ESPN.com has released two articles in the last two days with a focus on “Summer Forecasts.” The first, titled “Team Turnaround” spoke to the none-too-thinly-valued topic of which teams would rebound in ‘09. The later, labeled “Team Turmoil” attempted to play NBA Nostradamus deciding which teams would struggle early.
Which list were the Hornets on?
Trick Question: [...]

In a move to free up some payroll following the recent trade for Emeka Okafor, the Hornets will be unloading swingman Rasual Butler to the Clippers for a future second-round pick.
Butler, who is slated to make a cool $3.9 million next season, was sought by L.A.’s “other team” for his shooting ability as well as [...]

As the Cavs look forward to the NBA tip-off on October 27th where they will be the featured act taking on the Boston Celtics, they will have all too much time on their hands to ponder the future plans of their King.
LeBron James has made it relatively clear that he will not sign the contract [...]

Emeka Okafor, traded from the Charlotte Bobcats for center Tyson Chandler a week ago, has already found things to be different despite his very short time in New Orleans.
ESPN.com reports that his first dinner with Hornets executives was held at one of Emeril Lagasse’s downtown restaurants did the trick.
“I actually had rabbit gumbo,” Okafor said [...]

Days after the deal that saw Chandler sent to the Hornets’ old home city, Charlotte, for Emeka Okafor, New Orleans has added further depth by signing free-agent forward Ike Diogu.
Diogu is a good move for Nola as he comes onboard for a nominal charge and has yet to still improving as a player. He saw [...]