Byron Scott Fired, Silly Hornets

I just don’t get professional sports owners. Maybe it’s the reason they’re sitting on millions and I’m … well still trying to reach my own goals. These guys have keen business acumen, but their general sports knowledge appears to be lacking … big time.

What has me scratching my head is the New Orleans Hornets decision to give Byron Scott the boot only nine games into the season.

Scott guided the Hornets to 56 wins in 2008, scooping up coach of the year honors in the process. He followed up that effort with 49 wins in 2009, battling through a plethora of injuries to key players such as James Posey, Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic. That isn’t an easy task considering the Hornets play in a very competitive conference. Scott has also been an integral piece in the development of Chris Paul as a professional. Of course, CP3 naturally has the skills … but Scott has for the most part put the youngster in the right positions to maximize his talents.

The team has also taken numerous cost saving steps (to avoid the luxury tax) that have reduced the overall talent level. You can’t convince me that trading away Rasual Butler to the Clippers just to save some cash translates into more victories? Don’t attempt it. I’m not buying.

General Manager Jeff Bower will take over Scott’s responsibilities and maybe its Hornets owner George Shinn’s way of ultimately cleaning house – after all it was Bower who hand selected this team. Shinn could in essence be giving Bower the rope to tangle his own future.

The crazy part of this mess is that embattled coach Tim Floyd, who Scott replaced in the first place, will rejoin the team as an assistant coach.

Someone please explain to me how this move is going to make the Hornets better in the long run …

I’m waiting.


Lang
Lang.Greene@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/hoopsvine



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