2007–08 New Orleans Hornets season
Encyclopedia
The 2007–08
New Orleans Hornets season was the Hornets' 20th season in the National Basketball Association and their 6th based in New Orleans. They returned to New Orleans full-time for the first time since 2004–05.
Although they declined an option to play part of this season at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
, as they did for most of the previous two seasons, they did play their first preseason game at the Ford Center on October 9 for a final curtain call.
On February 21, 2008 Bobby Jackson was traded to the Houston Rockets
along with teammate Adam Haluska
for Bonzi Wells
and Mike James
as part of a three team deal involving Houston and the Memphis Grizzlies
. Also, Marcus Vinicius
was traded to the Rockets where they traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies to gain the rights to Malick Badiane
and Sergei Lishouk
.
The Hornets finished the regular season with a record of 56–26, good enough for winning the Southwest Division
. This title was clinched with their win over the Los Angeles Clippers
on April 15, and marks the first division title for the franchise. Their record also ensured the 2nd seed for the Western Conference
playoffs. The Hornets closed the season with a 30–11 record at home along with a 26–15 road record. The season marks a new record for wins in a season, bettering the 1996-97 Charlotte Hornets' record of 54–28 with their win against the Minnesota Timberwolves
on April 9. It is only the fourth time in Hornet franchise history that they have won 50 games in a season. The Hornet's accomplishments in the season earned coach Byron Scott
the
NBA Coach of the Year award.
On April 29 won game 5 of their first round playoff series vs. the 7th seeded Dallas Mavericks
, thereby winning the series 4–1. This mark the first time in franchise history that they have won a seven game playoff series. In his post-season debut, Chris Paul
became the first player in NBA history to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in his first two playoff games. On May 19 the Hornets season ended after they were eliminated in game 7 by the defending champions San Antonio Spurs
.
Team head coach for the NBA All-Star Game on February 17, 2008. It came after the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics on January 31. He is the first hornets head coach to ever coach in an NBA All-Star Game in the whole franchise history. Chris Paul
and David West
were also named reserves for the game. This will be the first All-Star appearance for the both of them. In addition, Peja Stojakovic
will be participating in the Three Point Shootout.
Key dates prior to the start of the season:
in New York, New York
.
* Total for entire season including previous team(s)
• Paul first player in history with back-to-back 30-pt, 10-ast, 3-steal games. Also first player in history with 30 points and 10 assists in first two career playoff games.
2007-08 NBA season
The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, and ended on Wednesday, April 16, 2008...
New Orleans Hornets season was the Hornets' 20th season in the National Basketball Association and their 6th based in New Orleans. They returned to New Orleans full-time for the first time since 2004–05.
Although they declined an option to play part of this season at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is the capital and the largest city in the state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County, the city ranks 31st among United States cities in population. The city's population, from the 2010 census, was 579,999, with a metro-area population of 1,252,987 . In 2010, the Oklahoma...
, as they did for most of the previous two seasons, they did play their first preseason game at the Ford Center on October 9 for a final curtain call.
On February 21, 2008 Bobby Jackson was traded to the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
along with teammate Adam Haluska
Adam Haluska
Adam Haluska is an American professional basketball player. He is a 6'5" tall shooting guard who is a free agent.-2003-2007:...
for Bonzi Wells
Bonzi Wells
Gawen DeAngelo "Bonzi" Wells is an American professional basketball player. A 6' 5" shooting guard, he last played for Capitanes de Arecibo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, the main Puerto Rican basketball league. He played college basketball at Ball State University and was drafted in the...
and Mike James
Mike James
Michael Lamont James is an American professional basketball player.-Early years:The youngest of seven siblings, James's childhood was not without challenges. Crime, drugs, and violence troubled his neighborhood streets. Lack of social and economic opportunity made urban living grueling and...
as part of a three team deal involving Houston and the Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
. Also, Marcus Vinicius
Marcus Vinicius de Souza
Marcus Vinicius Vieira de Souza , better known as Marcus Vinicius, is a Brazilian professional basketball player....
was traded to the Rockets where they traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies to gain the rights to Malick Badiane
Malick Badiane
Malick Badiane is a Senegalese professional basketball player. He plays mainly as a center, but he can also play at the power forward position. He is 6 ft 11 in in height.-Early years:...
and Sergei Lishouk
Sergei Lishouk
-Pro career:Lishouk was selected by the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies in the 2004 NBA Draft. On February 21, 2008, his NBA draft rights were traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for the draft rights to Malick Badiane...
.
The Hornets finished the regular season with a record of 56–26, good enough for winning the Southwest Division
Southwest Division (NBA)
The Southwest Division is one of the three divisions in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association . The division consists of five teams, the Dallas Mavericks, the Houston Rockets, the Memphis Grizzlies, the New Orleans Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs...
. This title was clinched with their win over the Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
on April 15, and marks the first division title for the franchise. Their record also ensured the 2nd seed for the Western Conference
Western Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
playoffs. The Hornets closed the season with a 30–11 record at home along with a 26–15 road record. The season marks a new record for wins in a season, bettering the 1996-97 Charlotte Hornets' record of 54–28 with their win against the Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
on April 9. It is only the fourth time in Hornet franchise history that they have won 50 games in a season. The Hornet's accomplishments in the season earned coach Byron Scott
Byron Scott (basketball)
Byron Antom Scott is a retired American National Basketball Association player and current head coach of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. He was formerly the head coach of the NBA's New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets. He attended Arizona State University, but left school in his junior year to...
the
NBA Coach of the Year award.
On April 29 won game 5 of their first round playoff series vs. the 7th seeded Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
, thereby winning the series 4–1. This mark the first time in franchise history that they have won a seven game playoff series. In his post-season debut, Chris Paul
Chris Paul
Christopher Emmanuel Paul is an American professional basketball point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. Despite only playing two varsity basketball seasons in high school, he was a McDonald's All-American and accepted a scholarship with nearby Wake...
became the first player in NBA history to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in his first two playoff games. On May 19 the Hornets season ended after they were eliminated in game 7 by the defending champions San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
.
NBA All-Star Game
Byron Scott was named the Western ConferenceWestern Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
Team head coach for the NBA All-Star Game on February 17, 2008. It came after the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics on January 31. He is the first hornets head coach to ever coach in an NBA All-Star Game in the whole franchise history. Chris Paul
Chris Paul
Christopher Emmanuel Paul is an American professional basketball point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. Despite only playing two varsity basketball seasons in high school, he was a McDonald's All-American and accepted a scholarship with nearby Wake...
and David West
David West (basketball)
David Moorer West is an American professional basketball player who has most recently played with the NBA's New Orleans Hornets...
were also named reserves for the game. This will be the first All-Star appearance for the both of them. In addition, Peja Stojakovic
Peja Stojaković
Predrag Stojaković , also known by his nickname Peja , is a Serbian professional basketball player who last played for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association . Standing at 6 ft 10 , Stojaković plays the small forward position...
will be participating in the Three Point Shootout.
Key dates prior to the start of the season:
- The 2007 NBA Draft2007 NBA DraftThe 2007 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2007 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. It was broadcast on television in 115 countries. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S...
took place in New York City, New York on June 28. - The free agencyFree agentIn professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
period begins in July.
Draft picks
New Orleans' selections from the 2007 NBA Draft2007 NBA Draft
The 2007 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2007 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. It was broadcast on television in 115 countries. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S...
in New York, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | School/Club Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | Julian Wright Julian Wright Julian Emil-Jamaal Wright is an American professional basketball player who last played for the NBA's Toronto Raptors. He played collegiately for the University of Kansas.-High school career:... |
Forward | Kansas | |
| 2 | 43 | Adam Haluska Adam Haluska Adam Haluska is an American professional basketball player. He is a 6'5" tall shooting guard who is a free agent.-2003-2007:... |
Shooting Guard | Iowa Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team represents the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, as a member of the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. They currently play in 15,500-seat Carver-Hawkeye Arena, along with the school's women's basketball, wrestling, and... |
|
Roster
Standings
Regular season
| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0 | 6.8 | .286 | .000 | .500 | 1.8 | .0 | .00 | .80 | 1.2 | |
| 65 | 3 | 11.3 | .453 | .000 | .629 | 2.5 | .4 | .23 | .52 | 2.7 | |
| 53 | 4 | 12.5 | .490 | .000 | .552 | 1.9 | .5 | .60 | .21 | 2.2 | |
| 51 | 8 | 17.2 | .350 | .331 | .839 | 2.0 | .7 | .29 | .41 | 4.9 | |
| 79 | 79 | 35.2 | .623 | .000 | .593 | 11.7 | 1.0 | .57 | 1.06 | 11.8 | |
| 52 | 1 | 11.9 | .472 | .000 | .552 | 2.8 | .4 | .13 | .35 | 3.9 | |
| 54 | 1 | 13.3 | .348 | .320 | .813 | 1.3 | 1.1 | .39 | .04 | 5.0 | |
| 80 | 5 | 18.7 | .390 | .349 | .877 | 1.6 | 2.4 | .63 | .06 | 8.1 | |
| 80 | 80 | 37.6 | .488 | .369 | .851 | 4.0 | 11.6 | 2.71 | .05 | 21.1 | |
| 76 | 76 | 23.6 | .417 | .394 | .765 | 2.7 | .9 | .62 | .09 | 8.0 | |
| 77 | 77 | 35.2 | .440 | .441 | .929 | 4.3 | 1.2 | .74 | .13 | 16.4 | |
| 73 | 7 | 21.4 | .443 | .240 | .643 | 4.5 | 1.3 | 1.03 | .44 | 9.1 | |
| 76 | 76 | 37.8 | .482 | .240 | .850 | 8.9 | 2.3 | .82 | 1.30 | 20.6 | |
| 57 | 1 | 11.2 | .533 | .417 | .635 | 2.1 | .7 | .51 | .21 | 3.9 |
Playoffs
| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | 9.0 | .615 | .000 | .500 | 2.5 | .0 | .00 | .75 | 2.6 | |
| 9 | 0 | 4.3 | .167 | .000 | 1.000 | 1.6 | .2 | .11 | .00 | .4 | |
| 11 | 11 | 33.5 | .617 | .000 | .643 | 9.8 | .4 | .45 | 1.73 | 7.5 | |
| 6 | 0 | 9.2 | .308 | .000 | .750 | 1.7 | .2 | .00 | .00 | 2.3 | |
| 4 | 0 | 7.0 | .333 | .400 | 1.000 | .3 | .3 | .50 | .00 | 3.0 | |
| 11 | 0 | 21.7 | .390 | .351 | .650 | 2.4 | 2.4 | .91 | .18 | 9.5 | |
| 11 | 11 | 39.8 | .507 | .250 | .811 | 4.6 | 11.0 | 2.09 | .18 | 24.6 | |
| 11 | 11 | 23.0 | .508 | .500 | .667 | 2.7 | .6 | .45 | .27 | 7.4 | |
| 11 | 11 | 37.3 | .451 | .587 | .926 | 5.5 | .5 | .55 | .09 | 14.7 | |
| 11 | 0 | 15.0 | .393 | .000 | .000 | 2.8 | .7 | .27 | .27 | 4.0 | |
| 11 | 11 | 39.9 | .470 | 1.000 | .882 | 8.5 | 3.0 | 1.09 | 2.00 | 21.3 | |
| 11 | 0 | 11.9 | .455 | .222 | .833 | 1.6 | .5 | .91 | .09 | 4.3 |
Season
- The Hornets set franchise records in wins (56) and road wins (26).
- Chris PaulChris PaulChristopher Emmanuel Paul is an American professional basketball point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. Despite only playing two varsity basketball seasons in high school, he was a McDonald's All-American and accepted a scholarship with nearby Wake...
set franchise records in:- double-doubles (56)
- total assists (925)
- total steals (217)
- 10 or more assists (59)
Playoffs
- In Game 2 vs. the Mavericks, the Hornets set franchise marks in:
- Most points in a quarter: 39 in 1st
- Most points in a half: 67 in 1st
- Most points in a game: 127
- Most 3-pt FG made (team): 10
- Most assists in game: Chris Paul, 17
- total points: 127
- Chris PaulChris PaulChristopher Emmanuel Paul is an American professional basketball point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. Despite only playing two varsity basketball seasons in high school, he was a McDonald's All-American and accepted a scholarship with nearby Wake...
set a franchise record 17 assists in Game 2 against the Dallas MavericksDallas MavericksThe Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
.
Milestones
- The Hornets won their first-ever division title in franchise history (including the tenure in Charlotte.).
- Byron ScottByron Scott (basketball)Byron Antom Scott is a retired American National Basketball Association player and current head coach of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. He was formerly the head coach of the NBA's New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets. He attended Arizona State University, but left school in his junior year to...
became the Hornets first Coach of the YearNBA Coach of the Year AwardThe National Basketball Association's Coach of the Year is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1962–63 NBA season. The winner receives the Red Auerbach Trophy, which is named in honor of the head coach who led the Boston Celtics to nine NBA Championships from 1956 to 1966...
receptient.
Playoffs
- The Hornets won their first playoff series since moving to New Orleans in 2002.
- Chris Paul averaged average 24 points, 12 assists and 2 steals in the five-game first round series vs the Mavericks, becoming the sixth player and first in 17 years to do so.
• Paul first player in history with back-to-back 30-pt, 10-ast, 3-steal games. Also first player in history with 30 points and 10 assists in first two career playoff games.
Transactions
The Hornets have been involved in the following transactions during the 2007-08 season.Trades
| February 21, 2007 2007-08 NBA season The 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, and ended on Wednesday, April 16, 2008... |
To New Orleans Hornets Mike James Mike James Michael Lamont James is an American professional basketball player.-Early years:The youngest of seven siblings, James's childhood was not without challenges. Crime, drugs, and violence troubled his neighborhood streets. Lack of social and economic opportunity made urban living grueling and... and Bonzi Wells Bonzi Wells Gawen DeAngelo "Bonzi" Wells is an American professional basketball player. A 6' 5" shooting guard, he last played for Capitanes de Arecibo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, the main Puerto Rican basketball league. He played college basketball at Ball State University and was drafted in the... |
To Houston Rockets Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being... Bobby Jackson, Adam Haluska Adam Haluska Adam Haluska is an American professional basketball player. He is a 6'5" tall shooting guard who is a free agent.-2003-2007:... , and a second round draft pick |
To Memphis Grizzlies Memphis Grizzlies The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's... Marcus Vinicius Marcus Vinicius de Souza Marcus Vinicius Vieira de Souza , better known as Marcus Vinicius, is a Brazilian professional basketball player.... , cash, as well as the draft rights to Sergei Lishchuk and Malick Badiane Malick Badiane Malick Badiane is a Senegalese professional basketball player. He plays mainly as a center, but he can also play at the power forward position. He is 6 ft 11 in in height.-Early years:... |
Free Agents
|
|
See also
- 2007-08 NBA season2007-08 NBA seasonThe 2007–08 NBA season was the 62nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, and ended on Wednesday, April 16, 2008...