Is it premature to say New Orleans will be a top 4 seed in the West?

[KingSpeed]

I don't think many saw this coming but I'm thinking they're for real. On paper, they're better than the Hornets team that nearly won the West in 2008. People just forgot how amazing Paul was when he was healthy. Well, he's healthy now and they're hanging tough with the Heat. They may lose, but wow, what do you all think? Time to rearrange your Western Conference predictions?

 

[Mediocre Man]

I don't think many saw this coming but I'm thinking they're for real. On paper, they're better than the Hornets team that nearly won the West in 2008. People just forgot how amazing Paul was when he was healthy. Well, he's healthy now and they're hanging tough with the Heat. They may lose, but wow, what do you all think? Time to rearrange your Western Conference predictions?

Yes, it's too early

 

[KingSpeed]

Yes, it's too early

What was your prediction before the season? And does a 5-0 start including a win against a hot Miami team change that for you?

 

[Mediocre Man]

What was your prediction before the season? And does a 5-0 start including a win against a hot Miami team change that for you?

I don't know that I had a prediction for them? As for the win, I think they are good, but I don't think they have the bench to get that high

 

[andalusian]

I thought they would be a playoffs team - but I did not see them starting that hot. Maybe they will be better than I anticipated. Fun to watch.

 

[illmatic99]

I remember putting them somewhere in the bottom 4 of the playoff teams in the West in crandc's prediction game. A healthy CP3 is a top 4 player in the league.

So much for a good pick, though.

 

[Natebishop3]

That draft pick looks miiiiiiighty good right now.....

 

[MickZagger]

Chris Paul is just proving that he is the best PG in the league. That's it.

They'll definitely come back down to earth.

 

[KingSpeed]

Chris Paul is just proving that he is the best PG in the league. That's it.

They'll definitely come back down to earth.

Well, yea. I'd didn't say they'd go 82-0, but "coming down to earth" could mean a 4 seed.

 

[Weav]

I just don't see how they are better than us on paper, but we all know paper doesn't equal results...

Paul > Miller
Bellineli < Roy
Okeafor < Camby
Ariza < Batum
West = Aldridge
NO Bench < POR Bench
Monty = Nate

 

[MickZagger]

Well, yea. I'd didn't say they'd go 82-0, but "coming down to earth" could mean a 4 seed.

Dude, they're 5 games into the season. I still say they will be lucky to make it to the playoffs.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Chris Paul is just proving that he is the best PG in the league. That's it.

They'll definitely come back down to earth.

That wold be my thoughts as well. Not a lot of depth to the team- which is needed for 82 games. That said, it's a hard thing to see them as a top 4 team.

 

[Ed O]

Dude, they're 5 games into the season. I still say they will be lucky to make it to the playoffs.

Agreed 100%. A good start for them, but there are no guarantees they'll make the playoffs, let alone get HCA.

Ed O.

 

[Master Shake]

I just don't see how they are better than us on paper, but we all know paper doesn't equal results...

Paul > Miller
Bellineli < Roy
Okeafor < Camby
Ariza < Batum
West = Aldridge
NO Bench < POR Bench
Monty = Nate

Ariza and Batum are almost identical in stats, but Ariza averages right now 2 steals a game.

David West is better and more versatile than Aldridge. Coming off the dribble, with a post up game and outside range. Plus a solid defense down low and on the perimeter and you're gonna say LaMarcus does all that? LMA can beat you down low, and can defend most big men, but overall; West is better so your equal is negative.

 

[RoyToy]

Ariza and Batum are almost identical in stats, but Ariza averages right now 2 steals a game.

David West is better and more versatile than Aldridge. Coming off the dribble, with a post up game and outside range. Plus a solid defense down low and on the perimeter and you're gonna say LaMarcus does all that? LMA can beat you down low, and can defend most big men, but overall; West is better so your equal is negative.

Ariza plays 7 more minutes a game and yet still averages less rebounds and pts than Batum while shooting 38%. Batum is better, no question.

 

[Nikolokolus]

If Paul stays fully healthy then yes, it looks probable that this Hornets team will make the playoffs, but given his recent history I wouldn't bank on it. As for HCA and a top 4 seed? Pffft, who the hell knows (and yes it's way premature).

 

[Shooter]

Yes, New Orleans will make the playoffs because the basketball gods have ordained that Portland never gets a break.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

That draft pick looks miiiiiiighty good right now.....

Bayless isn't looking very good either 2 pts, 2 rbds, and 2 asst per game and that's playing for a coach that wanted him.

 

[KingSpeed]

Agreed 100%. A good start for them, but there are no guarantees they'll make the playoffs, let alone get HCA.

Ed O.

There's no guarantee we'll make the playoffs either. How is this New Orleans team worse than the Hornets team that almost got the #1 seed in 2008? This the first time Paul has been healthy AND had a healthy supporting cast since then.

Bellinelli > Morris Peterson
Trevor Ariza > old Peja
Okafor > Chandler

I'm telling you... pay attention

 

[BGrantFan]

New Orleans only gets 37 ppg in the paint. They have no chance of being a Top 4 seed.

 

[MickZagger]

Ariza and Batum are almost identical in stats, but Ariza averages right now 2 steals a game.

David West is better and more versatile than Aldridge. Coming off the dribble, with a post up game and outside range. Plus a solid defense down low and on the perimeter and you're gonna say LaMarcus does all that? LMA can beat you down low, and can defend most big men, but overall; West is better so your equal is negative.

ummmm I suggest you watch more Aldridge. He can't beat you down low and he's not good at defending down in the low block. If you said he's a great face up jump shooter and can guard the perimeter well for a big man, you would of been on to something.

 

[Sug]

Only if Yi did not develop into a superstar and the Bucks didn't win the championship last year. You are a pre-mature postjackulator.

 

[KingSpeed]

6-0- best start in franchise history, better roster than 2008 team, it's starting to add up. We have them and the Thunder back to back on the road next week. Those games will definitely establish the new early pecking order in the West.

 

[MickZagger]

6-0- best start in franchise history, better roster than 2008 team, it's starting to add up. We have them and the Thunder back to back on the road next week. Those games will definitely establish the new early pecking order in the West.

Better roster than the teams with Bogues, LJ, Mourning, Rice and Dell Curry?

 

[KingSpeed]

What do you think now?

 

[Natebishop3]

What do you think now?

I think that draft pick is looking better by the day!

 

[Blaze01]

You mean the Blazers own pick?

 

[MickZagger]

They've lost 5 of 7 and are about to lose another. Getting beat by 30 against the Spurs. I knew they'd come back down to earth.

 

[DaRizzle]

and......now they are 7th seed

oops

 

[MickZagger]

Where's Kingspeed?

That draft pick isn't looking awful, as everyone thought.