Hello Swarm City!!!
1st of all why is there so much spam up here cant the admins stop that crap? 2nd, this Chris Paul thing is breaking my heart man. I went o Wake Forest & was so excited when I saw that a kid form Winston-Salem wanted to play ball at a college in his hometown. Now all of these rumors about hris Paul leaving are just making me sick to my stomach. I live in CT. and have been a Hornets fan since day 1. I have always supported this team. Why can't we ever keep any of our stars? Chris if you read these posts don't do it man. I know what your boy LeBron did seems exciting and all but NY will never trully love you like the people of New Orleans and fans of this team will. Don't get caught up in all of the hype and make a rash decision. Your new agency is probably advising this move as some sort of super team confrontation like the Celtics & Lakers used to be but it will never live up. Don't regret later on what you do today man. You are young and have so much ahead of you.
To the Hornets owner. Signing one free agent is definitely not showing you want to improve this team and get a championship. You can't blame CP for wanting to win. Show him and the fans that you are committed to winning by your actions and not speech and maybe you won't dissapoint the fans as you have in the past. Aren't you tired of running a mediocre organization? How long do you want to continue on in this league without any title hopes? Everyone laughs in CT. when I tell them I'm a Hornets fan. They say you are definitely loyal you should've switched teams a long time ago. Don't continue to put our star players in the position where they are forced to do what others have recommended me.
First, it is nice to be back, been away making money and building the company up, but hearing all this trash that Cris Paul suppose to be saying, right in the middle of what the organization is trying to do, pisses me off. First I give the organization credit it is trying to get the team where it needs to be, playing for a ring. It aint about the money with these guys, I hope, but a perfect example is right across the parking lot, isn't that where the now DEFENDING Superbowl Champ play? From top to bottom, they are thinking TEAM, and as you all know, the CITY next. I hear people taking pay cuts just to get the right people on the team, TEAM I said, how many of you work with anyone who would take a pay cut at your job? None where I work? Paul needs to see what the organization is headed and see what the business can afford to do to get what they need to win. I hope the meeting with the new coach and GM is a good workable situation, but if Paul wants a self-centered deal like the clowns in Miami, let his ass go, this city is all about team. If you look hard enough, I bet the city of New Orleans have 3 or 4 young men who loves the game and do anything to do something for the team, city, as well as there own life. And can play better than Chris Paul too? Or he can get with the program, help this team get where they want to go and go out and play to EARN you a ring, none of this crap like in Miami, I bet they don't get out of the first round of the playoffs next season. Paul, listen to Magic, Bird, Jordan, work for what you want and if you work as a team, you'll get it. Take some time and see what the organization will do first before you do something stupid like LaBron did to Cleveland, don't join a band wagon, be the leader pulling the wagon. If you can't hang, I'll send my son down there to do what you feel you can't do, lead your own team.
My best to the new coach and GM, I got your back, get you some REAL men who want to win first, the pay will come.
Until next time, I miss my people and city of New Orleans, much love to the south.
Good day, fellow Hornets supporters. It’s your pal Hornet Henry. In honor of the FANtastic FANale against the Minnesota Timberwolves, it’s time for one of my favorite traditions – Hornet Henry’s Top 10 FANtastic moments of the season!
Admittedly, there is slightly less spring in my step these days, seeing as how the ballclub is not headed to the playoffs this time. I’m still planning to watch the postseason – mainly in order to root heavily against the likes of the Lakers, Spurs and Mavericks – but obviously it won’t be the same without some Creole blue in the Western Conference playoff field.
Nonetheless, I am vowing to forge ahead. I’m excited about the May 18 draft lottery, and currently keeping my fingers crossed that some amazing luck will come our way. To try to ascertain what may unfold with our lottery ping-pong balls, I’ve been checking in regularly with some of Jackson Square’s most accurate tarot-card readers. Although none of them seemed to be familiar with the concept of the NBA draft lottery until I explained it to them, they all believe that the Hornets are due for some outstanding fortune, particularly after all of the ballteam’s injuries in 2009-10.
But I’m getting way off-topic again. I didn’t stop by Swarm City today to relay what the experts over in the French Quarter are predicting about the Hornets’ offseason. I’m here merely to take a fond look back at some of the best moments of the 2009-10 season.
So let’s get to it. Here is my third annual Top 10 FANtastic Moments article. I hope you like it:
10) Look out Gerald Wallace!
Among the many highlight-reel plays that were produced by Marcus Thornton, my favorite was the LSU Tiger’s baseline drive and mean-spirited slam over Bobcats All-Star Gerald Wallace. The throwdown was NBA.com’s “Dunk of the Night” on April 7, but for my hard-earned money it could’ve easily been the dunk of the season. SEE FOR YOURSELF!
9) Rookie point guard duel goes to DC2.
Way back on the evening before Thanksgiving, Milwaukee phenom Brandon Jennings paid a visit to the Hive, for a head-to-head showdown with the less-hyped Darren Collison. Although Jennings has proven that he was well worth the Bucks’ 10th overall pick in the 2009 draft, on this night it was the 21st pick who supplied the heroics. DC buried a three-pointer to force OT, then came up with a slew of clutch plays to give NOLA a fourth straight home victory sans CP3.
8) Peja vu all over again for Dallas.
Studious Hornets historians may recall that on Dec. 1, 2007, Peja Stojakovic swished a high-arching three-pointer to send a game against the dreaded Mavericks into overtime, where NOLA ended a lengthy losing skid against Dallas. Well, on Nov. 4, 2009, history repeated itself, when the Serbian Sensation drilled an off-balance trey with time running out and the Hornets facing a three-point deficit against the Mavs. Once again, the good guys ended up prevailing in OT, this time by a 114-107 tally. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfmuRcl7oqY
7) Cavs fans witness Marcus making history.
If there was any doubt by Feb. 23 that Marcus Thornton was one of the Association’s best rookies, it was completed erased by the end of the second quarter of the Hornets’ game in Cleveland. Thornton barged his way into the ballclub’s record books by lighting up the Cavs for 23 points in that period. He finished with 37 points in the game, the most points ever by a Hornets reserve.
6) Posey for the win… twice!
OK, I must admit that this entry is technically TWO moments, but there were so many exciting finishes this season that I had to bend the rules a bit (I hope that’s OK with you guys, but if not, feel free to send me an e-mail at hornethenry@hornets.com, or give me a piece of your mind at the illustrious Hornet Henry Facebook page). On Jan. 20, James Posey’s spinning layup – despite being hit with a two-by-four by Memphis’ O.J. Mayo on the play – beat the Grizzlies in the final seconds. Not satisfied with only one game-winning bucket that week, two days later Po-Z successful ran a keeper while the Hornets were utilizing their Saints-like “option” attack, yielding a game-winner at Minnesota. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM-hpENV1KY&feature=related
5) An epic comeback in Memphis.
While the trip to Cleveland doubled as Thornton’s NBA “coming-out party,” the same could be said for Darren Collison’s Jan. 30 performance against the Grizzlies. One night after CP3MVP was injured against Chicago, the Hornets fell into a 21-point deficit in Tennessee. Just when it looked like the Bees were about to get pasted by the Grizz though, DC2 and the rest of the fellas mounted a rally to force overtime. NOLA won 109-102 after the extra period, behind Collison’s 18-assist showcase, a Hornets rookie record.
4) Aaron Gray = kryptonite.
A national ESPN audience tuned in on Feb. 26 to watch Dwight “Superman” Howard battle the Hornets. For most of the evening, viewers got exactly what they expected. For example, during warmups, Howard attempted roughly 100 trick shots before one of them finally went in the basket (of course, that was the one they showed on ESPN). Once the game began, Howard terrorized everyone in a Creole blue uniform, throwing down dunk after dunk. Everything was going rather smoothly for Superman until the fourth quarter, when Aaron “Tiny” Gray decided to take over. Tiny put the defensive clamps on the East’s starting All-Star center, sparking NOLA to a come-from-behind 100-93 win.
3) CP3 for the win… thrice!
Like with James Posey’s end-of-game exploits, CP3’s clutchness simply could not be contained in one FANtastic entry on this list. Due to injuries, the World’s Greatest Point Guard only appeared in 45 games this season, but that didn’t stop him from squeezing in – count ‘em – three game-winning baskets. He sent Portland fans home with a defeat on Jan. 25 by draining a mid-range jumper; he powered in an and-one layup vs. New Jersey on Jan. 8; and he scored on a give-and-go to clip Minnesota on Dec. 9.
2) Down go the 2008 NBA champs!
Despite being without fearless leader CP3, the Hornets took down the powerful Boston Celtics on Feb. 10, heading into the All-Star break on a winning note. While sporting their nifty new Mardi Gras uniforms, the Hornets rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to overtake one of the NBA’s best teams.
And the Number One FANtastic moment of the 2009-10 season is…
1) Down go the 2009 NBA champs!
I will make no bones about this: Any time the fellas beat the Lakers, it usually tends to make my whole day, week and month. I believe my track record on consistently producing anti-Lakers sentiment speaks for itself, whether it’s been via Swarm City, Twitter, Facebook, or just talking trash about Sasha Vujacic to strangers who pass me on the street. So when NOLA handled the Lake Show on March 29 by a 108-100 count, I was positively giddy (plus, watching Kobe throw one of his tantrums in the fourth quarter was icing on the cake).
Whew, that was quite a list! Even though this will be a postseason-less spring for the fellas, as you can see, I still had a very difficult time narrowing it down to only 10 FANtastic moments. Before I get back to calculating our odds of locking up that No. 1 pick in the NBA draft lottery, I wanted to thank all of the avid Hornets FANs out there who have befriended me on Facebook and/or followed my Twitter page this season. It’s been a blast, and I absolutely can’t wait for the 2010-11 season to get started.
Geaux Hornets!
Tribute to the great city of New Orleans and its Hornets fans!
Got a new labtop old camera stopped working on swarmcity
David, David, David! What is going on in that head of yours! I don't believe a ROOKIE would have made the mistake of not being able to inbound a ball! You play like a kid that gets mad when he is not getting the glory. This is not an individual game. Play like you want to be on the team with all of your team members, not just Chris Paul. I pay to watch the Hornets games on NBA TV because I am a New Orleans native and love both our teams, but I cannot tolerate a game that was lost on stupidity. To come back from a 14 point deficit to a potential win with just an inbound pass shows great teamwork, but to have it all blown away by a knucklehead play is disheartening not only to the fans but the rest of the team. I was considering season tickets because I am moving back home, but I'm not sure now. I will continue to watch and follow the team, but I expect you to play like you want to be a part of the team. GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME AND KEEP IT THERE!
If you believe the rumors, Elvis Presley passed away on Aug. 16, 1977. Many people are willing to blindly accept this as fact, even though there have been hundreds of confirmed Elvis sightings since then, as first reported by several publications I faithfully read from cover-to-cover while standing in the checkout line at my neighborhood Rouses supermarket.
Well, call me skeptical that “The King” has really left the building, but I think I have darned good reason to wonder who’s really telling the truth here. In fact, I’m pretty sure I saw Elvis myself a couple weeks back, standing on the sidewalk outside of Harrah’s and waiting for the streetcar (incidentally, The Big E was wearing an autographed David West jersey, which kind of surprised me, because I’d always had him pegged as more of a Peja fan).
But anyway, I’m getting way off-topic. I didn’t stop by Swarm City today to try to convince you that Elvis is alive and well. I didn’t invite you here to complain that the Times-Picayune continues to brazenly shirk its journalistic responsibilities, by ignoring the weekly e-mails in which I explain why Elvis has chosen to spend his golden years (he’ll turn 75 years young on Friday) enjoying the good life in Orleans Parish.
No, I called this meeting because I’d like to discuss Friday’s Hornets home game against the New Jersey Nets, which is doubling as the ballclub’s “Elvis Night.” That’s right, starting at 7 p.m., your Hornets will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s Jan. 8, 1935 birth in Tupelo, Mississippi, with various fun-filled activities. It’s time for my Top 10 Reasons to Attend Elvis Night at the Hive article!
Before I get started, let’s remember not to rule out the distinct possibility of The Man himself making an appearance at the game Friday. For the purposes of this article, however, I decided to stick with events that I am 100 percent certain will take place. With that disclaimer out of the way, here are two fistfuls of good reasons why you should grace us with your presence at the New Orleans Arena on Friday:
10) Michael Conti will be there.
OK, so you may be asking, “but Hornet Henry, who is Michael Conti? Isn’t he that left-handed starting point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies?” Actually, my benevolent Creole blue supporter, Conti is one of the world’s greatest Elvis Presley impersonators. Prior to Friday’s game, Michael will be singing the national anthem. Later, he’ll perform at halftime. But just so we’re clear, he’s not actually Elvis (which reminds me, if the real Elvis is reading this, I’ll be leaving two tickets for you in Section 308 of The Balcony. You can pick ’em up at New Orleans Arena will call).
9) A free game program.
The Hornets distribute a GameTime program gratis to all fans in attendance at every game. If you’re a season ticket holder, you might even see your own smiling mug in there, as part of the Season Ticket Holder Spotlight page. Also, don’t miss a Honeybee Spotlight on Martine, one of my favorite Bees of all time.
8) The Dunking Elvises.
Normally known to you and I as the “French Quarter Flyers,” the Hornets’ awe-inspiring dunk team will wow and amaze fans with high-flying slams, this time while decked out in their best Elvis outfits.
7) A great deal for the whole family.
For the incredibly affordable price of $25, Hornets aficionados can purchase a 7Up Friends & Family Pack and attend the game. The 7Up pack features one ticket, one hot dog, one soft drink and one bag of chips. I haven’t seen a steal like this since Chris Paul had eight thefts against the T-Wolves on Dec. 4!
6) The Honeybees.
According to my confidential sources within the dance-team industry, the lovely ladies will be performing a routine to a medley of classic Elvis Presley songs. Don’t be cruel to yourself by missing out on this! (sorry, I couldn’t resist…)
5) Pregame fun.
Did you know that Zatarain’s hosts a pregame Buzz Fest party for fans outside the arena prior to every Hornets home tilt? Buzz Fest features interactive games, live entertainment and $1 beers, with the latter helping you cope more easily with the referees’ calls. Remember though, Hornet Henry always urges you to drink responsibly.
4) Soul Revival.
Speaking of Buzz Fest, one of my favorite New Orleans-area bands will be performing there, providing what the musical group themselves describes as “in-your-face funk, soul and blues from the 1960s to the present, with an occasional country rocker for good measure.” I’m guessing too that if the real Elvis shows up for Buzz Fest, Soul Revival will probably invite him on stage if there's enough time left in the show.
3) CP3.
I'm not sure if the misguided folks who keep casting ballots for less-qualified Western Conference backcourt players have noticed, but the World’s Greatest Point Guard has added another wrinkle to his game this season, ranking in the top 10 of the league in three-point shooting percentage. As if the prolific rebounding, assisting and stealing weren’t already enough, now he’s making 46 percent of his CP3balls. After I get done writing this article, I’m headed to NBA.com to vote and try to help rectify this injustice. www.nba.com/allstarballot2010/
2) Drama.
Is it just me, or have a lot of these Hornets games lately been tough on the ol’ ticker? It seems like every time we play in the Hive, I find myself biting my nails – which I’ve discovered is surprisingly difficult to do when I already have my fingers crossed. Fortunately, my prayers to the basketball gods appear to be working. Since Thanksgiving Eve, almost every home tilt has come down to the last minute. Not good for my blood pressure, but it’s made for a slew of exciting finishes.
And the Number One reason to attend Elvis Night in the Hive is… the chance to see the Hornets increase their home winning streak to six. Let’s face it, with all of these aforementioned tributes to Mr. Presley taking place throughout the evening, it might be easy for the Hornets to lose focus and get distracted from the primary task at hand. But the fellas have been nearly unbeatable in the Hive lately, going 13-3 at home this season, including 11 victories in the past 12 tries. They haven’t lost a game in NOLA since Dec. 11, a five-game string that includes quality W’s over the Nuggets, Heat and Rockets.
As you can imagine, I have complete confidence in the Hornets on their home floor, but I’ll be brimming with even more assuredness if you follow my lead and join me at the arena for Hornets vs. Nets and the memorable tribute to Elvis Presley.
OK, I think I’ve said my peace; now I’ve got to go listen to a few of my old 33-speed Elvis records and get myself ready for the big night. Geaux Hornets!
But there is absolutely NO EXCITEMENT with the Hornets, on both sides. There is nothing to cheer about. The fans are stale and they're not as electrifying as they used to be and there are no more sell outs like it used to be. The team is not explosive either. Okafor needs to learn how to slam dunk those put backs and not tip it in like he always does. By slamming the put backs, it provides excitement and energy. Something both the fans and the team lack. It's just boring. I'm a loyal Hornets fan and will continue to watch the games and continue to be a fan. But seriously, everyone needs to step it up.
I hate to be the guy who brings back old times... But look at this fan made video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VHt88nq4G0&feature=related
^THIS is how the fans should be.
Happy holidays, fellow Hornets supporters! Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or the fact that Bruce Bowen retired from the NBA, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your family. Lately I’ve been busy scouring the New Orleans metropolitan area, hoping to find the perfect gifts for Mrs. Hornet Henry and the rest of the clan. When I haven’t been knee-deep in holiday shopping, I’ve been updating my Facebook page with photos (add me as a friend on Facebook and check out the cool pictures of Hornets players relaxing in NOLA!). I’ve also started tweeting regularly (check it out at www.twitter.com/HornetHenry). Lately I’ve been celebrating my own personal version of “Festivus” on Twitter, airing several of the grievances I have with folks such as Mark Cuban, Kobe Bryant and the Spurs. But I digress. I didn’t stop by Swarm City today to rehash the findings of my ground-breaking scientific study that indicates Dirk Nowitzki flops on at least three-fourths of the Mavericks’ possessions. I didn’t come here to expound on my theory that Kobe’s rise in popularity signifies a troubling decline in American parenting skills. No, because to do either of those things would certainly not be in the holiday spirit. Instead, let’s get to the real reason why I’m here today. I’m here to explain why you should treat yourself to a splendid holiday gift and grace us with your presence at Wednesday’s home game in the Hive. Here are my top 10 reasons to attend “Holiday at the Hive” and witness the Western Conference grudge match between the Hornets and the Golden State Warriors: 10) Santa Claus is coming to town (and the concourse). Let’s be honest, the jolly old fella could’ve picked anywhere in the world to be only two days before his big night. But for the third year in a row, Santa chose the New Orleans Arena concourse as his preferred destination. Yes, you read that correctly… Santa is attending Wednesday’s Hornets-Warriors game! As you can imagine, Santa’s got a pretty busy ledger during this time of year, but he managed to carve out three hours of his hectic schedule just for us. You can get your picture taken with Santa from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. outside Section 118 before and during the game. And if you think of it, why not let your kids get their picture taken with Santa, too? 9) A chance to decorate your tree. The first 8,000 fans entering the Hive will be given a free Hornets holiday ornament, courtesy of Peoples Health. I can’t wait to hang mine up next to my hand-made ornaments of Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton. 8) Tons and tons of holiday fun. In keeping with the spirit of the season, the Hornets will be giving out hundreds of prizes to fans throughout the evening. Don’t miss your chance to catch a free T-shirt from the players, Hugo, the Honeybees or the Buzz Patrol, but make sure you stay on your toes: Honeybee Ginger has been clocked at 96 miles per hour when she’s given at least three days’ rest. 7) A great deal in the Hornets Nest. My sources tell me that the adidas “Slam Dunk special” in the Hornets Nest team store during Wednesday’s game will be a red Hornets holiday T-shirt, for the low, low price of $12. I haven’t seen a deal like that since the Hornets traded for Darius Songaila! 6) The Honeybees and Used to Bees will be there. As voted by NBA fans, the Honeybees were hands-down the most popular dance team in the Western Conference last season (*excluding dance teams ardently supported by the nation of China). They’ll be celebrating by performing a special holiday-themed routine. The Used to Bees will also be shaking what their mommas gave them way back when. 5) Hugo will be in the house. And he’s got a few surprises up his Creole blue sleeves… you’ll have to come to the game to find out what I mean. 4) A halftime show featuring one of NOLA’s finest musicians. New Orleans native Kermit Ruffins will be playing live at intermission for the enjoyment of fans. The esteemed New York Times newspaper once wrote of him that “Mr. Ruffins is an unabashed entertainer who plays trumpet with a bright, silvery tone, sings with off-the-cuff charm and never gets too abstruse in his material.” What in tarnation does "abstruse" mean? I have no idea, but something tells me avoiding it has to be a good thing! 3) CP3 is playing. You never know what Chris Paul could do on a given night. He might score 39 points and help beat the Mavericks in overtime. He might rack up 30 points, 19 assists and nine rebounds vs. Denver. He might score the game-winning layup against the Timberwolves on a backdoor cut. Come to Girod Street and find out for yourself what the World’s Greatest Point Guard has in store for the Warriors. 2) A chance to watch the Hornets continue their dominance in NOLA. If you’re scoring at home, the Hornets are now 10-3 on their home floor this season, having already beaten formidable foes such as Phoenix, Atlanta, Denver – and much to Hornet Henry’s delight – Dallas. Come to the Hive and help root on the ballclub to its eighth home win over a Western Conference opponent in nine outings. And the Number One reason to attend Holiday at the Hive is… Kids 14 and under get in for free! Do not adjust your laptop. All children ages 14 and younger – provided they are accompanied by an adult who has purchased a ticket to the ballgame – will gain free admission. All you have to do to redeem this offer is visit the New Orleans Arena box office. What better way to make Christmas come early for your favorite youngster than to bring them to the arena for an NBA game? And unlike the exorbitant amount of money you spent on Junior’s other presents, this one won’t cost you a penny! Talk about an offer that’s perfect for anyone’s budget... I haven’t seen a steal like that since the Hornets traded two future second-round draft picks for Marcus Thornton! Until next time, Geaux Hornets! Your pal, Hornet Henry
Hello to my Cresent City family, I've been away in training for another promotion and relocated, I am back to see too many changes with our Hornets. What the hell happen with B. Scott???? Somebody explain how to you get rid of a coach that has build up a team that has us knocking on the door of the Finals??? And what is with the GM coming down to the bench, especially with NO COACHING experience, I have more coaching experience than he does??? If you are hired to be GM, please take a page out of the SAINTS "HOW TO BUILD A WINNING TEAM" book, and get players who want to win and play there role on the team. Get your coach that has you in the playoffs, get him the players he needs to get to the FINALS, that is what the whole season is about. Look at the Saints, they found out there weakness and fixed it, it took a couple of years but they spent money, got players who wanted to WIN first, and now look at where they're at now, the Hornets can be in the exact same place. Living out here in California, it is so sickening hearing all the trash the LAKER fake fans talk, I missed the two games the Hornets played but glad to see them spank the Clippers. These Laker nuts now talk about trying to get B. Scott in there future plans knowing they screwed up before he went to New Orleans. I think if you're not going to bring him back like you did with bring back Tim Floyd, who is HORRIBLE as a coach, what is the message you are giving Chris Paul and the fathful fans? I only want to see the best for the Hornets, in a winning way, but most of all, my people of New Orleans. So I will see what is going to happen now that I have time to do so, and if this GM/Coach is staying, you might want to look at some former NBA players to assist you, someone that knows the game, and a winner. Hate to knock on Tim Floyd, but ask yourself, why would USC get rid of him, especially when they finally got a new building they've been waiting for almost 25 years, and top kids playing for them? Its the same Tim Floyd that got fired by the Hornets, so go get some real help and get this team back to playoff form. If need, I will apply for the job, like I said, I have more coaching experience than the GM? Good luck New Orleans, I will be in Miami for the Superbowl win, the parade on Canal St. and while I'm there check out my Hornets, and if the GM is still coaching, maybe give him my application. See Yall Later.
Mike