Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > 2012-2013 NBA Division Preview: Southwest Division
Lakers News

2012-2013 NBA Division Preview: Southwest Division

Jabari A. Davis
Published: 10/29/2012
15 Min Read
SHARE

5. New Orleans Hornets

As mentioned earlier, the New Orleans Hornets certainly enjoyed a charmed off-season. Rarely, do you get the chance to acquire one potentially franchise-altering player, let alone two. While they have what is considered the closest thing to as sure of a thing in rookie (first overall pick of the 2012-13 NBA Draft) PF/C Anthony Davis, let us not forget how talented and skilled Austin Rivers could end up being. Rivers will have to overcome physical uncertainties vs. the larger/stronger guards, but can work toward strengthening and adjusting to the NBA style. The question is, if healthy, does he pan out to be in the mold of an offensively gifted but limited player such as OJ Mayo, or does he excel to the height of a pre-knee injury Brandon Roy?

In Ant Davis, no such wondering/worrying will be the case. I hate drawing premature comparisons, but I would be remiss to not mention Davis’ incredible similarity to a young Tim Duncan, potentially with a hybrid mix of Kevin Garnett’s young athleticism. Point is, Davis (unibrow and all) is my selection for the NBA’s next big thing. I will openly acknowledge I expect him to win Rookie of the Year. In my humble opinion, Davis possesses those rare intangibles, skill set, and mindset to be a true impact player in this league for years to come.

Free agent pick up Ryan Anderson has improved in scoring and efficiency each of the last four preseason games, and looks to be settling into his new leadership role with this young roster. If he and a healthy Eric Gordon can lead the way, I think the rookie additions will catch their strides sometime around January. While I could see them threatening with a second-half playoff push, I don’t think they’ll have quite enough to make it this year. Be alert and very much aware of their progress over the next couple seasons.

Key Additions: Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers, Ryan Anderson, Robin Lopez, Hakeem Warrick
Key Departures: Trevor Ariza, Emeka Okafor, Brad Miller

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Previous Page123456
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?