The Hornets and NBA have undertaken a wide range of community service projects — from building homes with Habitat for Humanity to refurbishing public basketball courts and school computer centers — since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.

The Hornets, which were displaced to Oklahoma City for two seasons after Katrina, had only returned full time last season, which turned out to be the best season in franchise history.

During the playoffs and continuing into the summer, the Hornets were able to bolster their season ticket base to over 10,000 - an NBA benchmark for success in that area. The franchise was primed to capitalize on surging popularity that has been bolstered by the leadership of guard Chris Paul, who was an All-Star last season and an Olympic gold medal winner with USA basketball in Beijing.

However, as Gustav ravaged Cuba and took aim on the Louisiana coast, it appeared the Hornets could be in danger of being displaced again.

"I think everybody had thoughts, and the thing that was helpful this time was the amount of time we all had to be prepared for whatever would come," Bower said. "We're thankful damages to the area are less than they could have been and we hope everyone can get back on their feet easier than last time."

Hornets majority owner George Shinn was in contact with Mayor Ray Nagin in the days before the storm arrived and pledged his help in the recovery from the latest storm.

Although the storm spared New Orleans catastrophic damage, wind damage still was substantial, so the team expected to take on new projects as a result of the storm while continuing to help the ongoing rebuilding process from Hurricane Katrina, Bower said.

When Gustav passed through New Orleans on Monday, debris dented siding on the New Orleans Arena and damaged a large video marquee on an external wall, but the interior and the overall structure, like the Louisiana Superdome next to it, appeared to be in good shape, said Doug Thornton, vice president of SMG, the company that manages both state-owned stadiums.