I wonder why Eric Gordon hasn't made a statement congratulating the New Orleans Hornets on trading for Ryan Anderson when he was so quick to point out the new talent brought in by the Phoenix Suns. In a sign-and-trade deal, the Orlando Magic will be sending Ryan Anderson to the Hornets for Gustavo Ayon.
Ode to Ayon
Before I get into the Ryan Anderson acquisition and how his arrival will impact New Orleans, I would be remiss if I didn't wish a fond farewell to Gustavo Ayon. Last year, Ayon was one of my favorite Hornet players and he came out of nowhere to be a key contributor. Over time, he has the potential to be one of the better centers in the NBA.
Ryan Anderson
It's a sign of just how talented NBA players are in 2012 that one of the league's best three-point shooters is a 6' 10" power forward. In 2011-12, Ryan Anderson led the NBA with 166 made three-pointers and was named the NBA's Most Improved Player. Anderson's 44 percent three-point shooting should be a serious upgrade for the Hornets' abysmal perimeter shooting.
As was the case with the drafting of Austin Rivers, the Ryan Anderson trade is curious in that the New Orleans Hornets are bringing in a player who plays the same position as someone already here. Rivers plays the two-guard which is Eric Gordon's position while Anderson and Anthony Davis are both power forwards.
It is possible New Orleans Hornets Head Coach Monty Williams plans on implementing a new, unconventional offense that does not assign players to the traditional one through five format. If Austin Rivers and Eric Gordon are both on the floor together as great ball handlers, then maybe New Orleans doesn't need a pure small forward.
Perhaps the Hornets plan on moving either Ryan Anderson or Anthony Davis to center and bringing in a small forward. I wouldn't recommend this as Anderson shoots too well to play inside and Davis is too athletic to play center in New Orleans.
If New Orleans brings in a free agent small forward, Carlos Delfino would be a good fit. If the Hornets want another center, they may need to work a trade because there isn't much free agent talent available under the basket.
Patrick Michael was born in New Orleans and currently resides in the Big Easy. A loyal New Orleans NBA fan, Patrick was a diehard New Orleans Jazz fan and now cheers for the Hornets. Patrick was in attendance the night the Hornets were one win away from the Western Conference Finals. Follow Patrick Michael on Twitter at patmichael84.
Sources
Brett Martel, "AP Source: Hornets, Magic swapping Ayon, Anderson," yahoo.com
"Ryan Anderson," basketball-reference.com
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