MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Point guard Chris Paul was runner-up in the MVP voting after averaging 21 points, 11 assists and 2.7 steals. His numbers went up in the postseason, but none of the numbers, regular season or post season, measured how much his will and determination elevated his team to unexpected heights.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER: Second-year center Hilton Armstrong, a former No. 1 draft choice, did not develop into the consistent backup to Tyson Chandler that the Hornets had envisioned. He remained inconsistent offensively, outmanned defensively, and extremely foul prone. He periodically vanished from the rotation despite the lack of any better alternative behind Chandler. BIGGEST NEEDS: The Hornets will be looking for a dependable backup to center Tyson Chandler and a backup big guard. It would also help if they could find a perimeter player who can penetrate. FREE AGENT FOCUS: Guard Jannero Pargo, the Hornets' most productive bench player, can opt out of his contract for the second consecutive season. He might well do so to improve his negotiating position, but he has said that he is very happy with the role with the Hornets and the team would like to have him back as well. Whether he returns or not will be dictated strictly by economics. Three reserves -- G/F Bonzi Wells, C Chris Andersen, and F Ryan Bowen will become free agents July 1. Reserve G Jannero Pargo and reserve C Melvin Ely can each opt out of the final year of their deals July 1.
PLAYER NOTES:
--Hornets coach Byron Scott said during the playoffs that swingman Bonzi Wells had been everything he had hoped for and more after the team acquired him from Houston in a trade in late February. Wells, who had disputes with previous coaches, was never a distraction. He gave the Hornets experience, toughness, and a low-post scoring option. But Wells was ineffective in the second-round playoff loss to the Spurs and his minutes shrunk accordingly. Wells, who is scheduled to become a free agent, said he lost his confidence and that his anger toward himself for not contributing against the Spurs will fuel him during his offseason workouts.
--Hornets owner George Shinn said he has urged GM Jeff Bower to try to re-sign center Chris Andersen, though he didn't insist that he do so. Andersen returned to the Hornets in March after a two-year suspension for violating the NBA drug policy. Andersen played sparingly down the stretch and was inactive for all 12 playoff games. His prorated contract expires July 1, making him an unrestricted free agent.
--Reserve C Hilton Armstrong's long-term future with the Hornets likely will be determined next season. He will be in the last year of the contract he signed as a first-round draft choice two years ago. The Hornets were looking for more dramatic improvement from Armstrong, but he was very inconsistent as a backup to Tyson Chandler. He'll need to get stronger in the upper body and become less foul prone if he is to become a permanent part of the rotation.
--The development of G Chris Paul and C Tyson Chandler figures to be accelerated when they try out for Team USA and the Beijing Olympics this summer. "I definitely plan on playing," Paul said. "Tyson and I will both be there. Now it's all about trying to make the team. I'm looking forward to the mini-camp in June."
--Chandler said he plans to continue to work on his post-up game during the offseason. He had virtually no offensive game when he was acquired two years ago but has developed a few moves around the basket and improved his free throw shooting, though it sill needs work.
--F Julian Wright, the Hornets' No. 1 draft choice last summer, will be a player to keep an eye on during the summer and into next season. Despite a slow start and some inconsistency, Wright showed dramatic improvement, especially in his jump shot. At 6-foot-8 and featuring very long arms, he can defend very athletic small forwards. He's an outstanding leaper and occasionally shows off the point guard skills he developed as a youngster.
