Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
At 13-27 the New Orleans Hornets have plenty to improve upon in 2013. In a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday the Hornets defense looked pedestrian yielding 116 points but, the offense was more than impressive. If the club can score 112 points like they did on Saturday they would definitely be more of a threat in the NBA‘s jam-packed Western Conference.
Anthony Davis has been a bright spot for the Hornets all season as the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft has played well in 27 games. He has averaged 13.2 points along with eight boards and 1.9 blocks a night in his first season. The rebounding total needs to go up as there is no reason for Davis to not be averaging a double-double for years to come. Look for Davis to continue to mature both on and off the court as he has all of the raw potential to be a superstar in this league.
Following the loss to the Warriors on Saturday Monty Williams was upset about the defensive effort saying ”We lost our identity tonight. We gave up 116 points to a team that is undermanned.” It is crucial for the Hornets to have a coach who is so focused on the defensive end as so much of the NBA game revolves around stopping the other team’s top players.
If the Hornets want to increase their 18 win total Greivis Vasquez will have to keep emerging as he is getting a prime opportunity at point guard. Vasquez’s 14.2 points per game to go along with 9.1 assists is a recipe for victory but, it will take patience with such a young club.
