The Team:
The New Orleans Hornets have made themselves at home in New Orleans, and the city has responded with a lot of love and fan support. New Orleans obtained the Hornets in 2002 when owner George Shinn relocated the team, which had been in existence since 1988, from Charlotte. After being displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Hornets came home permanently for the 2007-2008 season.
In 2008, the Hornets beat the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs, and went on to take the next round against San Antonio down to the wire, finally losing that last game. But what a great season for the team, and a great time for the fans.
Some of the Players:
Guard Chris Paul and forward David West were named to the NBA All-Star Team in 2008. Center Tyson Chandler and forward Peja Stojakovic are more fan favorites, and Head Coach Byron Scott was named Coach of the Year in 2008. Chris Paul was named to the USA Basketball Team in the 2008 Summer Olympics.The Hornets Family:
The Hornets players, coaches, and owners are very active in the local community. The Shinn family is personally very generous, with owner George Shinn leading the way. For example, on his most recent birthday, Mr. Shinn went to University Hospital’s maternity ward and donated baby essentials to every mother who gave birth on that day.
The players purchase tickets through the Hornets Player Community Tickets program benefiting children's non-profit organizations. During the 2007-2008 season, 6500 children were given tickets to the games. Hoops For Homes will fund 20 homes for Katrina victims. The individual players have their special programs, such as Tyson Chandler's Rebounds To Rebound. Hornets' wives have a program to collect prom dresses for students who can't afford to buy them. All of these guys are great!
Ticket Information:
The Hornets play at the New Orleans Arena, across from the Superdome on Poydras. Individual tickets for the upcoming season can be purchased at Ticketmaster. For more information, visit the team website.
