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Hornets Acquire Aaron Williams
New Orleans Hornets, Toronto Raptors Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets J.R. Smith On The Move?
Yes, this is the same Smith who dazzled New Orleans last season with his dunks and long-range shooting, winning Western Conference rookie of the month honors three times. But Smith was inconsistent during the first two months of this season -- his first two months as a starter -- suffering through a horrid shooting slump in December. Smith averages 9.3 points per game and has led the team in scoring three times; last season he averaged 10.3 points and led the team in scoring 17 times. Since his Jan. 2 benching, he has played 10 or more minutes just four times. Said Smith earlier this month: "I put a lot of pressure on myself more last year than this year." Byron Scott, the Hornets' stern coach, does not tolerate complacency. Earlier in January, when asked about Smith's efforts, Scott said that NBA stands for "No Babies Allowed." And there's no caboose on Scott's train. Obviously, the Hornets have invested in Smith -- the No. 18 pick of the 2004 draft -- and want to see if he will pan out. He's still learning the pro game at a college age. But if Scott isn't going to play Smith -- or even have Smith in his rotation -- then the Hornets will have to consider trading Smith to get a player who can make an immediate impact. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Report: Oklahoma City To Host Hornets In 2006-07
While the Hornets' number of games to be played in New Orleans next season is uncertain, the team is expected to return to the city full time for the 2007-08 season, according to the paper. Hurricane Katrina forced the NBA franchise, along with other professional and college sports teams, to leave New Orleans last year. While NBA commissioner David Stern has been leaning toward the Hornets ultimately returning to New Orleans, coach Byron Scott has expressed concerns about the timing. "I really don't think they'll have the residency, the economics to support a second franchise," Scott told the newspaper on Thursday. "I think our attendance would probably be worse, because I don't think you have enough people. That's my main concern." "We believe the Hornets' lease agreement requires them to return to New Orleans for the 2006-07 season," Louisiana Superdome Commission chairman Tim Coulon said in a statement quoted by the Times-Picayune. "We are aware of their concern regarding the ability of the market to support a 41-game season. "The state ... has been diligently working with the Hornets and the NBA toward the same mutual goal: to assure the long-term success of NBA basketball in New Orleans. We have made every effort to make accurate, objective information and projections available to them. We believe they have made a long-term-commitment to New Orleans." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Hornets Jan 2006 Archive
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The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets announced today that they have acquired forward Aaron Williams from Toronto in exchange for second round picks in 2006 and 2009.
“Aaron will be able to step right in and provide us with an inside presence off the bench,” said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower. “We’ve been looking for someone to help us to solidify our frontline, and he definitely fits the bill.”
Williams, a 11-year NBA veteran, holds career averages of 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds in 612 games. He had averaged 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds through 13 games with the Raptors this season.
J.R. Smith, the sky-walking 20-year-old guard in his second season, could be one of the players traded by the Feb. 23 deadline.
The Hornets appear headed toward maintaining their home base in Oklahoma City, with several visits to New Orleans likely for the 2006-07 season, the Times-Picayune reported.