2007–08 New Orleans Hornets season
The 2007–08 New Orleans Hornets season was the Hornets' 20th season in the National Basketball Association and their 6th based in New Orleans. They returned to New Orleans full-time for the first time since 2004–05.
Although they declined an option to play part of this season at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as they did for most of the previous two seasons, they did play their first preseason game at the Ford Center on October 9 for a final curtain call.
On February 21, 2008 Bobby Jackson was traded to the Houston Rockets along with teammate Adam Haluska for Bonzi Wells and Mike James as part of a three team deal involving Houston and the Memphis Grizzlies. Also, Marcus Vinicius was traded to the Rockets where they traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies to gain the rights to Malick Badiane and Sergei Lishouk.
The Hornets finished the regular season with a record of 56–26, good enough for winning the Southwest Division. This title was clinched with their win over the Los Angeles Clippers on April 15, and marks the first division title for the franchise. Their record also ensured the 2nd seed for the Western Conference playoffs. The Hornets closed the season with a 30–11 record at home along with a 26–15 road record. The season marks a new record for wins in a season, bettering the 1996-97 Charlotte Hornets' record of 54–28 with their win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 9. It is only the fourth time in Hornet franchise history that they have won 50 games in a season. The Hornet's accomplishments in the season earned coach Byron Scott the NBA Coach of the Year award.
On April 29 won game 5 of their first round playoff series vs. the 7th seeded Dallas Mavericks, thereby winning the series 4–1. This mark the first time in franchise history that they have won a seven game playoff series. In his post-season debut, Chris Paul became the first player in NBA history to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in his first two playoff games. On May 19 the Hornets season ended after they were eliminated in game 7 by the defending champions San Antonio Spurs.
NBA All-Star Game
Byron Scott was named the Western Conference Team head coach for the NBA All-Star Game on February 17, 2008. It came after the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics on January 31. He is the first hornets head coach to ever coach in an NBA All-Star Game in the whole franchise history. Chris Paul and David West were also named reserves for the game. This will be the first All-Star appearance for the both of them. In addition, Peja Stojakovic will be participating in the Three Point Shootout.
Key dates prior to the start of the season:
Offseason
Draft picks
New Orleans' selections from the 2007 NBA Draft in New York, New York.
Roster
|
Players |
Coaches |
Pos. |
# |
Name |
Height |
Weight |
DOB (Y–M–D) |
From |
5.5 !F/C |
1 |
USA ! |
Andersen, Chris |
82 !6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
228 lb (103 kg) |
|
Blinn College |
5.5 !F/C |
12 |
USA ! |
Armstrong, Hilton |
83 !6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
235 lb (107 kg) |
|
Connecticut |
3.0 !SF |
40 |
USA ! |
Bowen, Ryan |
81 !6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
220 lb (100 kg) |
|
Iowa |
3.0 !SF |
45 |
USA ! |
Butler, Rasual |
79 !6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
205 lb (93 kg) |
|
La Salle* |
5.5 !F/C |
6 |
USA ! |
Chandler, Tyson |
85 !7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
235 lb (107 kg) |
|
Dominguez HS (CA)* |
5.5 !F/C |
33 |
USA ! |
Ely, Melvin |
82 !6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
261 lb (118 kg) |
|
Fresno State |
1.0 !PG |
5 |
USA ! |
James, Mike |
74 !6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
188 lb (85 kg) |
|
Duquesne |
1.5 !G |
2 |
USA ! |
Pargo, Jannero |
73 !6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
175 lb (79 kg) |
|
Arkansas |
1.0 !PG |
3 |
USA ! |
Paul, Chris |
72 !6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
175 lb (79 kg) |
|
Wake Forest |
2.5 !G/F |
9 |
USA ! |
Peterson, Morris |
79 !6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
220 lb (100 kg) |
|
Michigan State |
3.0 !SF |
16 |
SRB ! |
Stojaković, Peja |
82 !6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
229 lb (104 kg) |
|
Serbia |
2.5 !G/F |
24 |
USA ! |
Wells, Bonzi |
77 !6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
210 lb (95 kg) |
|
Ball State |
4.0 !F |
30 |
USA ! |
West, David |
81 !6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
240 lb (109 kg) |
|
Xavier |
3.0 !SF |
32 |
USA ! |
Wright, Julian |
80 !6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
225 lb (102 kg) |
|
Kansas |
|
- Head coach
- Assistant coach(es)
- Legend
- (C) Team captain
- (DP) Unsigned draft pick
- (FA) Free agent
- (S) Suspended
Roster • Transactions
Last transaction: 2008-03-08
|
Standings
Game log
October
Record: 1–0; Home: 1–0; Road: 0–0
November
Record: 10–6; Home: 2–4; Road: 8–2
# |
Date |
Visitor |
Score |
Home |
OT |
Leading scorer |
Attendance |
Record |
2 |
2 November 2007 |
Trailblazers |
W 113–93 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (19) |
9,817 |
2–0 |
3 |
4 November 2007 |
Hornets |
W 93–88 |
Nuggets |
NA |
David West (17) |
13,156 |
3–0 |
4 |
6 November 2007 |
Hornets |
W 118–104 |
Lakers |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (36) |
18,997 |
4–0 |
5 |
7 November 2007 |
Hornets |
L 90–93 |
Trailblazers |
NA |
David West (34) |
19,980 |
4–1 |
6 |
9 November 2007 |
Spurs |
L 85–97 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (18) |
15,297 |
4–2 |
7 |
11 November 2007 |
Hornets |
W 93–72 |
76ers |
NA |
Two-way tie (16) |
10,014 |
5–2 |
8 |
12 November 2007 |
Hornets |
W 84–82 |
Nets |
NA |
Chris Paul (27) |
12,832 |
6–2 |
9 |
14 November 2007 |
76ers |
W 95–76 |
Hornets |
NA |
Morris Peterson (27) |
8,302 |
7–2 |
10 |
16 November 2007 |
Hornets |
W 120–118 |
Grizzlies |
1 |
David West (40) |
13,271 |
8–2 |
11 |
17 November 2007 |
Hornets |
W 100–82 |
Timberwolves |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (22) |
15,324 |
9–2 |
12 |
19 November 2007 |
Magic |
L 88–95 |
Hornets |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (21) |
11,741 |
9–3 |
13 |
21 November 2007 |
Pacers |
L 93–105 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (23) |
11,609 |
9–4 |
14 |
23 November 2007 |
Hornets |
L 71–99 |
Jazz |
NA |
David West (18) |
19,911 |
9–5 |
15 |
24 November 2007 |
Hornets |
W 98–89 |
Clippers |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (22) |
15,601 |
10–5 |
16 |
26 November 2007 |
Timberwolves |
L 94–103 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (31) |
8,393 |
10–6 |
17 |
30 November 2007 |
Hornets |
W 92–86 |
Hawks |
NA |
David West (22) |
14,186 |
11–6 |
December
Record: 10–4; Home: 6–2; Road: 4–3
# |
Date |
Visitor |
Score |
Home |
OT |
Leading scorer |
Attendance |
Record |
18 |
1 December 2007 |
Mavericks |
W 112–108 |
Hornets |
1 |
Chris Paul (33) |
12,223 |
12–6 |
19 |
5 December 2007 |
Pistons |
L 76–91 |
Hornets |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (19) |
10,312 |
12–7 |
20 |
7 December 2007 |
Grizzlies |
W 118–116 |
Hornets |
1 |
Chris Paul (43) |
10,386 |
13–7 |
21 |
9 December 2007 |
Supersonics |
W 91–88 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (29) |
10,793 |
14–7 |
22 |
12 December 2007 |
Hornets |
L 99–105 |
Nuggets |
NA |
Chris Paul (30) |
13,337 |
14–8 |
23 |
14 December 2007 |
Hornets |
L 80–89 |
Mavericks |
NA |
Chris Paul (21) |
20,071 |
14–9 |
24 |
15 December 2007 |
Suns |
W 101–98 |
Hornets |
NA |
Two-way tie (21) |
13,705 |
15–9 |
25 |
17 December 2007 |
Hornets |
L 88–96 |
Trailblazers |
NA |
David West (31) |
15,183 |
16–9 |
26 |
19 December 2007 |
Hornets |
W 107–93 |
Supersonics |
NA |
Morris Peterson (25) |
11,968 |
17–9 |
27 |
22 December 2007 |
Timberwolves |
W 110–76 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (22) |
11,257 |
18–9 |
28 |
26 December 2007 |
Hornets |
W 116–98 |
Grizzlies |
NA |
Chris Paul (40) |
11,189 |
19–9 |
29 |
28 December 2007 |
Hornets |
W 99–85 |
Bobcats |
NA |
David West (20) |
18,237 |
20–9 |
30 |
29 December 2007 |
Cavaliers |
W 86–76 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (27) |
17,623 |
21–9 |
31 |
31 December 2007 |
Raptors |
L 92–97 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (33) |
11,444 |
21–10 |
January
Record: 12-2; Home: 7-2; Road: 5–0
# |
Date |
Visitor |
Score |
Home |
OT |
Leading scorer |
Attendance |
Record |
32 |
2 January 2008 |
Hornets |
W 95–81 |
Clippers |
NA |
David West (29) |
14,965 |
21–11 |
33 |
4 January 2008 |
Hornets |
W 116–104 |
Warriors |
NA |
Two-way tie (24) |
19,596 |
22–11 |
34 |
5 January 2008 |
Hornets |
W 118–113 |
Suns |
NA |
Chris Paul (28) |
18,422 |
23–11 |
35 |
9 January 2008 |
Lakers |
L 80–109 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (32) |
15,805 |
23–12 |
36 |
11 January 2008 |
Heat |
W 114–88 |
Hornets |
NA |
Bobby Jackson (25) |
17,133 |
24–12 |
37 |
13 January 2008 |
Hornets |
W 87–82 |
Rockets |
NA |
David West (26) |
13,599 |
25–12 |
38 |
16 January 2008 |
Supersonics |
W 123–92 |
Hornets |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (23) |
12,882 |
26–12 |
39 |
18 January 2008 |
Bobcats |
W 112–84 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (28) |
14,986 |
27–12 |
40 |
21 January 2008 |
Bucks |
W 106–92 |
Hornets |
NA |
Tyson Chandler (20) |
14,663 |
28–12 |
41 |
23 January 2008 |
Trail Blazers |
W 96–81 |
Hornets |
NA |
Jannero Pargo (24) |
16,006 |
29–12 |
42 |
25 January 2008 |
Clippers |
W 111–92 |
Hornets |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (26) |
16,538 |
30–12 |
43 |
26 January 2008 |
Hornets |
W 102–78 |
Spurs |
NA |
David West (32) |
18,797 |
31–12 |
44 |
28 January 2008 |
Nuggets |
W 117–93 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (23) |
16,601 |
32–12 |
45 |
30 January 2008 |
Warriors |
L 103–116 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (28) |
17,410 |
32–13 |
February
Record: 7–5; Home: 4–2; Road: 3–3
# |
Date |
Visitor |
Score |
Home |
OT |
Leading scorer |
Attendance |
Record |
46 |
1 February 2008 |
Hornets |
L 103–112 |
Kings |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (25) |
14,245 |
32–14 |
47 |
4 February 2008 |
Hornets |
L 88–110 |
Jazz |
NA |
Jannero Pargo (24) |
19,911 |
32–15 |
48 |
6 February 2008 |
Hornets |
W 132–130 |
Suns |
2 |
Chris Paul (42) |
18,422 |
33–15 |
49 |
9 February 2008 |
Grizzlies |
W 112–99 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (33) |
17,431 |
34–15 |
50 |
12 February 2008 |
Hornets |
W 100–86 |
Bulls |
NA |
Two-way tie (27) |
21,739 |
35–15 |
51 |
13 February 2008 |
Hornets |
W 111–107 |
Bucks |
NA |
David West (22) |
14,317 |
36–15 |
52 |
20 February 2008 |
Mavericks |
W 104–93 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (31) |
16,941 |
37–15 |
53 |
22 February 2008 |
Rockets |
L 80–100 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (20) |
17,814 |
37–16 |
54 |
23 February 2008 |
Hornets |
L 89–98 |
Spurs |
NA |
Chris Paul (27) |
18,797 |
37–17 |
55 |
25 February 2008 |
Wizards |
L 92–95 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (22) |
17,289 |
37–18 |
56 |
27 February 2008 |
Suns |
W 120–103 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (27) |
17,988 |
38–18 |
57 |
29 February 2008 |
Jazz |
W 110–98 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (25) |
17,949 |
39–18 |
March
Record: 11–4 ; Home: 7–0 ; Road: 4–4
# |
Date |
Visitor |
Score |
Home |
OT |
Leading scorer |
Attendance |
Record |
58 |
2 March 2008 |
Hornets |
L 84–101 |
Wizards |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (17) |
20,173 |
39–19 |
59 |
3 March 2008 |
Hornets |
W 100–88 |
Knicks |
NA |
Chris Paul (27) |
18,467 |
40–19 |
60 |
5 March 2008 |
Hawks |
W 116–101 |
Hornets |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (29) |
17,430 |
41–19 |
61 |
7 March 2008 |
Nets |
W 107–96 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (25) |
17,225 |
42–19 |
62 |
8 March 2008 |
Hornets |
L 96–106 |
Rockets |
NA |
Chris Paul (37) |
18,279 |
42–20 |
63 |
12 March 2008 |
Spurs |
W 100–75 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (29) |
17,419 |
43–20 |
64 |
14 March 2008 |
Lakers |
W 108–98 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (27) |
18,299 |
44–20 |
65 |
16 March 2008 |
Hornets |
L 84–105 |
Pistons |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (21) |
22,076 |
44–21 |
66 |
17 March 2008 |
Bulls |
W 108–97 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (37) |
17,337 |
45–21 |
67 |
19 March 2008 |
Rockets |
W 90–69 |
Hornets |
NA |
Bonzi Wells (25) |
18,056 |
46–21 |
68 |
22 March 2008 |
Celtics |
W 113–106 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (37) |
18,380 |
47–21 |
69 |
25 March 2008 |
Hornets |
W 114–106 |
Pacers |
NA |
David West (35) |
10,829 |
48–21 |
70 |
26 March 2008 |
Hornets |
W 100–99 |
Cavaliers |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (25) |
20,562 |
49–21 |
71 |
28 March 2008 |
Hornets |
L 92–112 |
Celtics |
NA |
Chris Paul (22) |
18,624 |
49–22 |
72 |
30 March 2008 |
Hornets |
W 118–111 |
Raptors |
NA |
David West (32) |
19,800 |
50-22 |
April
Record: 6-4 ; Home: 3-1 ; Road: 3-3
# |
Date |
Visitor |
Score |
Home |
OT |
Leading scorer |
Attendance |
Record |
73 |
1 April 2008 |
Hornets |
W 98–97 |
Magic |
NA |
Two-way tie (19) |
17,519 |
51-22 |
74 |
2 April 2008 |
Hornets |
W 106–77 |
Heat |
NA |
David West (22) |
19,122 |
52-22 |
75 |
4 April 2008 |
Knicks |
W 118–110 |
Hornets |
NA |
Chris Paul (33) |
17,779 |
53-22 |
76 |
6 April 2008 |
Warriors |
W 108–96 |
Hornets |
NA |
Two-way tie (25) |
17,909 |
54-22 |
77 |
8 April 2008 |
Jazz |
L 66–77 |
Hornets |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (15) |
17,365 |
54-23 |
78 |
9 April 2008 |
Hornets |
W 122–90 |
Timberwolves |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (24) |
17,265 |
55-23 |
79 |
11 April 2008 |
Hornets |
L 104–107 |
Lakers |
NA |
Peja Stojakovic (24) |
18,977 |
55-24 |
80 |
12 April 2008 |
Hornets |
L 91–94 |
Kings |
NA |
David West (30) |
14,965 |
55-25 |
81 |
15 April 2008 |
Clippers |
W 114–92 |
Hornets |
NA |
David West (32) |
17,388 |
56-25 |
82 |
16 April 2008 |
Hornets |
L 98–111 |
Mavericks |
NA |
David West (26) |
20,473 |
56-26 |
- Green background indicates win.
- Red background indicates loss.
Playoffs
Game log
Player stats
Regular season
Player |
GP |
GS |
MPG |
FG% |
3P% |
FT% |
RPG |
APG |
SPG |
BPG |
PPG |
Andersen, Chris !Chris Andersen |
5 |
0 |
6.8 |
.286 |
.000 |
.500 |
1.8 |
.0 |
.00 |
.80 |
1.2 |
Armstrong, Hilton !Hilton Armstrong |
65 |
3 |
11.3 |
.453 |
.000 |
.629 |
2.5 |
.4 |
.23 |
.52 |
2.7 |
Bowen, Ryan !Ryan Bowen |
53 |
4 |
12.5 |
.490 |
.000 |
.552 |
1.9 |
.5 |
.60 |
.21 |
2.2 |
Butler, Rasual !Rasual Butler |
51 |
8 |
17.2 |
.350 |
.331 |
.839 |
2.0 |
.7 |
.29 |
.41 |
4.9 |
Chandler, Tyson !Tyson Chandler |
79 |
79 |
35.2 |
.623 |
.000 |
.593 |
11.7 |
1.0 |
.57 |
1.06 |
11.8 |
Ely, Melvin !Melvin Ely |
52 |
1 |
11.9 |
.472 |
.000 |
.552 |
2.8 |
.4 |
.13 |
.35 |
3.9 |
James, Mike !Mike James* |
54 |
1 |
13.3 |
.348 |
.320 |
.813 |
1.3 |
1.1 |
.39 |
.04 |
5.0 |
Pargo, Jannero !Jannero Pargo |
80 |
5 |
18.7 |
.390 |
.349 |
.877 |
1.6 |
2.4 |
.63 |
.06 |
8.1 |
Paul, Chris !Chris Paul |
80 |
80 |
37.6 |
.488 |
.369 |
.851 |
4.0 |
11.6 |
2.71 |
.05 |
21.1 |
Peterson, Morris !Morris Peterson |
76 |
76 |
23.6 |
.417 |
.394 |
.765 |
2.7 |
.9 |
.62 |
.09 |
8.0 |
Stojakovic, Peja !Predrag Stojaković |
77 |
77 |
35.2 |
.440 |
.441 |
.929 |
4.3 |
1.2 |
.74 |
.13 |
16.4 |
Wells, Bonzi !Bonzi Wells* |
73 |
7 |
21.4 |
.443 |
.240 |
.643 |
4.5 |
1.3 |
1.03 |
.44 |
9.1 |
West, David !David West |
76 |
76 |
37.8 |
.482 |
.240 |
.850 |
8.9 |
2.3 |
.82 |
1.30 |
20.6 |
Wright, Julian !Julian Wright |
57 |
1 |
11.2 |
.533 |
.417 |
.635 |
2.1 |
.7 |
.51 |
.21 |
3.9 |
*Total for entire season including previous team(s)
Playoffs
Player |
GP |
GS |
MPG |
FG% |
3P% |
FT% |
RPG |
APG |
SPG |
BPG |
PPG |
Armstrong, Hilton !Hilton Armstrong |
8 |
0 |
9.0 |
.615 |
.000 |
.500 |
2.5 |
.0 |
.00 |
.75 |
2.6 |
Bowen, Ryan !Ryan Bowen |
9 |
0 |
4.3 |
.167 |
.000 |
1.000 |
1.6 |
.2 |
.11 |
.00 |
.4 |
Chandler, Tyson !Tyson Chandler |
11 |
11 |
33.5 |
.617 |
.000 |
.643 |
9.8 |
.4 |
.45 |
1.73 |
7.5 |
Ely, Melvin !Melvin Ely |
6 |
0 |
9.2 |
.308 |
.000 |
.750 |
1.7 |
.2 |
.00 |
.00 |
2.3 |
James, Mike !Mike James |
4 |
0 |
7.0 |
.333 |
.400 |
1.000 |
.3 |
.3 |
.50 |
.00 |
3.0 |
Pargo, Jannero !Jannero Pargo |
11 |
0 |
21.7 |
.390 |
.351 |
.650 |
2.4 |
2.4 |
.91 |
.18 |
9.5 |
Paul, Chris !Chris Paul |
11 |
11 |
39.8 |
.507 |
.250 |
.811 |
4.6 |
11.0 |
2.09 |
.18 |
24.6 |
Peterson, Morris !Morris Peterson |
11 |
11 |
23.0 |
.508 |
.500 |
.667 |
2.7 |
.6 |
.45 |
.27 |
7.4 |
Stojakovic, Peja !Predrag Stojaković |
11 |
11 |
37.3 |
.451 |
.587 |
.926 |
5.5 |
.5 |
.55 |
.09 |
14.7 |
Wells, Bonzi !Bonzi Wells |
11 |
0 |
15.0 |
.393 |
.000 |
.000 |
2.8 |
.7 |
.27 |
.27 |
4.0 |
West, David !David West |
11 |
11 |
39.9 |
.470 |
1.000 |
.882 |
8.5 |
3.0 |
1.09 |
2.00 |
21.3 |
Wright, Julian !Julian Wright |
11 |
0 |
11.9 |
.455 |
.222 |
.833 |
1.6 |
.5 |
.91 |
.09 |
4.3 |
Awards and records
Records
Season
- The Hornets set franchise records in wins (56) and road wins (26).[1]
- Chris Paul set franchise records in:[1]
- double-doubles (56)
- total assists (925)
- total steals (217)
- 10 or more assists (59)
Playoffs
- In Game 2 vs. the Mavericks, the Hornets set franchise marks in:[2]
- Most points in a quarter: 39 in 1st
- Most points in a half: 67 in 1st
- Most points in a game: 127
- Most 3-pt FG made (team): 10
- Most assists in game: Chris Paul, 17
- total points: 127
- Chris Paul set a franchise record 17 assists in Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks.
Milestones
- The Hornets won their first-ever division title in franchise history (including the tenure in Charlotte.).[1]
- Byron Scott became the Hornets first Coach of the Year receptient.
Playoffs
- The Hornets won their first playoff series since moving to New Orleans in 2002.
- Chris Paul averaged average 24 points, 12 assists and 2 steals in the five-game first round series vs the Mavericks, becoming the sixth player and first in 17 years to do so.
• Paul first player in history with back-to-back 30-pt, 10-ast, 3-steal games. Also first player in history with 30 points and 10 assists in first two career playoff games.
Transactions
The Hornets have been involved in the following transactions during the 2007-08 season.
Trades
Free Agents
See also
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The Franchise |
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Arenas |
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Head Coaches |
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General Managers |
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Retired Numbers |
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Culture and lore |
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D-League Affiliate |
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References