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10 19 04

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A Buzzin' Half-Dozen

Six new Hornets are looking to make an impact.

By Frank Etheridge

Courtesy of New Orleans Hornets

Chris Anderson
Forward/center
Affectionately called “Birdman” and “Bird” by his new teammates, Chris Anderson (6-foot-10, 220 pounds) was signed as a free agent this summer after playing three seasons for the Denver Nuggets, a traditionally dismal franchise that last year made the playoffs. Anderson is valued for his energy and defensive skills, and his role with the Hornets will be as a back-up to All-Star Jamaal Magloire. A native of Texas, Anderson says he’s happy to be back in the heat.

Q: What’s the biggest difference between the Hornets and the Denver Nuggets?
A: There’s not too much of a difference except for the places they’re in, with Denver and the altitude and everything. The Hornets are still in the process of rebuilding, but they still expect to win — the ownership has told us this club has never been below .500, and Denver just went to the playoffs last year. Other than that, just new players, new faces. But it looks like a better atmosphere, so I plan on going out and doing what I do.

Q: What players and teams do you look forward to playing against this year?
A: The power forwards, and some of my old teammates in Denver. But it’s really just whoever they put up against me. It’s different every game. And I really look forward to going against KG (Kevin Garnett), because he always brings out the best in my game.

Q: What do think about the city of New Orleans so far?
A: Being back down here in the humidity, being able to breathe again — I like not having the altitude take a toll on my body, like it did in Denver.

Courtesy of New Orleans Hornets

Alex Garcia
Guard
A native of Brazil, Garcia was claimed off waivers from the San Antonio Spurs in June. Having played professional basketball for the past five years, Garcia is representative of the growing strength of basketball across the globe (remember the Olympics?), though he’s relatively unproven in the NBA. Last year was his rookie season, but his playing time was limited to just two games due to a fractured bone in his foot suffered in a preseason game against the Hornets last October.

Q: What’s the biggest difference between the Spurs and the Hornets?
A: The San Antonio players are taller than here. Bigger. New Orleans is much faster, quicker.

Q: What players and teams do you look forward to playing against this year?
A: Allen Iverson.

Q: What do you think about the city of New Orleans so far?
A: I don’t know. I’m staying in a hotel, but I want to see the city. That would be good.

Courtesy of New Orleans Hornets

Tim Pickett
Guard
Known as a scorer with a deft shooter’s touch, rookie Tim Pickett was selected in the second round, the 44th player overall, in this year’s draft from Florida State University. In college, Pickett was named the first-team all-ACC as a senior, and finished as Florida State’s all-time leader in three-pointers made per game (3.1).

Q: What’s the biggest difference between the Hornets and Florida State?
A: Learning the game more, all the little different things. I’ve learned to let things set up more. Making better decisions, that’s what I’m trying to add to my game. I’ve been getting better at that. I’m working to make myself a complete player.

Q: What players and teams are you looking forward to playing against this year?
A: It’s just like college — you know a lot of the guys, and when you’re together, it’s all about show-and-tell. I’m looking forward to seeing my buddy Tony Bobbitt. He’s with the Lakers right now, and he’s my close friend.

Q: What do you think about the city of New Orleans so far?
A: It’s a nice cultural place. It’s a people’s town. I’m trying to have fun and give back to the people that surround us. You know, wave and be polite.

Courtesy of New Orleans Hornets

J.R. Smith
Guard
When the Hornets’ called out high schooler J.R. Smith as their pick in the first round of the draft this year, it was obvious that the team was opting for the best player available, and not looking to fill an immediate need. Smith is still a few years away, and the Hornets are led in the backcourt by All-Star Baron Davis. But Smith’s size (6-foot-6, 220 pounds), skills and athleticism were just too much for the team to pass on. Smith graduated from St. Benedict’s Prep in New Jersey, a school with a storied basketball tradition.

Q: What’s the biggest difference between the Hornets and St. Benedict’s?
A: The coaching style is real different. They’re cool — I love the coaches here. They played my type of game when they were in the league, and that’s why I’m just trying to pattern my game after them.

Q: What players and teams are you looking forward to playing against this year?
A: Vince (Carter).

Q: What do you think about the city of New Orleans so far?
A: I love it. Great food, great people. It’s a real people’s person type of town.

Courtesy of New Orleans Hornets

Rodney Rogers
Forward
A physical force in the paint, Rodney Rogers stands at 6 feet 7 inches, 255 pounds, but many consider Rogers’ league experience as the greatest strength he brings to the Hornets. Following a dominant college career at Wake Forest, Rogers was taken as the ninth pick overall in the 1993 draft by the Nuggets. He has since played for the Clippers, Suns, Celtics and Nets, where he played for the past two seasons for now-Hornets coach Byron Scott.

Q: What’s the biggest difference between the Hornets and Nets?
A: With it being coach Scott’s first year, everyone is trying to learn the system. That’s been the toughest part. But we’ve got some real players, some real athletes, a lot of guys that are hungry and ready to play. That’s been helpful. The thing for me is I’m sort of like a coach/player. The guys might come to me a little bit, but I tell them you got to use the coaches as well as myself.

Q: What players and teams are you looking forward to playing against this year?
A: You always look forward to playing against the team you just left. At the same time, we’re in a whole new conference, and we have to go out and prove to people that we can play in the Western Conference. There are a lot of changes, to just about every team. I’ve been in this game a while, so there’s no particular player. I’m just trying get myself ready to play.

Q: What do you think about the city of New Orleans so far?
A: I really haven’t been out that much. It’s been raining a lot. I’m looking forward to some better days; I know they’re coming. Maybe I’ll get the chance to ride around and learn the city, because I need to.

Courtesy of New Orleans Hornets

Lee Nailon
Forward
Lee Nailon was originally drafted by the Hornets while the club was in Charlotte, N.C., picked in 2000 following a stellar college career with Texas Christian University, where he earned Honorable Mention All-American honors from the Associated Press. Nailon played two seasons in Charlotte and has since bounced around several teams, having played one season with the New York Knicks before shuffling between Atlanta, Orlando and Cleveland last year.

Q: What’s the biggest difference with the Hornets now and the first time you played with the club?
A: The last time I was with the Hornets, the team was in the East (Eastern Conference). So that’s a big change. And a new city, new teammates.

Q: What teams and players are you looking forward to playing against this year?
A: All of them. I’ve been trying to get to the West (Western Conference) for the longest time. Now that I’m here, I just want to continue my career in the NBA and excel for the Hornets. I’m up for whoever’s in front of me, not any one particular player.

Q: What do you think about the city of New Orleans so far?
A: I’ve always liked New Orleans. I like the weather, the people here. The Hornets have always been a family to me, and I just hope to keep it that way.

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