DTNBA History 2013

So it was mentioned that some were after some historical content from the DTNBA… I went back and found this in my email from the 2013 finals I believe….. The Pelicans/Hornets went on to win that series I believe… maybe 4-2 I think…

Picayune Times – There and Back Again. Hornets trying to be Lord of the Rings (again) before the dawn of a new era.
Written by Patrick Lui

(New Orleans) – As New Orleans basketball prepares to open a new chapter on basketball lore down in the bayou, Kevin Durant offered up a bit reflection on the current group of Hornets. “You know, it’s bitter sweet,” Durant said about the January announcement of the Hornets becoming the Pelicans after the 2012/2013 season. “I’d do anything for the city and the fans. They’ve supported me my entire career. If the fans want to have a fresh identity that is unique to the culture down here, I’m with them 110%.”

Durant, who was originally drafted #1 overall in the 2007/2008 DTNBA draft by current GM and President, Patrick Lui, has never been shy about his appreciation for the commitment and loyalty he’s felt with the Hornets. After spending his rookie year and first three season in New Orleans, Durant became a member of the Milwaukee Bucks as a result of the DTNBA re-draft in 2010. “Don’t remind me,” Durant says as the swarm of reporters laughs and sympathizes with the potential MVP candidate. “I’m just so thankful that management eventually found a way to get me back here” KD says as he reflects on the 2010 blockbuster that brought him full circle back to the Hornets.”

As a youngster, it was hard back then to leave the only team that I had ever been involved with. Know what I’m saying? Dwight (also part of the Hornets from 2007 – 2010) and I were really coming into our own and building some chemistry. Then we get split apart, and now he’s over on the other side trying to get what I got. But I’m hungry now and I’m back for seconds. I’ve already got one ring on my finger and I don’t’ see anything sparkling over there except for that silly grin he’s always flashing for you guys. Dwight’s got media training. I got banners,” Durant says as he points to the recently unveiled 2011/2012 championship banner flowing from the New Orleans Arena rafters.

“I wouldn’t change the group of guys I got now for anything. You can’t come inside on us without getting every shot challenged. When you got real men like Ibaka, Gortat and Sammy protecting the rim, it really lets us defend the perimeter, get up in their faces and force the issue. I don’t know what the numbers say, that’s for you stat heads to look up, but teams better be worried about putting the ball in the bucket when they tip off against us.” In fact, Durant portents something that is nearly fact as the Hornets ranked #1 in team defence throughout the regular season, limiting teams to just 85 points per 48 minutes.

“Some of those guys over there know first hand what I’m talking about,” as Durant slyly refers to former Hornets CJ Watson (2011), JJ Redick (2011), Courtney Lee (2012) and Matt Barnes (2012). “Ain’t none of those guys coming in the paint this series if they don’t have to. Trust me. Those little guards don’t want to see the Condor flap his wings, feel the crush of the Polish Hammer or have Sammy trash talk them in French.

Although let’s not get confused. This edition of the Hornets doesn’t just build their foundation on the defensive end.

Los Angeles coach Mike D’Antoni said it said it best as the Hornets punished the Lakers in 5 games. When asked about matching up with Hornets, D’Antoni said “as much as they were a nightmare for us on the defensive end, they were a damn near hallucination on the offensive side of the ball, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s offence. If it’s not Durant, it’s Manu. If you close out on those guys, they find the open man for a three or a dunk. I had my assistant count the number of guys on the court because I felt like they were playing with seven players against our five. He told me they only had five. I didn’t believe him so I counted myself. They only had five.”

As the arena empties out on the eve of the last DTNBA finals that the Hornets will partake in as an organization before becoming the Pelicans in 2014, Durant polishes his ring, points to the banner above and reminds us all that to see the future, one must only look to the past. “I can’t think of a better way to transition from the Hornets to the Pelicans than hanging another one of those banners right there” Durant says as he points to the empty void beside the 2011/2012 banner. My other fingers are getting lonely too.”

Go Hornets. Go New Orleans. Go Pelicans.


Orlando Sentinel – Back to the Finals!!!
Written by Geriant Jones

(Orlando) – Following the 104-96 win in the Eastern Conference Finals against Ilia’s Philadelphia 76ers the Magic are back in the DTNBA Finals once more following an absence of 5 years or so, having defeated the current Eastern Champion Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Bobcats also along the way!!

Since the DT League has been in existence (2000/01 season) the Magic have now been crowned Eastern Conference champions a total of 5 times, going on to win the DTNBA Crown on two of those occasions, however this next finals appearance is going to be the trickiest… In front of them they face Patrick Lui and his juggernaut New Orleans Hornets… The team with the best record in the league, the best scorer in the league in Durant, the meanest defensive bigs combo in Ibaka and Gortat, not to mention Ginobili, Kidd, Lowry, Dalembert… this one is going to be a BIG ask….

Losing twice (0-2) in the regular season against the Hornets doesn’t bode well for the Magic who are already playing without the starting point guard Jameer Nelson, however CJ Watson and Sebastien Telfair have done well keeping the likes of Chris Paul, Ricky Rubio from the 76ers and Russell Westbrook form the Pacers in check during the playoffs. Where the Magic can win this is if Dwight Howard peforms, can get the Hornet Bigs into foul trouble and take advantage of their short bench. A lot will also depend on Redick getting his points, Barnes, Beasley and Lee’s defense and the slowing down of Durant and Ginobili.
The Magic’s hope is that if we can nick one at their place and hold serve at home, this one could be done in 5 (due to the 2-3-2 format of the finals), but starting strong hasn’t been something they have done well, dropping Game 1’s at the Amway Center to both the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers in previous rounds, before showing some determination to win on the road and take homecourt back. So a good start is needed and the need to protect home court if this series is going to be competitive.

If I was to offer a prediction, my heart says Orlando in 5, but my head says New Orleans in 5…