Just one question Kelly:
who do you think is interested in you?

I hope he leaves, boycotts, or otherwise doesn't play. That will allow
the Hornets to keep or get another player.

TTom

    I couldn't agree more with you, TTom.   Later, Kelly, it's been real.
    
    Tripucka was complaining that this will hurt him financially because
    he's eligible for free agency after the season and won't be able to
    attract a big contract if he's not a starter this year.  Nice team
    spirit, Kelly.
    
    Coach Gene Littles, ever the diplomat, was quoted as saying something
    to the effect that he'd be disappointed if *any* of his players took a
    demotion easily or casually.  But, he did say that Tripucka would get
    the same minutes he got last year just not as a starter for right now.
    
    Who knows, Newman may be better as a sixth man.  But the has earned the
    starting slot and Tripucka needs to suck on it or hit the road.
    
    Hornets beat Minnesota last night to run their pre-season record to
    5-1.   The Hornets are a very improved team this year and with their
    resettlement back into the Mideast Division, they won't have as much
    travel to do and should have a better record.   30 wins is a reasonable
    goal.
    
    Now, if only Dave Hoppen would help him pack his bags ...
    
    Bob Hunt

>> Just one question Kelly:
>> who do you think is interested in you?

	can he rebound?

	getting desperate in Miami,
	Kathy

    Tripucka rebound ???
    
    Way too funny.  Please, stop it.  Kelly Tripucka wouldn't know a
    rebound if it smacked him in the face.   And he's one of the best
    "matador" defenders there is.
    
    Bob Hunt
    
    P.S.  There's no reason for desperation in Miami.  The Heat are set the
    best of all the recent expansion teams.  They have solid, young talent
    that will mature into a contender quicker than the other three new
    teams.

The only one Kelly might rebound against is Armond Hammer. I've never
seen anyone this big be so laid back, charitably speaking. Good on O. 
No D. He and Kelly often stay down on the offense end while the team goes
5 on 3. Standing in the wrong lane waiting for the outlet pass from a 
steal. 

TTom

    Charlotte Hornets cut Richard Anderson and Michael Holton to bring
    their final roster to:
    
    Muggsy Bogues	G
    Rex Chapman		G
    Del Curry		G
    Kendall Gill	G
    Kenny Gattison	F
    Armon Gilliam	F
    Randolph Keys	F
    Johnny Newman	F
    Kelly Tripuka	F
    Dave Hoppen		C
    Steve Sheffler	C
    J.R. Reid		F-C
    
    Because of the Hornets outstanding fan support and merchandise sales,
    Sports Illustrated has picked them as the favorite for an NFL expansion
    franchise.
    
    	--dan'l
    

Well the issue of who's going to play the point besides Muggsy has 
become official. Holton started the preseason looking like he would win a
spot. It actually made sense to have a 2nd point guard, allowing Curry,
Gill and Chapman to play 2-3. Well now they're relegated to the 1-2
rotation. I guess Dell would get the nod, at least over Chapman, with
Gill untried at the position, at least in the NBA.

Anderson was an obvious cut. They jerked Keys around, pretending that
they were going to cut him, but you knew all along it would be Anderson,
who at 6'10" is really a small forward.

Both Holton and Anderson have guaranteed money, which hopefully irks
George Shinn.

TTom

Hornets open tonight against the visiting NY Knicks. The Knicks will be
without backup forward Kenny Walker who was put on IR.

The 2 points of interest may be the 4 point spread that many consider a
little low and the big question of the night: will the fans get to see 
Stewart Gray play and maybe even lose it. Gray, as you might recall, is
the former Hornet who took on the entire Lakers team and even though he
obviously can't play basketball and may be certifiably loony was traded
to the Knicks.

TTom

    Heard on the radio this morning that the Las Vegas odds against the
    Charlotte Hornets winning the NBA title this year are ...
    
    	1,000,000 to 1.
    
    It would be a helluva payoff, wouldn't it ???
    
    Bob Hunt
    
    P.S.  Pistons were 4:1 and Lakers were 5:1.  Heat and Magic were
    2,000,000 to 1.

    
    
    	I also noted that the Celtics were a 20 to 1 shot which wouldn't
    be a bad payoff either.
    
    							bill..g.
    

For the first time that I can remember, the Hornets are at .500!

The beat Orlando last night, 104-97 to even their record at 1-1 after
losing opening night to the Knicks in ovetime by 4.

The star of the game was Kenny Gattison who, playing part time, had 6
rebounds and 6 blocked shots. 

It is tempting to get excited about this lofty status except that Orlanda
is pitiful and the Knicks without Ewing are less than average.

TTom

    Hornets never should have lost to the Knicks, either.   They had a
    five point lead with about 3 minutes to go in overtime.  Armon Gilliam
    fouled out, they lost their inside power game, and they only scored a
    single point from that time on.  No such thing as a moral victory. 
    Should be 2-0 right now.
    
    Knicks' coach Stu Jackson said after the game that it's time to remove
    the word "expansion" from the Hornets' name.  He also was impressed by
    Kendall Gill.  Called him the best young player in the league.
    
    Bob Hunt

A lot of the credit to the loss to the Knicks belongs to Littles. It
became apparent in the overtime that the lineup that the Hornets were
playing with would not score. Meanwhile, Dell Curry, who had set up the
overtime with a couple of very clutch 3 pointers, sat on the bench. The
other hot shooter of the night - and forgive me for saying this - was
Kelly Tripucka, who also was seated.

Littles did the same thing at Orlando but they weren't good enough to
pull out the win.

Here's hoping the someone helps Littles review the film.

TTom

    Tripucka is shooting 67% after two games.  Amazing what a little
    motivation can do to a player's performance.  Kelly whined about losing
    his starting job to Newman and then proceeds to scorch the nets.  He'll
    cool off soon enough.
    
    I heard Littles on the radio this morning say that he wasn't going to
    start Tripucka over Newman just yet.   He said "We're winning and I
    don't want to mess with the lineup."  
    
    Oh really, Gene, we're winning ???   We're 1-1, Gene, and we should be
    2-0.  I think you meant to say that "We're playing good ball and ..." 
    Talk to me about this winning stuff when you get the team *OVER* .500. 
    Could be this Tuesday against the Nets.
    
    I, too, thought Littles was just sitting still trying to hang on in the
    OT against the Knicks.   Strange stuff.  The Hornets had that game and
    let it just slip away.  Almost as if they were afraid to win.  The
    Knicks must have been pleased with their gift.
    
    Bob Hunt

    Hornets win again.  Beat the Nets 113-108 on a terrific 4th quarter
    performance by Muggsy Bogues.  Though they're only 2-1, this is their
    first winning record ever in the regular season.
    
    And the Nets get the award for the ugliest new uniforms in the NBA.  
    
    	--dan'l

    And if the season ended today they'd be in the playoffs.
    
    Remember, you heard it here first.
    
    Bob Hunt

    There is a new Rotisserie guide to the NBA that sums up each player's
    worth in a few words.  For Rex Chapman it says, "He dunks like a
    brother but shoots like your mother."
    
    So far this season, however, Chapman is five for six from 3 point
    range.  Rex is POed for not being put on the All-Star ballot and
    perhaps he might be out to prove something.  Hornets fans can only
    hope.
    
    	--dan'l

Good effort by Armon Gilliam last night. Evidently he's hearing about his
soft game and, by the looks of these early games, he's doing something
about it. 14 rebounds and 27 points, last night.

TTom

    Re: Gilliam
    
    Let's see if he keeps it up in February and March when it is hard to
    prepare for treks to Minnesota, Sacramento, Denver, etc.
    
    Mike

Hell, I'll be happy if he keeps it up for the next game.

TTom

Big win for the Hornets last night. They beat Washington, 120-105. Star
of the game is an ever improving Armon Gilliam. As an aside to Mike
Heiser, I swear I'm not making this up. Armon is hustling on defense,
offensive boards and even assists. As a tribute to this new attitude,
he's actually getting double teamed. Of course, when Kelly Tripucka is on
the court, who would you cover: ABK, Anybody But Kelly.

Anyway, Armon had 39 points, 12 rebouds - 6 offensive - and 3 assists,
which match his previous career total, just kidding.

TTom

 Our man Armon and the rest of the Hornets seem to love Charlotte
 home-cooking because they sure stunk it up on the 3-game road trip they
 just finished before beating the Bullets here last night.
 
 Gilliam is playing inspired ball but only at home.   They all need to move
 their game up a notch on the road.  Speaking of which ...
 
 Tonight in Boston.  Anybody remember who sat in the press box at last
 year's Celtics-Hornets game ???
 
 Bob Hunt

>Anyway, Armon had 39 points, 12 rebouds - 6 offensive - and 3 assists,
    
    That's a pretty good FBA night!  Good for 54 points!
    
    I'm glad he's helping ya'll out ;-)
    
    Mike

    It helps me out in the BRA league also. And I need all the help that
    I can get.
    
    Dave

    The Hornets had great games last night from Gill, Gilliam, Chapman,
    Curry, Newman, and even JR was solid.  But all of that couldn't
    overcome an awesome performance by one Mr. Larry Bird.  
    
    I'm interested in the opinions of you Celtic fans who watched the game.
    Were the Hornets impressive for a third-year team or what?
    
    	--dan'l

    What impressed me about the Hornets was how short they were!
    This is a small team, and I'm talking about the frontcourt,
    not Bogues.  Getting 15 shots blocked is an amazing total
    against the high-flying (yeah, right!) Celtics.  Give the
    Hornets Shaquille O'Neal nexted season, move JR Reid to power
    forward, and cut Tripucka, and they'd be at least a .500 team.
    
    NAZZ

I agree, Nazz. The other night on the Hornets radio show, they were
talking Shaquille up, big time. Unfortunately, they aren't talking enough
about cutting Tripucka.

TTom

    I was one Celts fan who was very impressed with the Hornets last night.
    They have three solid shooting guards (Gill looked very good), Muggsy,
    and a bunch of hard working big men up front...  I can see why they are
    doing well in that nuthouse in Charlotte.  Give them one or two more
    lottery picks, and they will be a contender in 3-5 years! ('Course,
    they're bound to lose patience and screw it up before then...)
    
    But I was impressed!
    
    ML

    .105� Tonight in Boston.  Anybody remember who sat in the press box at last
    .105� year's Celtics-Hornets game ???
    
    	Dahhh!   Wus dit U! Coach? :*)
    
    B.A.

2 big wins over the weekend. Friday night, the Hornets won on the road at
Atlanta. The most impressive part of that was that they withstood
Atlanta's last ditch frantic effort at the end of the game. Despite poor
free throw shooting that could have iced it, the Hornets kept their
composure while Dominique tried to win it single-handed. Thanks, 'Nique.

On Saturday, maybe the best game the Hornets have played - ever - they
won at home against Cleveland. All of the anti-Rex Chapman crowd had a
rough night. In fact, Rex is starting to look like what the coaches have
been hoping for. A typical effort from the weekend: on Friday nitht, he
made a crucial defensive play that stopped the Atlanta charge. After
making a long jump shot he hustled back to block a pass to Dominique who
had camped out at the Atlanta end. Not that big a deal, maybe, but an
indication that he's actually involved in the team game.

TTom

    It looks like Rex "I never saw a shot I didn't take" Chapman is finally
    reaching that plateau in the pros that he reached his sophomore year at
    Kentucky.  He is 14 of 23 from 3-point range this season and is playing
    the floor well.  Still a little rusty on defense overall, but I'll take
    it.
    
    	--dan'l

    Rex Chapman should be a rookie this year.   Can't forget that he left
    Kentucky after his sophomore year.
    
    The Atlanta win on Friday night was very special.  It was the Hornets'
    first-ever road win against another Central Division team.   And the
    win over the Cavs on Saturday night was just as impressive.  These are
    the kind of wins that will help in the quest for 30 total wins.  If
    they manage to play this well for an extended period of time, 35 is not
    out of the question.   If they win 40, it's a miracle ...
    
    Tonight against Philly.  You'll never guess who I'm pulling for.
    
    Bob Hunt

    Hornets lost to Philly last night but made it a close one.  Muggsy
    Bogues was making most of the 76ers look silly at times.  Within the
    last minute he was the catalyst that enabled the Hornets to cut a 10
    point Philly lead to 4.  The Hornets scored 6 points in about 15
    seconds.  Some bad rebounding and defense on the other end hurt that
    run though and they lost 109-101.
    
    There was NO ONE in the Spectrum last night.  Hey 76ers, you want fans? 
    Come to Charlotte.  Of course, Mr. Barkley knows what the Hornets Nest
    is like, right Charles?
    
    	--dan'l

    Dan'l,
    
    The Sixers have always been a poor draw in Philly.   The Flyers,
    Eagles, Phillies, and the colleges all draw well but the Sixers just
    don't.
    
    There was a playoff series against the Bucks back in the early 1980s
    when the Sixers were loaded with Erving, Cheeks, Jones, and company. 
    The *SEVENTH* game of that series drew only 5,000 fans while across the
    street that same day, the Phillies and Cubs were playing a Sunday
    afternoon game.   They drew 35,000 easily.
    
    The Hornets gave it a nice run last night.  Too much Barkley.  I was
    rooting for the Hornets.   They're going to be fun this year.
    
    Bob Hunt

    re: .118
    
    I remember that Sunday afternoon playoff game against the Bucks. It was
    EASTER Sunday, and in those years in Philly, they were going to the
    finals about every year or every other year. The city just didn't get
    excited about the early rounds.
    
    I agree that Philadelphia hasn't supported the Sixers as well as it
    does the other professional franchises. But keep in mind that the
    Hornets really aren't one of the better draws in the league either.
    
    Dennis Faust (who hasn't been at a Sixers game since the Finals in '83)
    

Tonight, the Hornets host Atlanta. Armon Gilliam is doubtful for the
contest. He has tendinitis in his knee. The Hawks are also a bit banged
up: Dominique (thumb) and Doc Rivers (pulled groin) are both
questionable.

TTom

    � But keep in mind that the Hornets really aren't one of the better
    � draws in the league either.
    
    You mean *road* draws, right ???
    
    Dennis, Charlotte is an *amazing* sports town.  I left the Philly area
    with many misgivings last winter.  One of which, of course, was losing
    close touch with the Philly teams that I grew up with.
    
    But, it is almost impossible to avoid getting caught up in the Hornets
    here.  Each and every game is completely sold out.  They're working on,
    like, 70 or more straight sellouts now.  They will lead the league in
    attendance this year just like they did their first year.   And this is
    not even a good team at all yet.
    
    The Hornets are something like 4th in the league in merchandise sales. 
    I've bought t-shirts, license plates, bumper stickers, window
    ornaments, you name it.
    
    If ever the NFL or MLB needs proof that Charlotte can be a pro town,
    they need look only as far as the Hornets and their fans.  It's
    incredible.   Much more so than the Sixers.  Yes, I know it's a
    one-sport town but that's *TODAY*.   This town will go nuts over an NFL
    team.  I'm already saving the pennies for season tix.
    
    I hesitate to think what would ever happen in this city if the Hornets
    won something significant like a division title or maybe even the whole
    enchilada.  Hurricane Hugo would look like a gentle breeze in
    comparison.
    
    Bob Hunt

    RE: Hornets not being a good draw
    
    Perhaps it's because the fans are afraid of seeing their team getting
    beat by the Hornets.  Just ask Atlanta who lost their second this year
    to Charlotte last night, 128-121.  Wilkins screamed at his teammates,
    "I can't do it alone!"  Guess what, Nique!  You didn't and your
    teammates didn't help.
    
    Trying not to get too excited about this 6-6 "expansion" team!
    
    	--dan'l
    
    

 There was a highlight clip on the sports news last night.   Shot from
 courtside level behind the basket ...
 
 Here come three of the Hawks on the break.  Two were definitely Wilkins
 and Malone.  No Hornet in sight.  One passes to another and ...
 
 There goes 5'-3" Muggsey Bogues with the ball back the other way.  The
 three Hawks all stop and look upwards with "Damn!" looks on their faces.
 
 Meanwhile, Bogues has already passed to Chapman who found Gattison
 underneath for a jam.  Crowd went wild.
 
 This is really fun.  The Hornets are doing everything right for a
 third-year team.  The goal is 30 wins.  We've got 6 already and it's still
 November.
 
 Bob Hunt

    
    re: -1
    
    Is the rumor of Curry + Gilliam to Philadelphia for Gminski +
    Ron Anderson still floating around down thern

 Apparently not.  The Sixers and Hornets were talking trade all summer long
 and this latest rumored deal was just a continuation of the summer talks.
 
 I don't see where it helps either team, personally.   Gilliam is the
 Hornets' best inside man and Gminski just really isn't an inside big man. 
 Curry is expendable and has value but the Sixers have Hawkins at 2 guard
 and need a point guard to replace Dawkins.
 
 Anderson is the Sixers' 6th man and the Hornets have a 6th man already.
 
 Weird.  Glad it didn't happen.  Yet.
 
 Bob Hunt

Back to back against the Heat, the Hornets showed everything they have.
At home, they were truly a pathetic expansion team. Miami wins big. At
one point the Hornets rallied and tied it at 82 but ended up losing big.

Then Saturday, they go down to Miami and drub the Heat. They looked
fantastic.

Back to .500: 7-7. And they're winning without Armon Gilliam. Kenny
Gattison and JR Reid are really taking up the slack and Rex Chapman and
Kendall Gill continue to develop and contribute.

TTom

    The game against the Heat in Miami was a pleasure to watch...except
    when Dave Hoppen came in!!!  In the last few minutes, he managed to
    take the 21 point lead down to 15.
    
    And poor Steve Scheffler still can't get his first basket.  I thought
    he had it right at the end there, but like the others it rolled in and
    out.  Someone asked him and he said he didn't care as long as he got to
    hit somebody.  He's a cool dude.
    
    	--dan'l

Thanks to Tom Haas for supplying me with a single ducat to last night's
Hornets game and for the chance to experience the rites and rituals of 
Digital's Hornets cartel.   I won't complain about the seats, my nosebleed
stopped within minutes after leaving the game.   

Hornets beat the Fred Roberts-Brad Lohaus led Milwaukee Bucks 118-111
in overtime.   Rex Chapman {a player who I have admired and respected for
several hours now} hit a driving acrobatic layup with 3 seconds
left.   Rex the Wonder Dog actually made more big plays than forced shots
last night, and hopefully that's a sign of his growing into the NBA game.

Kendall Gill looked good, slightly erratic, but athletic.  Muggsy Bogues
would be the best third guard in the league {the guy DOES NOT TURN THE
BALL OVER, EVER}, but he was on the floor at crunch time and hit the 
open jumpers that he has to hit to stay in the NBA.    If you could
somehow merge Muggsy and Gill together, you could print the playoff tickets
now.

J.R. Reid still is not one of my favorite players.  He doesn't rebound that
well for his size... he has terrible hands... and it gets annoying after a
while hearing him yell to his teammates "That's a pick-and-roll, right?".
Actually, Dean did develop a good sense of fundamentals in J.R. - he did
have his uniform on correctly, he did recognize the basketball, and he did know
that he should stop running when the whistle blew.   Another year at Star
Heel U. and I'm sure he would have learned whatr "boxing out" means.

Milwaukee was well over .500 coming into the game, due mostly to their strong
guard rotation.  Alvin Robertson shot better than I expected, Jay Humphries had
a strong game, and Rickey Pierce was unstoppable off the bench.

Hornets are now 8-7.   They are a player away from being a real playoff
contender - and that player is Kelly Tripucka.   Kelly set a p.r. last  night
by grabbing 3 offensive boards, one after his own shot was put back in his
face.   If the Hornets could release him or trade him {Orlando is in need of
some scoring help}, and find a defensive specialist they would be  that much
better. {hey, how about Dennis Johnson - I didn't like him on the Celtics for
the past couple years because he was stopping the flow of young guards, but on
the Hornets he'd have to sit behind Bogues,Gill, and Chapman?} 

    � Rex Chapman {a player who I have admired and respected for several
    � hours now} hit a driving acrobatic layup with 3 seconds left.
    
    And it was even CNN's Play Of The Day aka "The POD".
    
    Muggsy Bogues *is* tough, ain't he ???   Hmmm, wonder what conference
    he's from ...
    
    Go Hornets.   Next game vs Knicks in New York on Saturday night.   It
    could happen.
    
    Bob Hunt

    Gee Doug, all of a sudden you don't like JR?!  I'm shocked.  Truly
    shocked.  ('Specially after the beautiful poetry you wrote about him
    around contest time ...)
    
    Anyways from what I've read and heard JR has been playing pretty well
    for Charlotte, especially considering he's still playing out of
    position.  His numbers seem reasonable enough...
    
    
    - ACC Chris
    

>His numbers seem reasonable enough...
>    - ACC Chris

For a lottery pick in his second year?   He is {as are most UNC players}
"soft" on defense.   Lots of hands-on stuff, lots of skying for the headfake.

Good thing you weren't there, Chris.   TTom was in rare {maybe not?} form
in his objective analysis of Dean and the Deanettes.  :-)   Usually at the
top of his lungs....

You know that we use this notesfile to administer your shock therapy...
A coupla not-so-kind words about Dean or his boys and your left muttering
there in your cube for the rest of the day.  :-)

JR really is not playing completely out of position. On defense, he does
guard the other team's center which he is learning to do. On offense, he
plays power forward often, especially when Kenny Gattison is in. 

And Doug, you gotta yell when you're in the last row. And sitting with
20,000 would-be Tar Heels requires a certain vigilance.

TTom

>For a lottery pick in his second year?  {J.R. Reid}
    
    The other lottery picks with Reid, so we can use them for comparison of
    "NBA acheivement" more fairly are:
    
    1 - Pervis Ellison...also out of position at center.  No where near
    JR's numbers.
    
    2 - Danny Ferry......bleach!
    
    3 - Sean Eliot.......seems to be blossoming at swing man on great team
    
    4 - Glen Rice........well under expectations
    
    5 - Reid.............voted 5th best rookie last year.  Improving.
    
    6 - Stacey King......Decent rookie, but regressing and seeing pine.
    
    7 - George McCloud...Dud
    
    Dan

    My box score shows the following numbers for JR last night:
    
    21 points (tied for game high)
    8 rebounds
    2 assists
    11 trips to the foul line (making 9 of them)
    2 steals
    39 minutes played (game high)
    
    Exactly what game *were* you guys watching last night?!
    
    
    - ACC Chris

>    Exactly what game *were* you guys watching last night?!

Milwaukee at Charlotte. Hornets won, in OT. What did I say against JR?
I've found, over the years, that I have a soft spot in my heart for
ex-Tar Heels. I can sympathize with their relief after they leave Dean.
And it's always good to see them finally develop their basketball skills
and to learn how to play basketball.

For the record, I thought JR did a bang up job. His steal and feed late
in the game broke the Bucks.

TTom

    Sorry TTom, sorry.  But I coulda sworn I heard your sidekick saying
    something about JR's bad hands and poor rebounding ...
    
    
    - ACC Chris
    
    
    BTW, I agree with you about feeling sorry for ex-Carolina players. 
    Here they were, playing in a selfless enviornment, in front of adoring
    fans and coeds, playing for one of the greatest coaches ever to walk
    the planet, ... and now they're in the money-grubbing, selfish,
    circus called the N-B-A.  Yuk.

>    Sorry TTom, sorry.  But I coulda sworn I heard your sidekick saying
>    something about JR's bad hands and poor rebounding ...

I said bad hands {he fumbled several entry passes} and poor rebounding
for his size... also that he plays soft on defense.  Which of those 
do you dispute using the boxscore?   Like I said, Kelly Tripucka got
3 offensive boards last night - that doesn't make him a "banger".
On the Hornets team, playing 40 minutes a night, J.R. should average
a dozen boards a game.  And he could if he knew how and/or wanted to.

If TTom missed some of the fumbled passes, it was probably because he
was chortling so hard about a UNC wisecrack that he had tears in his
eyes.  :-)

As for Dan's lottery list, a dog in a pack of dogs is still a dog.
If J.R. had not gone to UNC, he would not be in Charlotte now.  

    I'm not disputing that he might've missed an entry pass, but it seems
    strange that you'd choose to highlight a couple of negatives regarding
    JR when, in fact, he played a pretty darn good game.  Do *you* dispute
    this?
    
    You're probably correct in stating that JR wouldn't be in Charlotte 
    right now if he hadn't gone to Carolina.  But then again, if JR didn't 
    go to Charlotte, you wouldn't have gotten to go to a Celtics game for 
    free, would ya?  (In other words Doug, don't kick the dog that feeds ya!)
    
    As to JR being a dog among dogs, I disagree.  Based on his stats I'd
    say he's carving out a nice niche for himself in the pros.  If he ever
    gets to play PF, his true position, he might really open some eyes. 
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    >But then again, if JR didn't 
    >go to Charlotte, you wouldn't have gotten to go to a Celtics game for 
    >free, would ya?  (In other words Doug, don't kick the dog that feeds ya!)
    
    Now Chris, let's not forget that it was a magnanimous gesture on my
    part that enabled Doug to go for free.
    
    Dan

>      <<< Note 307.139 by HOTSHT::SCHNEIDER "$80,000 + a Chevy Blazer" >>>
>                  -< As contest loser, he coulda stayed home >-

Ahhhhhh... it WAS an excellent loss, wasn't it?  :-)   

    Hey ho, hold on Dano.  I never meant to imply it wasn't your
    magnanimous offer that got Doug to the game.  Clearly it was.
    
    All's I'm saying is if JR didn't go to Carolina he probably wouldn't
    have gone to Charlotte, which means he probably wouldn't have been one
    of the first 5 picks, which *definitely* means there would've been no
    tickets for me to give away.
    
    (See Nazz for futher details if necessary.  Haw haw!!!)
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    
    re: .133
    
    Ferry is in his 1st NBA season and you're already dumping on him.
    Why don't you give the guy a chance.  With this attitude, I'm
    sure you were one of the Reggie Miller bashers - a guy who basically
    didn't start to shine until his 3rd or 4th year in the league.
    
    Elliot was no superstar last year either...  
    
    Ferry is a rookie this year.

>    All's I'm saying is if JR didn't go to Carolina he probably wouldn't
>    have gone to Charlotte, which means he probably wouldn't have been one
>    of the first 5 picks, which *definitely* means there would've been no
>    tickets for me to give away.
    
    ...which means he probably would have been drafted higher (Washington
    or LA maybe) due to greater hoops skills than he learned at UNC, which
    means Stacey King would be playing for the Hornets, which means we all
    would have seen how overrated he really was at OU, which means the
    Hornets would be maybe 5-10 right now, which means...
    
    ...thanks, Dean!!!
    
    	--dan'l

    Re: Ferry, I'll give him a chance, even though I don't think he'll
    approach his college level in the pro's.  But my note was just meant to
    capture what has happened so far since he was a lottery pick. 
    'bleach!' sums it up nicely.
    
    Dan

    People.. remember... Shaw out scored, out rebounded Ferry in Italy...
    
    REK
    
    

From last night's Hornets loss to the Knicks:

	Patrick Ewing   50 points
	J.R. Reid        4 points

Sure Doug, that's easy for you to say. JR was simply in morning over the
No Carolina's demise against South Carolina. Ewing, remembering Fred
Brown and the Pass of Renown, decided to take his frustration of the
season out on poor JR. 

Whadda ya expect from a Tar Heel who's first name is Herman.

TTom

    Hate to take advantage of another team's misfortunes but *IF* the
    Cavaliers do a massive "el foldo" without Mark Price, then the Hornets
    might actually have a shot at 5th or even (gasp!) 4th place in the
    tough Midwest Division.
    
    Atlanta looks like they've packed it in, Indiana doesn't seem all that
    enthused, either, and if Cleveland does indeed spin down in flames, the
    boys in teal and purple might actually pull off the unthinkable and nab
    that last playoff spot.
    
    Of course, they'll have to figure out to contain the superstars of this
    league to something just a bit less than 50 points a game like Ewing
    laid on them the other night.
    
    Bob Hunt

The Hornets will be competing with Indiana and Milwaukee for their place
in the division. Price's injury may put the Cavs in that pack.

Atlanta looks bad.

TTom

    Re: -1
    
    Tom, Milwaukee is off to a tremendous start.  
    
    Mike

Was.

Hornets beat them and they lost last night to Indiana. This did not look
like the same team that handled Utah, for example, the week before.

Besides, they lead the league in tall, pale, geeks. How far can you go
with that lineup?

TTom

From last night's Hornets loss to Houston:

	Akeem Olajuwon 		39
	J.R. Reid                2


Hornets lost 116-110.  Armon Gilliam had 31 points and 21 boards.  Chapman
scored 20.   Johnny Newman shot 8 for 24.

What are you trying to say, Doug? Is that a backhand slur on Dean Smith
and the No Carolina Tar Heels? Are you trying to rain on their parade
after their big win last night?

I thought you were banned from that rap song until nexted year?

In any case, Armon looked smooth last night. A ridiculous number of those
rebounds came off the rim into his hands. And evidently there was a
conspiracy among the Rockets to not defend him.

TTom

    JR only played 16 minutes last night.  How come?
    
    
    - ACC Chris

>            -< Doug loses bet but that doesn't stop him.  (Welsh!) >-

      I just stated FACTS.    No commentary on him.   Let the reader
draw his own conclusion.   

probably because Akeem was having him for breakfest, lunch and supper...

mike

JR has a bum ankle that is bothering him a lot this year. He's missed a
couple of games and has seen reduced playing in a couple of others, like
last night. 

TTom

    I found this pretty humorous so I had to type it in.  From today's
    Charlotte Observer column by Tom Sorensen:
    
    Will Hugo, Tripuka End Silence?
    ===============================
    
    Giving mascots and human beings a chance to tell their story is, I
    think, what professional journalism is all about.  But two members of
    the Charlotte Hornets whose work has been criticized this season aren't
    telling their stories to professional jouirnalists.  One is Hugo.  The
    other is Kelly Tripucka, who tells his story only to some professional
    journalists.
    
    I called Hugo Tuesday and was told by a team spokesman the mascot isn't
    talking.  Hugo has been criticized lately -- in how many NBA cities do
    fans write critical letters to the editor about a mascot? -- for his
    dancing.  There have been complaints at the Charlotte Coliseum and
    even, last Sunday, at a Christmas Party.  According to Hugo's boss, the
    mascot is trying to rectify his dancing prblem by taking dancing
    lessons.
    
    What does it say about us as a society that Hugo has time to dance but
    not to talk?  Hugo, it's not the reporters you're hurting.  It's your
    fans.  They want to know the face behind the mask, the being beneath
    the bee, the secret feelings of you, the city's best-known 
    nonbasketball-playing entertainer.  Frankly, they are curious.  If you
    can't dance, how'd you get the job?
    
    Tripucka fans are curious too.  Two years ago, they voted Tripucka the
    Hornets' most valuable player. Last year, the team went bad and some
    fans blamed him.  They booed him and he cried.  This season, the
    Hornets have improved and Tripucka has averaged 15.4 minutes a game.
    
    From most valuable player to player on the bench -- how does Tripucka
    feel about this?  We don't know.  Tripucka has said he will talk to one
    local newspaper reporter and one lcoal television reporter, although
    I'm not sure the television reporter counts as a reporter since he has
    been known to wear a Hornets jacket when he covers Hornets games. 
    Tripucka does talk to reproters who cover other NBA teams.
    
    In New Jersey Monday, he said this to a representative from teh Newark
    Star-Ledger:  "They (the Hornets) aren't giving me any indication I'll
    be back.  So I'm 90% sure I'll be out at the end of the season."
    
    In some cities, what Tripucka and Hugo are doing is an established
    practice.  But as far as I know, Hugo is the only mascot in Charlotte
    history to refuse to talk to the press and Tripucka is only the second
    professional athlete.
    
    The first, of course, was Joltin' Joe Jarrell of the Charlotte O's, who
    is best known for hitting a fan with a batting helmet he threw into the
    stands and getting sued.  The O's no longer are called the O's and
    Jarrell no longer is in baseball.  Coincidence?  Perhaps.
    
    I understand Tripucka's reluctance to talk.  If he's candid, his
    comments might get him in trouble with his boss or his fans.  I
    understand Hugo's reluctance, too.  He's replacing the orginal
    legendary Hugo, a great dancer who mysteriously left the Hornets and
    Charlotte last season.
    
    Understanding is what professional journalism is all about. 
    Understanding and verisimilitude, which is the appearance of truth. 
    It's with this truth in mind that I offer the follwoing inerview with
    Hugo and Tripucka.  The interview is exclusive.  Giving you what the
    other guy doesn't is one other thing professional journalism is all
    about.
    
    ME: Hugo, Kelly, I know you're both busy and I appreciate your time. 
    Hugo, I see in your work influences of Fred, Ginger, Baryshnikov and
    the Phoenix Suns' Gorilla.  Who are some others?
    
    HUGO:
    
    ME: Your're kidding.  Steve Scheffler, Charlotte's 250-pound rookie
    center?
    
    HUGO:
    
    ME: That'll surprise people.  Kelly who are some of your influences?
    
    TRIPUCKA:
    
    ME: Not Steve Scheffler?
    
    TRIPUCKA:
    
    ME: Scheffler taught you that move?
    
    TRIPUCKA:
    
    ME: Not even Akeem can do that.
    
    HUGO:
    
    ME: No, Hugo, I'm not trying to ignore you.  Fred and Ginger can't do
    that, either.
    
    HUGO:
    
    ME: Neither can Baryshnikov nor the Gorilla, you're right.  Well,
    thanks Hugo, and thanks, Kelly.  This has been illuminating.  I'm sure
    your fans will be pleased.  One last question, please.  What do you
    guys think of your boss, George Shinn?

    Picked up two tickets to the Hornets Spurs game last night.  Mr.
    Robinson and Terry Cummings had Charlotte for lunch.
    
    Actually, it was a close game for a while, but J.R.'s lack of hustle
    and Tripucka's offensive offense took them out of the game down the
    stretch.
    
    Kendal Gill, however, is bound for stardom after a few years of
    learning the NBA ropes.
    
    	--dan'l

JR continues to be hobbled by a bad wheel. He noticably limped on the
court several times.

The play of the game had to be Robinson's block on Armon Gilliam that
should have been called a jump ball but was a spectacular rejection in
any case.

Robinson got dinged in the middle of the 2nd quarter and while he was no
the bench, Charlotte cut into the lead. The point here is that without
Robinson, San Antonio is really an average team at best. All of their
other stars shine while Robinson's in but don't look like they could win
without him. I think that's something to consider in the MVP sweepstakes.

TTom

    The best part of the game came during a Spurs timeout.  Hugo the
    mascot held a fake boom microphone over the San Antonio huddle while
    the PA played a Mr. Robinson sound alike.  It went something like this:
    
    "Hi, I'm Mr. Robinson.  Welcome to my neighborhood. I'd like you to
    meet my friends.  There's Sean, and this is Terry, and there's Rod, and
    this is Reggie...and over there, that's Dwayne...Dwayne
    Schintzius...can you say long-haired, hippie hotdog?"
    
    	--dan'l

Schintzius is no David Robinson. The crowd really didn't get its money
worth with Dwayne last night: 2 minutes, 1 missed FG (enjoy) and 1 foul
(enjoy).

Greenwood ain't much better. He seems to be in the Dave Hoppen class of
middle men.

TTom

J.R. Reid scored 2 points {on 0-7 FG and 2-2 FT} last night against Boston
in 31 minutes of play.    How many of these single digit games does it take
to begin to question his skills?   Is it a coincidence that he's scored 
2, 4, and 2 points against Ewing, Olajuwon, and Parish in the past couple
weeks?   

    I don't think there's any question that J.R. is playing out of
    position, but that's no excuse for his poor play overall.  He just
    doesn't hussle.  He lunks down the court, tries to work inside, put up
    a bad shot and smacks his hands in anger as he lunks down the other end
    for his defensive attempt.
    
    Still, I'm glad J.R. is with the Hornets.  Stacey King was extremely
    overrated.  Once Charlotte gets its bigman, J.R. will be saved.  Until
    then, J.R. will have to put up with the criticism.  If he'd just play
    hard, I don't think the box score would matter much.
    
    	--dan'l

�              <<< Note 307.164 by SACT41::ROSS "Blow me a kiss" >>>
                                                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Why Doug....I didn't think you cared!

;^)