I walked to the mail box Wednesday to scoop up Sports Illustrated's NBA pre season issue.
I opened it to find out the Hornets were the 5th best team in the Western Conference. Really?
The Lakers are 1, Houston 2, The Spurs 3, Utah 4, the Hornets 5.
An NBA scout said forward David West isn't a "number 2 guy that a championship contender needs." Really? Last season, West averaged 20 points a game. He also shot 48 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free throw line. And, I think West has proven he elevates his performance in the final two minutes of games.
The Lakers deserved to be picked one. Houston is two. Not sure about that one. Ron Artest is a great talent who can divide a lockerroom. And, Rafer Alston is an average NBA point guard.
San Antonio is picked third, even though Manu Ginobili will be out till December after a ankle surgery. And, even though they have a ton of guys over 30.
Utah at 4 I don't agree with. Deron Williams is an outstanding player, but Carlos Boozer, who had a great regular season, did not play well in the playoffs.
Hornets have a great shot in the West, if they can stay healthy.