COMMENTARY | Considering where the franchise was late in 2012, the New Orleans Hornets have made an incredible turnaround. No one is talking about moving the Hornets to Seattle any more now that the team has a new owner and lease. On the court, first overall pick Anthony Davis should make the Hornets contenders for years to come. Without question, Hornets' fans have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Take a closer look at the top five people Hornets' fans should be thankful for this year.
5. Chris Paul
Why should Hornets' fans be thankful for Chris Paul this year? Besides the fact that he gave New Orleans six incredible seasons, he was also professional enough to let the Hornets know he wouldn't re-sign. This allowed New Orleans to trade him and get something in return instead of having him leave via free agency. Thanks to Chris Paul, the Hornets have a Southwest Division Championship as well as Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Austin Rivers.
4. David Stern
Compared to Roger Goodell, David Stern deserves the key to the city. Although he came under heavy criticism for disapproving the first Chris Paul trade, New Orleans should be eternally thankful that Stern kept the Hornets in the Big Easy. David Stern has also granted New Orleans two NBA All-Star Games. And of course, Hornets' fans should be especially thankful that New Orleans somehow beat the odds and won the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery!
3. Monty Williams
Anyone who has read my Hornets' articles over the last couple of years knows that I am a huge Monty Williams fan. I will never forget the night in 2010 when I was working as the PA announcer at a local high school football game and I was following the Hornets' game all night as they defeated the mighty Miami Heat. Williams miraculously brought New Orleans to the 2011 NBA Playoffs and he now gets the best out of a talented, but inexperienced squad.
2. Tom Benson
Tom Benson went through some tough times immediately after Hurricane Katrina. However, from 1985 to the present, Benson has been the best benefactor possible for the city of New Orleans. After leading the Saints to a Super Bowl victory, Benson didn't need to save the Hornets. But he stepped up and ensured that the franchise would stay in New Orleans for the foreseeable future. Every basketball fan in New Orleans should thankful for Tom Benson.
Although I'm thankful to have an NBA team in my hometown of New Orleans, I'm even more thankful when a winner is on the floor. Benson can spend his entire fortune and Williams can coach until he's out of breath, but it takes talent to win. That's why Hornets' fans should be most thankful that Anthony Davis plays in New Orleans. Davis is a proven winner and it's only a matter of time before he brings playoff appearances, division titles, and more to New Orleans.
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.
More from this contributor
Brian Roberts will be the NBA's surprise player of the year
"Armagordon" may strike New Orleans on December 15
Top 5 basketball movies ever made
Top 5 NBA free agent signings in history
CP3 or C-3PO?
