Quickie post considering we're overdue for today's thread.

Some notables that I'm aware of:

Jacob Barnes

Matt Barnes

Jake Odorizzi

Danny Hultzen

Trevor Bauer

Wily Peralta

Oh, and happy birthday to Miguel Sano. You're still two years away from having your first legal beer.

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If Monty is looking for wins, let's definitely get one tonight. It's well known the further Minnesota continues to slide down the standings, the better we'll be positioned with their first round pick in the upcoming draft.

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Now before I go on, let me state that I've been one of his staunchest supporters from day one. However, tonight, after viewing every second closely w/o distractions, I feel I have to change my tune.

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Came across this today on Hoopsworld:

NBA commissioner David Stern has hinted a few times that deal could happen in the first part of 2012, and Sperling agrees that’s a possible time line.

"It’s realistic that we will have a deal done by the end of June," explained Sperling. "We’re still aiming for that. These transactions have a life of their own and they move at their own pace.

"Sometimes transactions get done quickly and yet it still takes some time to close it. Sometimes it takes a long time to announce it but they close quickly. Every transaction’s a little different, but I think the timeframe that the commissioner has outlined is still the timeframe we’re shooting for."

The Hornets have the basic outline of a new long-term lease all but done. That deal would likely lock the franchise in New Orleans through 2025. The new agreement would include upgrades on New Orleans Arena and additional revenue streams for the team. There is talk that a new TV deal also awaits a new owner – one that would almost triple TV revenue.

Combined with a better labor agreement, the Hornets are no longer bad business and it seems as many as nine different suitors see the team the same way.

"When you put all of those pieces together there is a great opportunity here for a buyer," explained Sperling. "I think that’s why we’ve had so much interest from buyers.

"We’ve had a lot of levels of interest in this franchise. I think these are people who live in New Orleans or people who have connections here, and there are also potential buyers who don’t have connections here but who understand that this franchise is going to stay here."

The only thing that remains is to announce who it’s going to be…

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As though we needed another reason to hate on him.

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Anyone catch Inside the NBA last night?  CP3 was their guest for the length of one segment and talked on a variety of topics...

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to the coaching ranks!  In Charlotte!!! 

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[From the FanPosts. A terrific recap from At the Hive regular RedHopeful -R]

If you watched or simply paid attention to this entire game today, kudos.  It means you endured the first half and approximately the first 4 minutes of the 3rd quarter.  During this time, the Hornets were absolutely horrid both offensively and defensively and found themselves down a whooping 23 points.  Considering the Kings have the 2nd worst record in the league, the Hornets were headed towards their most disappointing loss of the season.  Remember, this at a time when the city is attempting to rally around the team attempting to ensure that they remain in New Orleans.

We can only assume Monty had finally reached a breaking point with 7:58 remaining in the 3rd as he uncharacteristically did something special.  How special you ask?  Find out after the jump!

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Got a 10:00 am central time start today boys! Would have to say the Hornets have no problem with the time as they've come out red hot! Belinelli is already 5-7 from three (Ariza is a solid 2-4), and more importantly, David West started the game. Still no Okafor but let's hope these guys all start gelling with the regular season a week away. Cross your fingers Thornton has a solid game.

According to several sources, the New Orleans Hornets have hired Gerald Madkins as the team's new Vice President of Player Personnel. A league source confirmed the hire to NewOrleans.Com/Sports.

Fox 26 in Houston, ProSportsDaily.com and insidehoops.com orginally reported the move as New Orleans continues to retool it's front office.

Madkins comes to the Hornets from division rival Houston, where he worked for the past two seasons as the team's Director of Scouting.

Before working for the Rockets, Madkins served as a scout for the New York Knicks from 2003-2007. He moved from New York to Seattle as a scout for the Seattle Supersonics in 2007-2008.

Madkins played basketball at UCLA before playing in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat for one season each. He spent time in the Continental Basketball Association as well.

Following his playing career, Madkins entered coaching, working as an assistant at California State University, Stanislaus and at UCLA before entering professional basketball.

The 41-year old Madkins is a native of Merced, California.

Brian Hagen served in the capacity of Senior Director of Player Personnel with the Hornets last season, his first in that position after six previous years of working in the Hornets organization. His status with the organization is uncertain.

NewOrleans.com

On paper, it seems like another sound piece in the organizations hierarchy.  Way to early to tell of course, but it sounds like a dynasty in the making!  Demps, Williams and Madkins are all right around the age of 40.  :)

New Orleans will be looking to build on their impressive win in Charlotte against Orlando.  Granted it's a TALL order, but the Magic might not take the Hornets seriously after coming off a big win in Boston yesterday.

After watching the first half, the Hornets are absolutely on fire!  We are shooting 60% from the field!?!  Peja and Darren already have 16 points while David West leads with 18.  Seems like we can get anywhere on the floor at any time and most of the jumpers are falling.  The bad is that the Magic are shooting 53.3% so they can easily turn this game around with a strong defensive effort in the 2nd half (much like what they did in Boston).

Geaux Hornets!

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Chris Paul is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery for a partial tear in his left knee.  Preliminary reports say he could miss 1 to 2 months.  BUMMER!  Now we know Darren Collison performed well against Memphis but he'll have to do it a lot more if the Hornets are to make this year's playoffs.  Sure makes us fans glad we drafted Dimes during last year's draft.

On another note, looks like we need to find a replacement PG for the roster in the interim.  Do we go D-League and try out a couple of guys or sign an available PG to a minimum contract since we have room on the roster?  Guess trading Bobby Brown away was a terrible mistake?

Kate Fagan just tweeted:

Just read a Tweet from Sweet Lou saying he's projecting a Dec. 26th return vs. Jazz. No official word from Sixers, will check tonight.

This would be fantastic, no?  Sure he'll probably be a little rusty but this team needs him and Speights back in the worst way.  12 straight losses!  Time for 12 straight wins!

Question is, what will be the starting lineup?  Sweet Lou, AI, Iggy, Thad, Dalembert?  Or does AI sit?  Perhaps Thad? Maybe Brand starts at center against half the teams in the league?  What does everyone think?

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ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that Chandler could be on the move to Charlotte for Emeka Okafor.  It also states that other players/teams could be included.  Considering how dire the Hornets cap is looking, there has to be more involved.

Haven't really followed Emeka all that much but I do know he's a little undersized to play C.  In the past, he tried to bulk up a little too much and he missed significant time to injury.  That said, he seems to be a little more durable and has the potential to expand his offensive game (although he really hasn't done it yet after quite a few years in the league).  What do you guys think?

will finally get a chance to play everyday.  Sure he hasn't looked good in prior callups, but some players really need have the clubs blessing to go out everyday.  Either way, we'll get to see if he'll be able to put it together and be considered a part of Pitt's future. 

I'm actually expecting him to do well.  Not breakout per se, but hold his own.  Seems like the Pirates had discussed this opportunity with him as he was up earlier with the Pirates this past month.  He didn't fare so well but since returning to the minors, he's hit the ball well and more importantly worked on his approach.  Pirate's coaches and management have spoken about this apparent change at the plate and he seems ready to accept the challenge.  How do you guys think he'll pan out the rest of the year?

[Ed- promoted from the FanPosts. My very initial thoughts: Daniels and James are absurdly similar in many ways. Both 33, both have 6.5 mil contracts that are (virtually) guaranteed for next season, both on the downtrend. Thing is, James' downtrend has been stunningly faster than Daniels, and Daniels still looks to have some value. Myself or Lee should have a full post up later, for now here's the report.]

According to the Washington Post, the Hornets may be getting Antonio Daniels:

According to a league source with knowledge of the situation, the Wizards, New Orleans Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies are closing in on a three-team trade.

The Wizards will acquire guards Javaris Crittenton (Memphis) and Mike James (New Orleans). The Hornets will get Antonio Daniels from the Wizards and possibly a conditional draft pick from Memphis. The Grizzlies would get the conditional first round pick they sent to Washington for Juan Carlos Navarro before last season.

To Wizards will release PG Dee Brown to make room on the roster. Brown, who was signed to a partially guaranteed deal before the season, has started 11 games but has recently seen his playing time reduced.

Don't feel it's the worst thing, as AD still is viable for backup minutes at point.  Losing Mike James definitely isn't a loss.  Only thing is Daniels could be quite unreliable as he's shown to be pretty injury prone the last few years.  What do you guys think?

Update 1: Hornets get a conditional 2nd rounder in the deal. Conditions unspecified for now. (11:45 CST, ESPN)

Update 2: The conditional second rounder will be a 2015 draft pick (11:50 CST, Yahoo!)

Update 3: Daniels currently has a bruised tailbone, as of Monday this week. He was available for the Wizards' game on Tuesday however.

Update 4: Daniels will arrive in NOLA tomorrow for his physical. That means James won't be able to play against Boston for Washington tomorrow (probably). Uncertain whether Daniels will travel with the team to Boston on Friday. (12:40 CST, Times-Pic)

Update 5: Couple sound bytes, courtesy of Jeff Bower and Byron Scott. Bower: "We are excited to get a player of Antonio’s caliber. He is a guard with excellent size, versatility and toughness. Daniels is also a proven veteran who has won a championship and we look forward to all of those attributes strengthening our bench." Scott: "AD has always been a steady, proven guard in this league. He has won at the highest level and is a clutch player; he also gives us a different look in the backcourt with his size."

Update 6: A nice piece from Bullets Forever about AD. An exerpt: "Why doesn't AD get more love? He's simply not as flashy as Gordon or as dynamic as Barbosa or Paul Millsap. He comes in there and simply does his thing night in and night out. It doesn't seem possible that someone can not be flashy while still being an ace sixth man, but Daniels proves that the task can be done. Combine that with his veteran leadership and his incredible generosity off the court, and I'm proud to say that Antonio Daniels plays for my team." Great read.

According to the Memphis Edge:

The Grizzlies are talking to the Wizards about a trade that would send Javaris Crittenton to Washington and allow Memphis to reclaim the first-round pick it dealt for the rights to Spaniard Juan Carlos Navarro in 2007.

That’s the deal. Nothing else to it from the Grizzlies’ end. The deal has not been completed. A league source said the trade likely will die if it isn’t finalized within the next couple of hours.

Personally, I'd like to see it happen.  Wizards are desperate for a decent playmaker at point and Crittenton has some upside.  How do you guys feel about this?

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[Ed. Note: I can't move the comments over to the other thread, so I'm just going to post them here so we have them on record.  -Jake]

I was just thinking about Crittenton the other day

He’s buried down the bench with Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley in front of him at the point, not to mention OJ Mayo. We desperately need a young PG to develop, and I see some potential in him. I’m definitely vouching for this move if it goes down.

by Evander holyfield on Dec 9, 2008 5:21 PM EST

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Great Move

As long as AD goes to the bench for the rest of the season.

by Fundefined on Dec 9, 2008 6:01 PM EST 

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I don't believe the Wiz can send nothing back

as they don’t have a trade exception, per the ol’ trade machine.

3SoB is on this, btw.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 9, 2008 6:14 PM EST 

The New Orleans Hornets have just concluded the preseason with a perfect 7-0 record!  They've done it in pretty convincing fashion as well without suffering any major injury.  Combine this with how well they performed last season - where is the love?  First time posting at this site - hope to see much more activity once the regular season starts.  After all, we could be watching the team that wins the whole thing this season.

I'm amazed by the recent streak of Colorado.  Once seeming out of the playoff chase, they've won 11 in a row.  Now they face the Padres.  Anyone think they have a chance of sweeping them and finishing the year with 14 wins in a row (and probably make the playoffs?)  Btw, anyone know the last team to have such a winning streak and make the playoffs?

This has been the best race for the playoffs since the inception of the wildcard.  It'd be some story to have the Phillies and Rockies come and sneak in the door on the last day!

Don't know much about the guy outside of checking his stats on the Cube.  Seems like Houston considers him a decent prospect but I'm wondering how good he can be.  He made a great leap this year starting in Single A and now he's on the big club.  Last night, he set a franchise record for RBI with 8.  He tore up AA.  His numbers seem pretty good that he may actually be decent to good in the majors.  Anyone got any insight on him?

There's been some controversy lately regarding the way some non-contending teams have been playing of late.  Specifically, I heard that some (mostly Cubs and their fans) are upset by the fact that the Astro's have changed their rotation and inserted a bunch of rookies with their recent series against the BrewCrew.  The Cubs feel that Houston isn't putting their best team on the field during the most important part of the season.  They think this gives the Brewers a competitive advantage and thus a greater likelihood of winning.  Houston counters with the fact that since they're out of it they want to have a look at some rookies (Oswalt's wife did have a baby so his substituted start shouldn't be argued.)  Knowing their would be some questions, the Astros interim general manager even called the Cubs to let him know of his actions.  Nice gesture, I think.

Question is do you think teams should be allowed to do whatever they want and play any player they so choose or, as a professional courtesy, field their starters/best players most of the time?

Personally, I think teams that aren't in playoff contention should be allowed to play their rookies as much as they wish.  I don't feel this takes anything away from the pennant races.  In fact, I would think the rookies would put forth greater effort to do well as they want to make a place for themselves in the majors.  What do you guys think?

I'm particularly interested in Kellen Kulbacki (Padres), Brandon Waring (Cincinnati), Jared Goedert (Indians) and Clayton Conner (Yankees).  Has anyone ever seen any of the players or perhaps heard something interesting?  I think Kulbacki will be a stud.  Check out his 2006 James Madison season -->

.464/.568/.943 with an OPS of 1.511!?!

Waring has put up good numbers as well but I'm worried about his strikeouts (much too Dunn-like.)  If he gets some discipline then perhaps he'll be alright.  Don't know much of anything about Goedert or Conner.

Garrett Olson has been lights out the past 9 games:

6-1, 1.33 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 63K's/18BB in last 61 innings.  

He hasn't been that bad the rest of the year either as he's sporting an ERA under 3 and a Whip around 1.   Hitters are hitting just .205.  Also, he sports a really good ground ball/fly out ratio of 1.10.

I'm curious as to why he's still sitting in AAA while Cabrera and Trachsel continue to flail along with the major league club.  Call him up already!

Joe Dillon? Never even heard of this guy till I read about Weeks replacement on the major league team. If you glance at his numbers for this year, they are pretty impressive! This year alone he was batting .317/20hr/28doubles/69runs/73rbi/6sb in only 319 ab's. Plus his k/bb ratio is impressive at 32/49! His only knock appears to be age as he's 32. However, he was mashing before some kind of injury (?) knocked him out for all of 2006. This guy if given the playing time (and I'm assuming it will be mostly at 2b) could provide some value to the team and maybe some fantasy owners.

Does anyone know anything about the guy?  Was he ever a legit prospect?  What kind of injury did he have in 2006?

When Sheets went down, I thought the Brewers were going to roll over and let the Cubs right by them in the standings.  However, after their last couple of games I think they may still be able to hang on.  Gallardo was quite impressive in last night's win and today Parra got to see his first major league action.  He looked incredible in an inning and a third.  Struck out 3 of the 5 hitters while throwing 15 pitches (13 for strikes.)  Does anyone know if Parra will crack the starting lineup or will he just be used as a reliever for the rest of the year?